MILITARY HISTORY SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Mark Giansanti

CONTACT:

E-mails are checked once in the morning and later in the afternoon. I also try and check them one last time in the evening. This means that I usually will see any messages sent to me the day they are sent. I will respond to all e-mails as quickly as possible. I can be relied upon to respond within 48 hours from the receipt of a message.

TEXTS:

American Military History, Volume I: The United States Army and the Forging of a Nation

American Military History, Volume II: The United States Army in the Global Era

The texts are posted on the class Edlio page.

Philosophy of Course: The course provides an introduction to the creation, evolution, and actions of the U.S. military from Colonial America to the Modern Day. Cadets will examine the influences which have combined to create the technology, methods, actions, and goals of the military. The cadets will research, analyze, and develop their own ideas about the significance of various individuals, events, technologies, and philosophies that have been, or currently are, part of the U.S. military.

Course Objectives: Cadets will:

  1. examine information critically and determine its authenticity, credibility, intellectual content, bias, etc.
  2. use print, electronic, and internet sources in order to present information in a clear and persuasive manner.
  3. understand the history and dynamic nature of military forces.
  4. understand how military forces are affected by cultural, political and economic factors.
  5. analyze how military actions impact our lives.

Activities will focus on the following standards:

  • Economics Standard Two: Students will examine the interaction of individuals, families, communities, businesses, and governments in a market economy [Macroeconomics].
  • Economics Standard Four: Students will examine the patterns and results of international trade [International trade].
  • History Standard One: Students will employ chronological concepts in analyzing historical phenomena [Chronology].
  • History Standard Two: Students will gather, examine, and analyze historical data [Analysis].
  • History Standard Three: Students will interpret historical data [Interpretation].
  • History Standard Four: Students will develop historical knowledge of major events and phenomena in world, United States, and Delaware history [Content].
  • Geography Standard One: Students will develop a personal geographic framework, or "mental map," and understand the uses of maps and other geo-graphics [MAPS].
  • Geography Standard Two: Students will develop knowledge of the ways humans modify and respond to the natural environment [ENVIRONMENT].

Lessons will focus on the following periods in U.S. History:

  • United States Civil War
  • World War I
  • World War II
  • Modern World Conflicts

Teaching Methods:

  • Text readings per class
  • Weekly Activities/Assignments
  • PowerPoint/Smart Board presentations
  • Class discussions
  • Quizzes
  • Tests
  • Research Projects

Evaluation Procedures and Grades:

Cadet evaluation will be based upon the work and performance in the following categories:

  • Formative – 40%
  • In-class assignments
  • Homework
  • Summative – 60%
  • Quizzes
  • Tests
  • Major Projects and Research Assignments
  • Mid-Year and Final Examinations

Absences/ Late Work:

If a cadet is absent for a anything other than cutting class then they will be able to submit any work that had been due the day(s) they were out. Late homework will be accepted (no later than) one day after work has been collected for 50% credit unless otherwise stated by the teacher. If an absence is unexcused then missing work will not be accepted.

A cadet is expected to have all work in when it is due. Work is considered late if it is not handed in when asked for. If a cadet cannot produce the assignment then it will be considered late and late penalties will be applied.

Attendance Policy: A cadet must be in class in order to learn the material, hand in assignments, receive and understand new assignments, and remain up to date on class work. However, I understand that circumstances may make it necessary for a cadet to miss class. In the event of an absence, it becomes the cadet’s responsibility to see me and hand in any missing work, get any missed assignment instructions, and to get class notes.

What I expect from the cadets:

  1. Arrive promptly for class.
  2. Have all assignments completed on time. (Points will be deducted for late work.)
  3. Behave courteously to fellow cadets and the Instructor
  4. Take notes and pay attention to, all readings and information presented.
  5. Be academically honest on all assignments.
  6. Join class discussions, and never be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.
  7. Make full use of the Wiki page for information and review materials.
  8. Will meet with the instructor upon returning to DAPSS after an absence.
  9. Follow ALL DAPSS policies.

Materials Required for Class:

  • Pencils or pens (blue or black ink only for submitted assignments)
  • Highlighters
  • Loose-leaf paper
  • 3 ring binder

Organization/Preparation: Cadets are expected to keep their notebooks/folders very organized. Cadets are also expected to come to class with their books and any other material specified by the instructor. The teacher is not responsible for supplying cadets with necessary materials for class.

Contact and Updates:

  • Assignments and due dates, as well as special events will be posted there on a weekly basis.
  • Changes to the syllabus may be required due to special &/or unavoidable circumstances.
  • Edlio is where those changes will be posted. It is very important that all cadets be notified when I make changes to Edlio.
  • By the end of our first week in school it is expected that all cadets have placed themselves and parents/guardians as well, on the notification list.