AP United States History
Mrs. Amy Miller
Syllabus
Course Description: U.S. History from Exploration/Colonial Period to current historical events.
Length: 36 weeks
Time: ______ period
Room: 146
Personal Information:
The 2014-2015 school year will be my 15th year teaching. This will be my 13th year at Ohio County High School. The following are my degrees:
Ø Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies-Western Kentucky University, 2000
Ø Master of Arts in Education-Secondary Guidance-Western Kentucky University, 2003
Ø Rank I-Secondary Guidance-Western Kentucky University, 2004
Text: The American Pageant
Course Objective:
The broad goal for this class consists of gaining a better understanding of American History and the events and personas that have molded America into the nation it has become. More specifically, the goals for this class consist of the following:
Ø Develop an appreciation for the study of history
Ø Develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the process of historical inquiry
Ø Develop a better understanding of the great issues at the heart of United States history
Ø Improve reading, writing, and research skills
Ø Improve critical thinking skills-specifically to develop ability to analyze historical arguments and primary sources
Ø Develop an understanding of present-day United States and advanced citizenship
Materials Needed:
1. Multiple pens and/or pencils
2. 1 ½ or 2 inch 3-ring binder (preferably one with a clear front that a cover sheet can be slipped into) OR notebook and folder
3. Loose-leaf paper, if you prefer to use a binder
4. Tab Dividers, if you use a binder
****Students may be asked to purchase additional supplies as needed for projects
****All students are expected to bring all necessary supplies to class each day
Homework:
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis to enhance information discussed in class. I will only occasionally collect the homework, but the student should complete homework to fully understand content discussed in class. I will allow students the opportunity to ask questions about the homework, if needed. Please encourage your child to complete all homework assignments!
Attendance/Make-up work:
Regular attendance is a crucial element in determining your success in this and any class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up work. The student will need to check with me before or after class starts (not when class is going on) in order to obtain work that was missed. Make-up tests should be taken before or after school and must be made up within one week of when the test was put in the grade book. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, there will be no exceptions to this.
Use of Technology in Classroom: Students should not bring technology to class, unless given specific instructions ahead of time. I will let students know ahead of time when I pads will be required for class. In addition, students are allowed to have cell phones with them, but they are not to be visible in the classroom.
Infinite Campus:
Parents and students are encouraged to use Infinite Campus to check grades, assignments, and progress in my class. Grades are updated on a regular basis. A link to Infinite Campus can be found on our school district’s website: www.ohio.k12.ky.us
Teacher Website: Class Announcements/Assignments are kept up to date on my teacher website. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to stay connected to what we are doing in the classroom. I have set the website up in a manner that will allow you to see all the information/materials we are covering in class as we learn throughout the school year! Please visit my teacher website at: http://www.ohio.kyschools.us/olc/class.aspx?id=7359&s=1158
Grading System: The student’s grade in this class will be determined based on a total points system.
Grading Scale:
A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59%-below
Topics of Study:
Ø Exploration and the Colonial Era
Ø Revolution and the Early Republic
Ø The Growth of a Young Nation
Ø American Civil War and Reconstruction
Ø Westward Expansion
Ø The Industrial Revolution
Ø American Imperialism
Ø The Progressive Era
Ø World War I
Ø The Roaring Twenties
Ø The Great Depression and The New Deal
Ø World War II
Ø Post-World War II
Course Assignments:
Please note that student grades may be obtained by, but not limited to the following list of assignments. This list is subject to change at the teacher’s discretion:
Ø Quizzes-discussed content/reading assignments
Ø End of Course Content-Related Assessments
Ø Exams
Ø Book reviews
Ø Webquest research activities
Ø Homework
Ø Current events assignments
End of Course Assessment:
United States History will be assessed by what is referred to as an End of Course assessment. This test is mandated by the state of Kentucky and will replace the student’s final exam. It will be essential for your child to be in class and engaged in the content to insure understanding of the content and to pass the class. To prepare for the assessment, we will do pre-assessments and post-assessments based on the released ACT Quality Core question test bank.
AP Exam: The Advanced Placement United States History exam is optional for this course. Though not required for course completion, it is highly recommended for students to take the exam. Successful completion of the AP Exam will gain the student college credit at most universities as well as assisting in the obtainment of a Commonwealth Diploma. The test takes place in May.
----Welcome to AP United States History class! I will make my very best effort in making this class both educational and enjoyable. I expect for each student to come in with an open mind and a willingness to put forth their best effort. It is my hope that each student will strive to reach high academic and personal expectations. This is a required class to graduate and it is also content that is assessed on core content state tests. With that said, I am really looking forward to a productive and successful school year with each of my students!
Class Rules:
1. Respect me and respect fellow classmates
2. Be in class on time and be seated before bell rings….discipline referrals are written for tardiness.
3. Electronic devices only allowed at my discretion.
4. Food and drinks will be allowed at the beginning of the year, but if students do not keep my room clean, I will take away that privilege.
5. Remain in your seat until the bell rings. Lining up at the door will NOT be allowed.
6. NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED, unless you have talked about extenuating circumstances with me. I will determine if it is a legitimate excuse.
7. Students will be referred to Academic ISAP, if necessary.
****Plagiarism will not be accepted in any form. Students must do their own work. If a student is caught cheating in any way, it may be my recommendation that the student be removed from my class.
Contact Information:
Planning-4th period
Email-
School phone- 274-3366, ext. 146
Student Name: ______
Date: ______
Please sign and return this portion:
Dear parent or guardian,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to this class. I am looking forward to an enjoyable and rewarding school year. I assure you that I take the task of educating your child very seriously and consider it an honor! If at any time you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. You are a big portion of your child’s success!
Sincerely,
Amy Miller
I have read the objectives and requirements for this course.
______Student Signature
______Parent/Guardian Signature
Permission slip for movies:
I give my child permission to watch PG and PG-13 movies that will be viewed for educational purposes. I assure you that every movie that is watched in class will have academic value. Please contact me if you have any concerns regarding the content of the movies we will watch. Those students that are not given permission to watch movies in class will be given an alternate assignment that matches the historical content of the film.
By signing below, I give my child permission to watch PG and PG-13 movies in Mrs. Miller’s United States History class.
Parent/Guardian signature: ______