AMERICAN
HISTORY SYLLABUS
“Those who
cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” George Santayana United States History – 1877 to the Present 1.
Course
overview a.
American
history concentrates on the major developments and trends which have
contributed to the making of contemporary America and its developments in the
world. A variety of materials are used
to enhance and understanding of events that have occurred and concepts that
have evolved in America since 1877 expansion.
This course fulfills 1.00 credit of American history for
graduation. b.
Areas of study
i.
Industrialization
and reform (25-30 days) 1.
Industrial and
technological developments 2.
Immigration 3.
Urbanization 4.
Turn of the
century society
ii.
Imperialism
(10+ days)
iii.
World War I (10+
days)
iv.
The 1920’s
(5-10 days)
v.
The Great
Depression and the New Deal (15+ days)
vi.
World War II
and the home front (15+ days)
vii.
The Cold War,
1945-1991 (20-25 days) 2.
Materials a.
Spiral notebook
for notes and personal reactions to class discussions b.
A pocket folder
for handouts and other materials c.
Textbook The Americas: Reconstruction to the 21st
Century will be distributed d.
On test days
please have a pencil and pen 3.
Grading
policy a.
Tests and
quizzes will be given on a regular basis
i.
There will be
regular unit and chapter tests
ii.
Quizzes
(including occasional pop quizzes) will be given over readings, lectures, or
individual chapters b.
Homework
i.
Late homework
is inexcusable and will be penalized as such: 10% off for each day late
(i.e., if two days late, the highest possible grade is an 80%) until five
days, after five days homework will not be accepted barring exceptional
circumstances
ii.
Homework will
be collected and graded regularly but not always c.
Two or three
in-depth research projects will be assigned.
i.
Smaller research
assignments will be given throughout the year. d.
A final exam
will be given. 4.
Class
expectations United
States history is a required course for all WHS students and you need it to
graduate. This course is designed for
sophomores who are willing to participate constructively and regularly. Please consider yourself part of a learning
community and adhere to the following: a.
ATTENDANCE –
tardiness and unexcused absences will not be tolerated. b.
Be responsible
and adhere to school rules c.
Commit to your
learning experience – COME PREPARED for class with all materials, homework
and assignments. d.
Be polite I can be found in the
social studies office during 3rd, 6th and 8th
period. |