United States History II Advanced Syllabus
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the students with an in-depth analysis of American historical concepts. Emphasis will be on the historical developments from the Civil War to the present day. The study will include the political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural ideas and events of the last 140 years. Students will be able to analyze historical events, conceptualize factual data, and speculate on the outcome of particular events. Students will be expected to compare different points of view (perspectives), discuss current events and develop written essays that will include the skills of summation, analysis and critical thinking in preparation for their upcoming college requirements.
Evaluation:
30% Homework: To include textbook questions, vocabulary, readings, handouts worksheets, and in class activities.
30% Projects: To include essays, power points, social statistics, maps, multimedia projects, newspapers, posters and the fifteen page research paper.
30% Unit Exams and Quizzes: based on reading and material presented in class discussions. Test format includes multiple choice, matching, identifications, and essays. Notebook including reflections counts towards one test grade each term.
10% Participation: Positive involvement in class discussion and the ability to answer in class questions. Involvement in group projects, oral presentations and class reports. Ability to remain in class and follow classroom rules.
Classroom supplies:
- Writing utensil
- Notebook (spiral and a section of a three ring binder for notes)
- Pocket Folder
- 3 ring binder (to organize class materials; this may be left at home with completed materials)
- Book cover (Please note, if your textbook is discovered without a cover points will be subtracted from your homework grade)
- High Lighters
- A portable storage unit/ jump drive is recommended
Class Rules and Expectations
- Respect. You are expected to respect everyone in the classroom.
Respect includes use of appropriate language.
- No cell phones or ipods in class. Using your cell phone or ipod in class is against school policy and highly disrespectful to your classmates. If seen they will be confiscated and turned into the office. If in use during quizzes or exams you will receive a zero on that assignment.
- Come prepared for class. Bring your notebook, textbook, writing implements, paper and all work that is due every day. This includes a good night’s sleep; I expect all students to stay awake in class.
- Be at class on time. Promptness to class and attendance is expected. If you are late, have a pass. If you are absent contact a classmate or the office for your assignments. You are responsible for all work missed during an absence.
- Submit work on time. If your work is late you will lose one letter grade per day until the work is no longer accepted.
- Expect specific guidelines to class work. Notebooks should be well organized, as they will be graded during each term. All formal papers must be typed, double-spaced and in manuscript form. We will be discussing form of research paper as the term progresses. Please see the class website for additional clarification at anytime.
No Food or Drinks in Class
(Water is allowed)
Extra Help: I will be available for help after school. Exact days will be posted on the white board. Please email me, seek me out during break or come after school. I want you to succeed in this course and encourage you to seek my help.
United States History Syllabus
Week |
Topic |
Examples of Projects (subject to change to meet the needs of each class) |
Week 1 |
Review; Reconstruction quiz |
|
Week 2 |
Settling the West quiz |
Western Democracy Project
|
Week 3 |
Industrialization quiz |
Rail Road/ Barbed Wire Advertisement
|
Week 4 |
Urban America quiz |
Social Statistics Project Photo Essay Due |
Week 5 |
Politics and Reform Unit Test |
|
Week 6 |
Imperialism quiz |
Imperial Newspaper
|
Week 7 |
Progressivism quiz |
Pamphlet Project
|
Week 8 |
World War I Unit Test |
Interview Project
|
Week 9 |
Roaring 20s quiz |
*Research Paper Topic Due |
Week 10 |
Great Depression quiz |
|
Week 11 |
New Deal Unit Test |
Bibliography Due
|
Week 12 |
World War II Begins quiz |
Thesis Due
|
Week 13 |
World War II Unit Test |
Revised Thesis Due
|
Week 14 |
Cold War |
Revised Bibliography Due
|
Week 15 |
Civil Rights |
Notes Due
|
Week 16 |
Vietnam |
Outline Due
|
Week 17 |
Politics of Protest |
Research Paper Due
|
Week 18 |
|
60s Music Project Due
|
Week19 |
Finals Week |
|
* Projects listed are in addition to chapter work including homework, newspapers, posters and other work.
Notebook Rubric
Note taking is an important part of learning material in any class. You will remember more information. This will not only help with the immediate task of taking tests, but for higher learning of all kinds.
You are expected to keep a notebook with notes taken, worksheets, homework, and tests saved. You may keep your three ring binder at home and use a spiral notebook for taking notes. However, all work must be neatly organized at the end of each term. This notebook assignment will be graded as a test.
In addition to keeping a notebook and class materials you are expected to write your own reflections/insights into to your learning of United States History.
Hand written notes are taken, present, and neat
1 2 3 4 ______x25%
Hand written notes contain detail
1 2 3 4 ______x25%
Reflections Writings are present and thoughtful
1 2 3 4 ______x10%
Homework is present, complete and neat
1 2 3 4 ______x10%
Worksheets and readings are present
1 2 3 4 ______x10%
Tests are present
1 2 3 4 ______x10%
Overall appearance is neatly organized
1 2 3 4 ______x10%
Final grade _______
I
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