US History and Constitution Syllabus
Hilton Head Island High School
Instructor: Mr.Joel KlockRoom: B114
Phone: 843-689-4838
E-mail:
Planning Period: 1st Block
Office Hours: 7:30 – 8:00, Tuesday and Thursday
Required Text: Preparing for the US History EOC – From Me!
Course Description
The US History and Constitution class is designed to survey history of the United States from 1450-present. The content covers broad historical overviews of the social, economic, cultural, and political developments of the American people and how the World has imprinted the US as well as the impact the US has made on the World. You will learn to identify and organize broad concepts, movements, conflicts, resolutions, and personalities that have shaped the history of the United States; more importantly, you will learn to recognize references and relationships to those forces in modern day America.
Daily Lessons
The daily lesson will consist of
- Update students on any significant due dates, assignments, and answer student questions
- USATESTPrep questions/ bell work- (approx. 30 min.)
- Discuss the PowerPoint and answer unit questions (approx. 45 min.)
- Debrief /summative assessment (approx.. 15 minutes)
Units / Course Content
1. Birth of a New Nation - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the establishment of the United States as a new nation.
2. Constitution - The student will understand the creation of a new national government, including, the Founding Fathers and their debates at the Constitutional Convention, the impact of the Federalist Papers, and the subsequent ratification of the Constitution.
3. Westward Expansion - The country's other early economic, political social issues during the era of westward expansion.
4. Civil War and Reconstruction - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes and the course of the Civil War and Reconstruction in America.
5.American Industrialization / Gilded Age - The student will demonstrate an understanding of major social, political, and economic developments that took place in the United States during the second half of the nineteenth century.
6. Progressive Era - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the Progressive political period and the social and economic changes that corresponded to it.
7. American Imperialism - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the United States during its emergence as a world power in the early twentieth century focusing on the age of imperialism and WWI.
8. Boom and Bust - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the economic boom-and-bust in America in the 1920s and 1930s, its resultant political changes, and the subsequent worldwide response.
9. World War II - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes and effects of WW II on United States’
10. The Cold War - The student will demonstrate an understanding of the social, economic, and political events that impacted the United States during the Cold War.
11. Civil Rights / Modern America - The student will demonstrate an understanding of developments in foreign, domestic andeconomics policies that have taken place in the U.S. since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Assessments
Students will be graded on summative assessments including tests, journals, questions and essays. At the end of each unit students will be given a unit test. An accumulative state exam will be given at the end of the year which will account for 20% of one’s overall grade (EOC). Participation in class discussions is highly recommended and often is the catalyst to student understanding and success.
Grading Procedures
Quarter 1 – 40%Quarter 2 – 40%
60%Tests / Quizzes60% Tests / Quizzes
20%Miscellaneous (Essays, DBQs, etc.)20% Miscellaneous (Essays, DBQs, etc.)
10%Classwork10% Classwork
10% Homework 10% Homework
Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 count for 40% each of the overall grade, with the EOC accounting for the other 20%.
A.Cornell-style notes will be taken in class. Make sure you have them with you DAILY, as you will be answering those questions and turning them in for a grade at the end of each unit.
B. Participation is the key to doing well in this class!
C. Extra help is given for any and all tests and is highly recommended for those students struggling during ILT or before school.
Classroom Constitution
Students are expected to follow the school rules as well as the rules established for my classroom.
1. Show respect towards me and your fellow classmates.
2. Be seated by the time the bell rings.
3. Remain seated during class.
4. Raise hand and wait to be acknowledged by instructor before speaking
5. Avoid speaking to other students while in class unless work related.
6. Complete all work assigned for the day
7. Absolutely no eating or drinking in class (excluding water)
8. No cell phones out during class (NO HEADPHONES)
Disciplinary Procedures
1. Meet with student to discuss problem.
2. Contact student's parent/guardian via telephone
3. Notify school authorities.
4. Instructor may adjust disciplinary procedures based on the offense.
Communication with Parents
Parents will be contacted via telephone calls, open house, e-mails, progress reports, and report cards. Parents will be kept informed of their child’s progress or lack thereof as well as other concerns or praises I need to share. I appreciate your concern in your child’s education and look forward to an excellent year!
Sincerely,
Joel Klock