American History: 1865 to Present

Respect is Rule #1 at O’Gorman

  1. Course Description

This yearlong class will study the progression of the American landscape from just following the Civil War to present day. The chapters and areas of study are listed under part two of this syllabus. During the course of this instruction, we will attempt to cover the main points of interest in politics, government and social activities. We will take time to cover unique happenings in history during each time period that is covered.

II.Units of interest

Below are listed some of the units of interest that will traditionally be covered throughout the course of our class.

  1. Reconstruction and its effects. Chapter 12
  2. Immigration and urbanization. Chapter 15
  3. Life at the turn of the Century. Chapter 16
  4. Progressive Era. Chapter 17
  5. World War I. Chapter 19
  6. The Roaring 20’s. Chapter 20 and 21
  7. The Great Depression. Chapter 22 and 23
  8. World War II. Chapter 24 and 25
  9. The Cold War. Chapter 26
  10. Post WWII Boom. Chapter 27
  11. The New Frontier—The 1960’s. Chapter 28 and 29
  12. Vietnam. Chapter 30
  13. The 1970’s. Chapter 32
  14. The 1980’s. Chapter 33
  15. The 1990’s to Today. Chapter 34.
  1. Course Objective

During the semester students will gain a basic knowledge of certain historical events that have occurred throughout history. Through a variety of methods, we will dissect information and in some cases take a look at some views opposed to that of traditional history. Students will have the opportunity to become critical thinkers as they look at history from more than one viewpoint. This opportunity will allow them to look at future events, and better understand historical viewpoints.

IV.Teaching Methods

A variety of teaching methods are used as we progress through the semester. Classroom lecture, note taking, small group discussion and debate are a few means that are utilized. When possible, we will use guest lecture as well as video research to support our findings on each topic.

V.Assessment

Each student’s understanding of class material will be based on their performance on tests, homework assignments, and writing assignments and class participation. The evaluation criteria for the grading scale is listed below:

100-93A

92-85B

84-77C

76-69D

68 and below is failing

  1. Academic Integrity.

We will expect all students to demonstrate honesty and to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting materials, as well as in testing. Violation will be subject to disciplinary action by the teacher and administration. This includes but not limited to: Copying/sharing assignments; Plagiarism; Cheating on exams, quizzes and major projects; Forgery/Stealing.

VII.Text

The text used for this class is published by McDougal Littell inc. The name of the textbook is “The Americans”. We have the option of an “on-line” version of the book. This will allow the students to access the book at home. It has many great options, and can be very helpful. Please take advantage of this! The address to log on is listed below. I have also created a link to this on my homework page.

Site:

Name: All upper case: JMMAHONE

Password: All lower case: joane

  1. Extra Credit.

During the course of this instruction, there will be weekly opportunities for earning some points with some extra credit assignments which center around the time period we are studying. These opportunities are available for all students who are current with all outstanding assignments. There will be no extra credit given to students who have assignments not turned in. Also, we will have occasional history games we will play for extra credit points. Finally, as in the case of other classes that I teach, you may earn extra credit by bringing in additional current event stories once your “2” mandatory current event stories are covered. All Extra Credit points will be added to the grade book one week prior to

Final tests.

Current Event Assignment:

  1. Each student is required to bring in a total of two current event stories at some point during the course of the semester. In addition to this, any additional stories up to 10, can be brought in for extra credit.
  2. Daily preparation.

Each day the student must bring to class their textbook, notebook, folder and something to write with. I will always try and let the kids know what days are most important for the textbook—it is listed on our homework notes on the front board. It is their responsibility to follow through with this. We will not use all of these materials each day, but it is best to have these materials accounted for as we start each class period. Also, our textbook must have a cover on it at all times.

  1. Class Order.

Each student is required to be present at class each day, and also in the room by the time the tardy bell rings. No food or drink is allowed in the room according to school policy. There will be no sleeping during class time, or working on material that pertains to another class. A deduction of points can occur if this becomes a source of a problem. Come to class each day with the attitude that we will be discussing and working on something different each day, and learning about events of our history, and how it will shape our future. Class textbook is required each day in class unless you have been notified of the change. Textbook must always have a proper cover on it.

  1. Grading/Infinite Campus.

I will always attempt to have graded homework recorded the day it is due. You should be able to check infinite campus on a regular basis to get feedback on your child’s grade. If an assignment is not turned in, it is recorded as, “missing”. If they are excused for this, once it is turned in, full credit earned will be recorded. Late assignments will receive a deduction depending on how soon we can get work collected. ALL LATE WORK IS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!

  1. Test/Quiz Make up:

If gone the day of a test or a quiz, we explain to all students what is expected as far as their make up schedule. We will take a unit test at the end of each of our units of study. Some units cover one chapter, while others have multiple chapters involved. A complete review is given before each exam. At the end of each unit, we also will go over the test before we move to the next topic. At that time, we will also cover a comprehensive review of what will be required from that unit for our final semester test. This allows the student to know exactly what they are responsible for in advance.