Course Description: In this class we will conduct a study of the major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. Following a review of the nation’s beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals, we will build upon your tenth grade study of global industrialization to understand the emergence and impact of new technology and a corporate economy, including the social and cultural effects. We will trace the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. We will look at the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. We will consider the major social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events. You will learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. You will come to an understanding that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious inheritance that depends on an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection.

Textbook and Materials: Glencoe, The American Vision: Modern Times, California Edition (2006), andselected readings

Participation: Students will be expected to come to class, be on time and prepared each day. It is also expected that students participate during all class discussions, class projects, group work and activities.Any student who comes to class unprepared or is not focused on the task at hand will not receive participation credit.

Assignments: Students are given a copy of the class objectives/agendas and warm up activities at the beginning of each week. These agenda/assessment assignments will be due at the end of the week in which they are assigned. In addition, students will be required to maintain a neat and organized notebook, which should include all daily warm-ups, class notes, video summaries, class assignments, and any additional assignments they are asked to include in their notebook for each unit of study. Class notes will be available online at and should be reviewed prior to the class meeting in which said notes will be discussed. Students may address any questions regarding the notes to me by emailing me at either of the above addresses.

Class Website Information: Students are required to familiarize themselves with the class page on the FHS website at so they can access our class information online at any given time. (See “Assignments”) I will postthe homework videos and readings, for students to access, on this web page. In addition, if students or parents have any questions or comments, I can be reached through either of the above email addresses.

Late Work: In case of absence, students should check the class website and/or email me as soon as possible to find out what was missed. Students will also be required to exchange contact information with no less than three (3) classmates who can help you clarify any assignments that were missed. In cases of EXCUSED absences, you will have one day to turn in the missed work. Other than that, NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Summative Assessments/Tests: Students will be assessed daily for their understanding of the material being studied. For this reason, attendance is crucial. Quizzes will be given on the last day of each week. Additionally, unit “tests” will be given, in a variety of formats, at the end of each unit of study. In order to “pass” a specific unit, students will be required to demonstrate a mastery of the attached standards for literacy.

Extra Credit: Extra credit means just that, something extra. For this reason, there is no extra credit given in this class. Please be responsible, people. Remember that we are here to learn REAL LIFE SKILLS, and that includes punctuality. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO TRY TO DO YOUR WORK, as the quality will suffer.

Grades: Grades are determined by a combination of completion and performance on assignments, quizzes, and tests, as well as participation in class discussion. (See grading scale and assignment category weight on opposite page.)

Grading Scale / Grading Weight
A = 80 – 100%
B = 65 – 79%
C = 50 – 64%
D = 45 – 49%
Fail = 0 – 44% / Class Work – 20%
Homework – 10%
Projects – 35%
Tests/Quizzes – 35%
Total 100%

Tutoring Hours: In my classroom, I like to maintain open lines of communication. I am here to help you succeed. If, at any time, you feel you could benefit from attending a tutoring session with me (perhaps you missed a day’s work, or you don’t understand a class discussion that we had), you are always welcome – please take advantage of this time by advocating for yourself. In addition, if your grade falls below the 50% mark, you will be required to attend tutoring, and your parent/guardian will be notified. My tutoring hours are as follows:

-Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

I am also available at lunch or after school, BY APPOINTMENT.

Classroom Guidelines: As an educator, it is my responsibility to create and foster a safe learning environment for you, the students. This includes the development of an environment where you and I, along with all others who enter this room, feel respected at all times. Respect is a two-way street!

For this reason, we will begin with the following guidelines:

  1. Listen when others are speaking. Do not interrupt, and do not speak out of turn. When you listen to others, they are more willing to listen to you.
  2. Turn all electronics off and place them in the “electronics box” – unless I give specific instructions, you are not to use them in class (see LAUSD Policy Bulletin BUL-5468.0 posted on my Fremont web page.) IF I SEE IT OR HEAR IT, I WILL TAKE IT! If I take it, it will be turned in to the Dean and your parent will be required to come pick it up from him.
  3. Address others by their given name… that is, the name they were given at birth! Name-calling, or any form of bullying for that matter, will not be tolerated in this classroom.
  4. In addition, ALL SCHOOL RULES will be obeyed in this classroom.

General Sequence of Consequences: In general, this is the pattern of steps that will be taken for behavior that conflicts with our SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

  1. First offense: verbal warning.
  2. Second offense: teacher-student conference.
  3. Third offense: behavior essay in another classroom.
  4. Fourth offense: phone call home and lunch trash pick-up.
  5. Fifth offense: Referral.

Outline of Study:

UNIT ONE: Contemporary America (NOW in America)

UNIT TWO: Review of Nation Building and the US in the 19th Century

UNIT THREE: Becoming a World Power (Industrialization and Imperialism)

UNIT FOUR: Social Issues at Home (Progressivism)

UNIT FIVE: The World at War!