Welcome to Honors American History I: Course Syllabus
American History I: The Founding Principles will begin with the European exploration of the new world through Reconstruction. Students will continue to buildupon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, culture and geography and use skills of historical analysis as they examine American history. This course goes beyond memorization of isolatedfacts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations.
American History I: The Founding Principles is a NC Graduation requirement. There is also a NC Final Exam for this course.
American History I: The Founding Principles is designed around 8 Essential Standards:
- Standard 1: Apply the four interconnected dimensions of historical thinking to the United States History Essential Standards in order to understand the creation and development of the United States over time.
- Standard 2: Analyze key political, economic and social turning points in United States History using historical thinking
- Standard 3: Understand the factors that led to exploration, settlement, movement, and expansion and their impact on United States development over time.
- Standard 4: Analyze how conflict and compromise have shaped politics, economics and culture in the United States.
- Standard 5: Understand how tensions between freedom, equality and power have shaped the political, economic and social development of the United States.
- Standard 6: Understand how and why the role of the United States in the world has changed over time.
- Standard 7: Understand the impact of war on American politics, economics, society and culture.
- Standard 8: Analyze the relationship between progress, crisis and the “American Dream” within the United States.
American History I: The Founding Principles will be taught in 7 instructional units with a formal assessment at the end of each unit.
- Unit1: Colonial Beginnings 1200 BC-1681
- Unit 2: Revolutionary Era1650-1781
- Unit 3:Foundations of Government1781-1793
- Unit 4:The New Republic 1790-1840
- Unit 5: Reform and Expansion 1816-1850
- Unit 6: Civil War 1850-1865
- Unit 7: Reconstruction and Aftermath 1865-1877
Recommended Supplies: 1, 3-ring binder (medium size), loose leaf paper, pens/pencils
Textbooks: Students will have access to a textbook in class. Students may check a textbook out if they desire. Students will also have access to an online textbook
Course Grading Information
1st 9 weeks: 37.5% (includes a midterm weighting 20%) 2nd 9 weeks: 37.5% Final Exam: 25%
Formal Grades: 70% (tests & projects) Informal Grades: 30% (classwork assignments, quizzes, etc)
Late Work Policy: If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an excused absence, full credit must be given for the completed work if it is submitted within 5 days. If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an unexcused absence, the will be given half credit. For students who were present when an assignment was collected: A late assignment will be accepted up to 5 school days with a 50%.
Participation: Because this is a graduation requirement, it is essential that every student is in class, on-time, and prepared to learn every day. Together, we will create a community of responsible and successful individuals.
Absences: CMS has a 10-day attendance policy; if you miss more than 10 days of a course (no matter whether the absence is excused or unexcused), you will not receive credit for the course. Missing assignments due to absences must be handed in within the given time frame. It is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation for the absence, request make-up work, and submit that work on time.
Discipline: It is expected that every student show respect to all people and property in the classroom. Each student is guaranteed the right to an education, and disruptive behavior on the part of any student will not be tolerated. All discipline issues will be addressed according to the CMS Rights and Responsibilities handbook and enforced by an administrator.
I treat every student with a high level of respect and integrity. I hold students accountable for their behaviors. I do not accept excuses for unacceptable behavior. That being said, in my role as a teacher I will encourage, model, and praise positive behavior. It is my responsibility to help your teenager grow into a productive and successful member of the community.
The Honor Code:Honesty and integrity are two of the most important qualities an individual can possess. Any dishonest behavior, including but not limited to such acts as copying another student’s work, giving someone your work to be copied, attempting to complete homework during class, forging a signature, or not telling the truth when asked a question are signs of a lack of integrity and will not be tolerated. The honor code will strictly be enforced and consequences for violations of the honor code will be applied.
American History I Tutoring: Tutoring will be available very Tuesday afternoon from 2:20-3:15. Additional tutoring session will be announced in class based on teacher availability. Transportation is the responsibility of the student &parent.
Weekly Emails: Every Monday I will send an“Honors American History 1 Update” email to all parents that provide an email address. These emails will inform parents of due dates, testing days, and other important school information.
Remind 101: or text @6d22e4to the number81010
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Contact Information: Email: (preferred) Phone: 980-343-6430Room: 609