United States History and Geography
Course Requirements 2017-2018
Instructor: Mr. Jorge Velastegui
Email:
Telephone: (714) 663-6415
Conference Period: Period 1
Textbook: Danzer, G., Klor de Alva, J., Krieger, L., Wilson, L., & Woloch, N. (2006).
The Americans, Reconstruction to the 21st Century. Evanston, IL: McDougall
Littell
Welcome to U.S. History! My name is Mr. Velastegui (pronounced Ve-las-te-gee, the “g” is a hard “g” as in “gain”) and I am looking forward to being your instructor this year. I have high expectations of ALL students and through hard work on both our parts, you will be well on your way toward becoming quite a 20th century historian. In this course, you will learn to analyze, evaluate and reach conclusions using historical material. You will support these conclusions both orally and in writing. You will do more than just memorize names, dates and facts, you will be expected to think critically and synthesize historical topics. You will use factual information to construct a broad understanding of the events, documents and people shaping our history. This course will follow a chronological path but some topics or issues will bridge and overlap different time periods in order to achieve a better understanding of political, economic and social perspectives in history.
Course Content: In this course students examine major turning points in American history from the late nineteenth century to the present. During the year the following themes are emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts; the continuing tension between the individual and the state and between minority rights and majority power; the emergence of a modern corporate economy and the role of organized labor; the role of the federal government and Federal Reserve System in regulating the economy; the impact of technology on American society and culture; the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movements toward equal rights for minorities and women; and the rise of the United States as a major world power. Students learn how geography shaped the course of American history during this period, especially in terms of the country’s position on the globe, its climate, and abundant natural resources. In each unit students examine American culture, including religion, literature, art, music, drama, architecture, education, and the mass media.
The year begins with a selective review of United States history, with an emphasis on two major themes—the nation’s beginnings, linked to the tenth-grade retrospective on the Enlightenment and the rise of democratic ideas; and the industrial transformation of the new nation, linked to the students’ tenth-grade studies of the global spread of industrialism during the nineteenth century.
Homework: Students may or may not have homework on a daily basis. Homework time should average two hours a week. Many times the homework is unfinished classwork. In this class, students complete study packets that consist of classwork and homework. Study packets are due before a unit test. Late homework will not receive full credit.
Make-up Work: After an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments they need to make up. Failure to make up work will result in “0” points for that assignment. Students who miss class due to athletic events are required to make up all work that is missed.
Educational Technology: The majority of the work we complete is online on our classroom Chromebook. All work is saved in the cloud. If students need access to the internet or a laptop, they can come to my classroom at lunch and use one everyday. The school library has computers and the internet available for student use before and after school.
Grades: All student work inside and outside of class counts towards your overall grade in this course. A student’s grade is based on the following items: Participation, Homework/Class work, Student Projects, and Tests and Quizzes.
The following are general guidelines for determining total course grades:
10% Homework
30% Formative Assessments (Progress Monitoring) Examples include: class work, notes/notebook, independent or group work, presentations, quizzes
60% Summative Assessments (Assessment of Mastery) Examples include: projects, final essays, presentations, tests and labs
The following scale will be used when assigning grades:
100 % - 89.6 % = A
89.5 % - 79.6 % = B
79.5 % - 69.6 % = C
69.5 % - 59.6 % = D
59.5 % > = F
***Students will maintain a current grade sheet. By keeping track of their assignments, projects and assessment grades, they will always know what their current grade in class is. Parents can also view their child’s grade on the Parent Portal.
Expectations for Student Behavior: In order to have an environment best conducive to learning, I have high expectations regarding student behavior. The opinions and views of all in this class will be respected. I will also adhere to the school policies set forth in the Rancho Handbook regarding dress code, plagiarism, etc. The following situations are examples of unacceptable behavior: 1) Purposely embarrassing other students, 2) Threatening other students, 3) Making offensive or hurtful remarks, 4) Use of obscenities, 5) Defacing or destroying school property. Students should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as they would like to be treated.
I have high expectations regarding work habits. Students should come to class prepared, ready to learn and ready to participate. All students will have an opportunity to participate during class discussions, debates or mock trials. Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions, present opinions or share personal experience.
Citizenship and Work Habits
Marks for “citizenship” relate to a student’s conduct in the class or course of instruction.
Marks for “work habits” relate to attendance, completion of assignments, and use of class
study time.
Cell Phones, IPOD’s, MP3 players: This classroom follows the schoolwide policy prohibiting use of cell phones in the classroom. Cell Phones, IPOD’s, etc, are NOT to be used during class. Any unauthorized electronic devices used in the classroom will be confiscated and sent to the office.
Attendance and Tardies: Students are expected to attend class every day. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to clear your absences through the attendance office before re-entering class. Do not let absences accumulate. Excessive absences may result in a lower grade, as many in-class activities cannot be made up.
Student Planner: Students are required to bring their Student Planner to class every day. We will use it to help all students stay organized, keep track of homework assignments. It will also be used as the class hall pass.
Message to Parents: I am looking forward to working with you this year as your son or daughter’s teacher. I would like you to know that my door is always open. Please feel free to communicate with me at anytime regarding your child’s progress. Email is often the best way to get a hold of me but the school number is fine as well. It is my experience that an open line of communication and a partnership between teacher and parents will help students succeed in the classroom. Please monitor your child’s attendance, tardies, homework and projects. It would be greatly appreciated. Also, please review the information and expectations in this syllabus with your child. I welcome any comments or questions you may have.
Availability for Help: If you are struggling and need help, I am here to assist you. I am available after school most days to answer any questions. If you would like to make an appointment with me, you can call 714 663 6415 or email me at
Please cut the bottom portion below and return by Monday, September 4th.
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As a student, I understand the expectations and responsibilities of this course and will do my best to fulfill the requirements of this class. I understand it is my responsibility to conduct myself in a scholarly manner at all times, be organized, complete homework assignments, study for tests and to ask questions if I need help.
______
Student name (printed) Student Signature Date
As a parent, I understand the expectations placed upon my child. I will work with my child to ensure they are being responsible, organized and studying for tests. I am aware I can monitor my child’s grade via the Parent Portal or the grades sheet in their notebook. I will contact the teacher if I have any questions or concerns at any time.
______
Parent name (printed) Parent Signature Date
This is the best way to reach me: ______
Email address or phone number