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U.S. History I
Course
Syllabus
Mr.
Harvey and Mr. Krieger
Ipswich
High School
2015-2016
School Year
Course
Overview
This course is an exploration of the history of the United States. We will
survey the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the United
States from the pre-Revolutionary War era through the period of
Reconstruction after the Civil War. We will study the diverse ethnic,
religious, political, and economic groups that have shaped the United
States. Through our research and discussions, a primary goal for this
course is the appreciation of diversity and recognition of the
significance that diversity has on our nation in the new millennium. While
the time period we will cover represents nearly 125 years, we will focus
and study in depth certain themes. In doing so, we will be able to
investigate some of the great events and people who have influenced the
foundations of America.
We will also learn what it means to study history and why history is such
an important subject in our modern world. Through various projects,
assignments, and exercises, we will equip ourselves with the tools
necessary to be informed and educated citizens. This course may be very
different from prior social studies or history courses. If you thought you
would just be memorizing dates, people, or facts…you’re wrong. We will
experience history. We will use our knowledge from this course to enhance
our writing skills, develop our presentation style, and heighten our
creativity as we explore a remarkable period in United States history.
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, "We are not makers of history. We are made
by history."
We will make some history in the course, but more importantly we will see
how we have all been made by history.
Below
are the units for our course:
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Let Freedom Ring |
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Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
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Colonial America
Stirring a Rebellion
The Revolutionary War
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We the People |
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Unit 4
Unit 5
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United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The Early Presidents |
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From Sea to Shining Sea |
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Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit
8
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Growing Pains
Reforming American Society
New Markets and Westward Ho!
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Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory... |
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Unit 9
Unit 10
Unit 11
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Prelude to the U.S. Civil War
The U.S. Civil War
Introduction to Reconstruction
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Grading
Policy
Your
final grade for this course will be determined based on the following
formula:
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Quarter
Grade |
Coursework (85%)
Classroom Contribution (15%)
|
|
Overall Course Grade |
Quarter 1 (40%)
Quarter 2 (40%)
Final Assessment (20%) |
Assignments
and overall grades will be based on a points system.
Prior to each assignment, you will know the total available points. The grade will be based on the following calculation:
Total Points Earned ÷ Total Possible Points
|
Assignment |
Maximum
Points |
|
Homework |
10 |
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Reading
Quiz |
15 |
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Unit
Test |
100 |
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Unit
Project |
100 |
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Other
Assignments1 |
Varies |
1For
other assignments, such as in-class work, research in the library, or
special projects, you will be made aware of the possible points when the
assignment begins.
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Homework
& Assignments
Homework
is an important part of this course.
The homework is meant to enhance our work in the classroom.
Completing the homework will help you understand the subject matter
and, hopefully, make it more interesting.
You will be better prepared for class discussions, other assignments,
and tests or quizzes. Likewise,
you will have the opportunity to participate in many activities. These
activities will range from group presentations to individual projects.
I hope that the assignments will be engaging and enable you to demonstrate
your expertise in the field of U.S. history. Successfully completing
and handing-in all of the homework and assignments will improve your grade
for the course.
1.
Homework/assignments are due at the beginning of class or when collected.
2. Late
homework/assignments will not be accepted unless you have an excused
absence.
3. You
are responsible for obtaining homework/assignments if you are absent.
4. If
you are identified on the attendance sheet as "absent unexcused"
you may not make-up the missed work. This includes test, quizzes, projects,
and homework. In-house suspension is considered an unexcused absence.
5.
Homework will be
evaluated using the following rubric:
|
Points |
Criteria |
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10 |
Homework shows excellent
effort
and the work is fully completed |
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5 |
Homework shows acceptable
effort
and the work is mostly completed |
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0 |
Homework shows minimal effort or is not submitted when due |
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Classroom Contribution -- Sliding Scale
Classroom contribution will be included as part of your quarterly grade.
classroom contribution will represent 15% of the quarterly grade.
If you are absent from class, please note the following:
UNEXCUSED:
No classroom contribution credit. In-house suspension is an unexcused absence.
EXCUSED: If your absence is excused, you may receive credit for
classroom contribution by writing a summary of what you missed in class.
You must submit an acceptable write-up one day + 3 following your absence,
you will receive credit for classroom contribution for the day you were
absent.
The
rubric below outlines the grading criteria:
|
Grade |
Criteria |
|
A
(100%) |
Excellent
participation in class discussions,
often asks
thought provoking questions, willingly
works with other students during classroom activities,
excellent
attitude, and/or shows extensive
effort towards creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom. |
|
B
(85%) |
Substantial
participation in class discussions,
usually works well with other students
during classroom activities, excellent
attitude, and/or shows substantial
effort towards creating a positive classroom atmosphere. |
|
C
(75%) |
Acceptable
participation in class discussions,
sometimes works well with other
students during classroom activities, and/or
meets some expectations
with attitude and contribution to the classroom environment. |
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D
(68%) |
Rarely or
never
participates in class discussions,
negative attitude, and/or is
disruptive in
class. |
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F
(25%) |
Rarely or
never
participates in class discussions, is
disruptive in class, does not engage in
group projects, and/or is not part of the "class environment." |
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Attendance
Attendance
and classroom contribution are important aspects of the course. Participating
in class advances your knowledge of the material and enables other students
to learn from you. Class sessions are also meant to supplement homework
and individual research rather than replace or repeat your readings.
In accordance with the attendance policy in the Ipswich High School
2014-2015 Student-Parent Handbook, you will not receive credit if
you accumulate more than FIVE absences (excused, unexcused, or voluntary)
during the course. Refer to the Handbook for detailed information
about the IHS attendance policy. If you have questions or are concerned
about attendance, please see me.
An
important note about field trips
Field
trips are valuable components of a course curriculum. Throughout the
quarter, it may be necessary for you to miss our class session(s) to
attend field trips. Please note that you are responsible for notifying
me AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE OF A FIELD TRIP if you are going to
be absent. Also, if you are working on a group project you are responsible
for notifying your team members that you will be absent.
If
you fail to provide prior notification (AT LEAST TWO SCHOOL DAYS) of
a field trip and are absent for a presentation or other assignment,
you will receive a zero for the assignment or project.
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