Grace Prep David Anderson

2011-2012

United States History

Course Description

Students explore the history of the United States from early colonization to the present, including the development of the United States Constitution, the Civil War, and America in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Objectives

At the end of this course, it is intended that the student be able to:

1. Discuss in detail significant dates in U.S. history;

2. Discuss in detail the most significant persons, places, and terms in U.S. history;

3. Discuss in detail primary sources that have influenced U.S. history;

4. Discuss 30 of the most important documents that have shaped our country;

Evaluation

1. Weekly Reading: Reading is necessary for the study of history. However, the goal of this course is not to overwhelm you with reading. Assignments will be composed of readings taken from the textbook, your Fresh Squeezed History (explained later) and primary sources.

2. Key Points: You will read and evaluate all the topics on one page of Fresh Squeezed History in an effort to identify key points, answering the questions "What is it?" and "Why is it important?" You should write your key points in complete sentences. Students will be called on at random to describe their key points to the class.

3. Discussion Sections

a. Recitation. At the end of the first week of most sections, several students will be called at random to answer one of the questions regarding the primary sources assigned. I know this can be scary, but you will have the questions ahead of time and can read your answers. If this is still not reassuring, please talk to me individually. If you do not have the answer, or it is apparent that you have not done the reading, you will receive a 0%. If your answer is poor, you will receive a 70%; if your answer is adequate, you will receive an 85%; and if your answer is thorough and insightful, you will receive a 100%.

b. Group Discussion. Following each recitation question, we will enter into group discussion. This is voluntary, but will contribute to your grade. If you never say anything, you will receive a grade of 60% for this section. Meaningful participation will earn you a higher grade. This is a very easy way to earn a good mark.

4. Quizzes: Quizzes will be given during each section. At the start of each section, you will be given a study guide with your assigned book reading, map, terms, and document timeline. Each quiz will be a mixture of identification, multiple choice, maps, and timelines. I expect you to be able to write three to four meaningful sentences defining each identification, fill in blank maps, and write out the timelines. Regarding your book reading, each quiz will contain 7 multiple-choice questions from which you choose 5 to answer.

5. Talking Heads Projects: Each semester you will be given a project in which you will become an expert in a tract of US history. Sample tracts will be Sports History, Fashion History, Military History, Church History, etc. The goal is for you to learn research techniques while studying a topic you are interested in. You will have to prepare various projects such as posters, presentations, papers, etc.

6. Midterm and Final: These will be given at the end of each semester. They will be cumulative.

Assignments

1. Quality: On all assignments, Quality is Job 1. Your goal is to always produce quality work, the kind of work which will be required when you enter the work force as an adult. Creased, ripped, sloppy assignments will be docked a minimum of one letter grade.

2. Heading: Use a MLA heading in the upper left corner of your handed in assignments. All handed in assignments should have this heading. If they do not, you will lose one letter grade on the assignment:

First and last name Shia Labeouf

My Name Dave Anderson

Course USH

Date 12/25/11

Assignment Talking Heads Proposal

3. Late work: Assignments are due on the due date.

One class late = loss of 20%, or two letter grades.

More than one week late = loss of 50%

Last day to turn in late work is one week before the end of the grading period.

Absence Policy

If a student misses a class, they will be expected to get notes and assignments from another classmate. Students absent when an assignment is due need to hand in the assignment the next class period to receive full credit. Tests will be taken the next class period as well. If you are gone for an extended period of time or have other extenuating circumstances, discuss the situation with me to make alternative arrangements. If a quiz or test is missed, it is expected that you take it no later than the next class period.

Materials

You will be assigned one textbook. These are to be returned at the end of the year in the same condition received. If they are not returned in the same condition you will have to pay for damage to the book (The book costs $95 on Amazon). In addition to your textbooks you may be given handouts, these are yours to keep.

Textbook: Cayton, Andrew, ed. et all, America: Pathways to the Present, Prentice Hall, 2005

Grading

Marking Periods 1,3

Recitation/

Discussion: 20%

Assignments: 10%

Talking Heads: 20%

Quizzes: 50%

TOTAL 100%

Marking Periods 2,4

Recitation/

Discussion: 25%

Assignments: 20%

Quizzes: 30%

Midterm/Final: 25%

TOTAL 100%

Cheating

Any type of cheating is unacceptable. Copying from another student, concealing notes, etc. will be punished with an F for that quiz/test. Studying together to prepare answers for the recitations, quizzes, and tests is allowed. But, please be aware if another student is taking advantage of you—collaborative studying benefits you—just giving away your work does not.

Schedule

Each section will be covered in two weeks or three weeks. This means that each section will have a group of primary sources that will be discussed at the end of the first week, and textbook reading that will be on the quiz for the last week. You will receive your primary sources and questions as well as your study guide for the quiz at the beginning of each section.

Classroom Rules

Two basic rights and responsibilities exist in this classroom. They are:

1. Everyone has a right to be respected.

2. No one has the right to interfere with learning.

The following set of rules are derived from these two basic rights and responsibilities:

1. Be in your assigned seat, quiet, and begin your work when the bell rings. Students not sitting in their assigned seats when the bell rings will be counted tardy. You are allowed 1 tardy each marking period, after that each tardy will count as 1% off of your final grade.

2. No teasing, rude remarks, rude gestures, or put-downs. There is no room in my classroom for this type of interference; I expect respectful behavior. Rude language includes “Shut up!” and “Sucks.”

3. Bring materials to class. Bring with you to class every day your 3-ring binder, blank paper, and pen or pencil.

4. Follow all teacher directions, oral or written. When I give a direction it is to be followed immediately without being repeated. If I say, “No talking,” it means NO talking! Never challenge a teacher’s decision in front of the class. I am happy to discuss any situation or concern with you privately on a one-to-one basis. If you approach me in a reasonable manner, I will listen to what you have to say, and I will do my best to address your concerns.

Grace Prep Integrity Statement

Proverbs 12:22 says that the Lord hates dishonesty, but loves when people are truthful. A Grace Prep student strives to glorify God through honesty in all academic and personal pursuits. A Grace Prep student writes his or her own papers, formally acknowledges the input of other people and resources, and represents his or her own abilities and understanding when taking exams, quizzes, and other assessments. A Grace Prep student takes full responsibility for his or her words, actions, and decisions.