American History

Mr. Zittle

E-mail:

Room B106

Course Description: This two semester course provides students with an understanding and analysis of the origins, foundations, and development of the American ideal. First semester focuses on the early period of our Republic’s development. The course covers all required AKS as stated in the book you received at the beginning of the year.

Course Sequence:

Colonization

Road to Independence/Rebellion

American Revolution and Articles of Confederation

Constitutional Government

Launching a New Nation

Jeffersonian Democracy

Industrial Revolution

Manifest Destiny

Sectionalism and the Causes of the Civil War

The Civil War

Reconstruction

Urbanization, Immigration, and Industrialization

New Technology

Evaluation:

Grades will be weighted as follows:

Homework / 5%
Classwork / 25%
Minor Assessments / 20%
Major Assessments / 25%
Interim Assessment (9-week County Test) / 5%
Final Exam* / 20%
Total / 100%

A=90-100B=80-89C=74-79D=70-73F=69 and below

*Final Exam consists of two portions: the performance (writing), which is worth 5% of the final exam grade, and the objective (multiple choice), which is worth 15% of the final exam grade. For second semester U.S. History, the performance section of the final exam counts for 5% of the student’s total grade in this course. The State of Georgia End of Course Test (EOCT) accounts for 15% of the final grade. The exam given on the last day of the semester will count as a regular test grade.

Attendance/Make-up Work Policy:

Attendance is mandatory! Make every effort to be here every day. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed while you were gone and to make up any missed work, quizzes, or tests. Make sure you copy notes from another student for your notebook. You have two days to make up your missed work for full credit. All make-up work must be made up this time range. If you fail to do so, you will receive reduced credit (see Late Work Policy) when you do turn it in, or you will receive a zero if it is never turned in. Please make arrangements with me to make up tests or quizzes if you are absent.

NHS Late Work Policy:

  • Late passes (3 per semester) allow students to submit a homework/classwork assignment within 24 hours of deadline without penalty.
  • Late passes are not transferable.
  • Late work will be penalized by 10 percentage points for each day it is late. For example, assume you would have received 100% on the assignment if was submitted on time:
  • One day late: 90%
  • Two days late: 80%
  • Three days late: 70%
  • Four days late: 60%
  • After four days, late work will receive 50% credit.
  • You have until the end of the grading period to hand in work for 50% credit.
  • All work submitted for consideration must be complete. Incomplete work will not be accepted.
  • Missing work will be assigned a grade of “0” until submitted.

Tests & Quizzes:

At least one quiz will be administered per unit. Quizzes can be announced or unannounced. This is to keep you accountable in your studies and to prepare you for tests. Tests include an interim assessment at nine weeks, a final exam, and chapter/unit tests. A review or study guide will be provided for each test or examination prior to the exam.

Materials:

Bring all required materials to class EVERYDAY unless otherwise told by the teacher. You will need:

  • The Americanswritten by Dander, Klor de Alva, Krieger, Wilson, and Woloch
  • Access to the online text can be done so at The username and password are the same for all students: UN=gwinnettstudent; PW=gwinnettstudent
  • A 3-ring binder to store all notes, tests, quizzes, and assignments
  • A writing instrument (blue or black pen—no other colored pens please—and a #2 pencil)
  • All completed homework, assignments, and projects
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Teacher Responsibilities:

My job is to help you learn, but my personal goal is to help you to achieve yours. If you need anything or if you are having a problem, please come and talk to me! I am more than willing to help. I am available during 4th period everyday, but also by appointment. Please feel free to schedule time with me. I am flexible and will do my best to accommodate your request.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Follow ALL school rules.
  • Absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the classroom. However, you may drink bottled water in the classroom.
  • Follow ALL classroom rules.
  • Come to class and be on time. You are late if you do not have at least one foot on the classroom carpet when the bell rings. This rule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
  • Turn in all assignments on time. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework will be considered late if it is not completed by the bell.
  • Respect yourself, others in the class, and your instructor. Insults, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated.
  • Label all notes, papers, and handouts with your first and last name, the date, and your class period. Papers with no names will result in loss of points for that assignment.
  • File all papers accordingly in your notebook. Organization is a key to good study habits.
  • Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating (copying or lending your work to be copied) will automatically receive a zero for the assignment, test, or quiz. Your parents will be notified and a meeting with an administrator will be called if necessary. Do your own work, and do not let anyone borrow yours. If you are caught cheating, you will receive a zero for the assignment(s).
  • Always try your best! Your effort is very important. It is great to want to be thorough and complete, but it is even more important to work as hard as you can to try to finish your class assignments, tests and quizzes. Work hard, and you will see your hard work pay off!
  • Remember: Your grade is up to you! You are the only person who has complete control over your grade.

Mr. Zittle’sClassroom Rules:

  1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
  2. Bring all required materials to class. Failure to do so will result in a loss of daily grade.
  3. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon before speaking.
  4. Respect others in the class by keeping your hands, feet, and objects to yourself. In addition, insults, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated.
  5. Come to class and be on time. Again, you are late if your entire body is not in the classroom when the bell rings.

Consequences for failure to follow classroom rules:

  • First offense: Warning
  • Second offense: Warning
  • Third offense: Lunch detention
  • Fourth offense: Teacher detention (before school or after school) and a phone call home
  • Fifth offense: Administrative referral (The teacher reserves the right to go directly to the fifth consequence if necessary.)

Tardy Policy:

Once the bell has rung and the door is shut (subject to teacher discretion), all tardy students must report to the tardy station in the atrium to obtain a tardy slip. You will not be admitted into class without a tardy slip. Once you have received your slip, proceed to your class immediately. Failure to do so may result in being written up as AWOL. Tardy consequences will be based on the school tardy policy.

** The teacher reserves the right to change or amend this syllabus at any time without notice.

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