RegentsU. S. History and Government

Course Information Sheet for Parents and Students

GardenCityHigh School

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”

--Abigail Adams,1780

Teacher: Ms. Balantic

Room: 138

Phone: 478-2850

Email:

Web Address:

Why study history? How can the past inform the present? What is the purpose of government? What constitutes a great leader? What are the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? How should society balance the rights of individuals with the common good? Can individuals really make a difference? Whose story is it? How does geography shape history and culture? To what extent has the US fulfilled the ideals of the Declaration or Independence? What does it mean to be an American?

The important thing is not to stop questioning.

- Albert Einstein

In the spirit of Einstein’s quote, we will grapple with these and other essential questions as we study American history this year. Regents U. S. History and Government is a one-year course surveying American history from the colonial settlement to the present. The course is based on the NYS Regents' curriculum and will culminate with the Regents exam in June.

This course has been structured to maximize your growth and potential as active listeners, learners and writers. In particular, the course will emphasize the use of primary documents and historical thinking and writing skills necessary to discuss and explain U. S. history thoughtfully. A great deal of time will be spent on developing the art and craft of writing; the ability to present ideas clearly will be a major focus of this class. In addition, you will continue to build the habits of mind necessary to be successful students.

Units

  1. The America Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
  2. Creating a New Government
  3. The New Nation– Expansion and Reform
  4. Compromise and Conflict – Civil War
  5. Reconstruction – The Unfinished Revolution
  6. Migration and Industrialization
  7. The Age of Reform – Populism and Progressivism
  8. Modern America Emerges – U.S.imperialism and World War I
  9. The Twenties and The Great Depression
  10. World War II
  11. The Cold Warat Home and Abroad
  12. Civil Rights and Beyond
  13. Current Affairs

Text: The Americans by Danzer, Klor de Alva, Krieger, Wilson, Woloch

Materials:

Three ring binder (approximately 1 1/2 inches to be used just for social studies)

Loose leaf paper

Pen and #2 pencil

Flash drive

Knowledge and Skills Objectives

  1. To learn to think historically – to place events of the past and the present within a chronology and historical context.
  2. To develop the ability to use primary documents creatively.
  3. To think critically and write analytically, in particular, to use evidence to demonstrate a thesis.
  4. To reinforce research skills.
  5. To develop an awareness of current events and explore their roots in the past.

Behavior Expectations

  1. Be punctual (in your seat when the bell rings) and prepared (notebook, pen, etc.) each day.
  2. Respect yourself and others. Raise your hand before speaking and listen to your classmates. Let’s learn from each other!
  3. Homework must be your own work. Nothing is learned by copying from a book or a classmate. This means that written homework must be in your own words!
  4. Participate positively in class discussions and activities – including cooperative and independent tasks. Participation in class discussions and activities is important, both for enrichment of the class and to facilitate your own learning. (The more you participate, the more enjoyable class will be!)
  5. Be a serious student. Be prepared to think about and discuss historical and current issues of significance.
  6. Take the initiative to make up all work when absent from class and to come to extra help

Grading Policy

In this course you will be evaluated on a variety of assignments. Each assignment will be worth a certain number of points to be specified at the time the assignment is given. The percentage grade may be determined by dividing the total number of possible points for that assignment by the points you received. For example, 18 points out of a possible 20 would be a 90%. Your grade for the marking period may be obtained by dividing the total points you received for the marking period by the total number of points possible for the marking period. For example 225 points out of a possible 300 would be a 75%.

You can compute your own average throughout the year by keeping a list of grades you receive in one column and the possible points in another column. Simply divide column one by column two and that is your average. In order to increase the probability of your success, you are encouraged to keep track of your grades.

The following assignments can be expected throughout the school year:

TESTS

  • Given at the end of each unit and will be announced in advance.
  • A variety of questions will be on each test including multiple choice, matching, short answer, identification, political cartoons and essays.
  • If your are absent, you must make up the test the day you return (unless of course, if your absence is prolonged, we will make other arrangements.

QUIZZES (two types)

Quickie quizzes

  • Unannounced and can be expected on any given day.
  • Based directly on homework or work from the previous day.
  • Given at the beginning of the period, may not be made up if you are late.

Comprehensive quizzes

  • Announced a day or two in advance and will cover a fair amount of material.
  • If you are absent you must take the quiz the day you return.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
  • A variety of assignments will be given for in class and/or at home preparation. They will include thematic and DBQ essays, outlining, current events analysis and oral histories.

HOMEWORK

  • A variety of assignments will be give: reading and answering questions, analyzing current events, writing essays, doing projects, etc.
  • Late assignments are not accepted; late projects are heavily penalized.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

  • Can help your overall grade.
  • Constructive, active participation includes speaking during discussions and actively listening to and respecting classmates.

Attendance Policy

The attendance policy for this course conforms to school and district policy. When absent, students are responsible for the work that they miss (notes, homework, tests, etc.) and will be given a reasonable and limited amount of time in which to make up the work. Students must take the initiative to find out what was missed, this is not the responsibility of the teacher. Lateness will be closely monitored and carries penalties.

Cheating and Plagiarism

You are expected to do your own work at all times. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the homework, project, essay or test in question and will be calculated in your quarter average. Do the right thing!

It is imperative that there be a collaborative relationship between the student, parent, and teacher. I have included several ways to get in touch with me and I am always willing to discuss concerns that may arise throughout the year. Please feel free to contact me!

I have read and understand the parameters and requirements of this course.

______

Student’s SignatureParent/Guardian’s Signature