UNITED STATES HISTORY

MS. WEISS

Voice mail: 517-267-2162

Email: weiss@lansingcatholic.org or weiss@lcchs.org

COURSE OVERVIEW:  This is a year-long study of the history of the United States.  We will begin with a review of the documents and ideas related to the founding and early years of the United States.  In-depth coverage will begin with the Reconstruction Era and extend to the present day.

COURSE GOALS: 

TOPICS:  Topics to be covered include:  founding documents and ideas, the crisis of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring ‘20s, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, changing American society, Reagan and conservatism, US involvement in the Middle East and Persian Gulf regions, the Bush-Clinton-Bush years and the issues of the 2008 election.

                OUTCOMES:  As a result of taking this course students will be able to

-identify key eras in modern US History and describe important events, people, legislation, etc., associated with them.

                                -describe the United States’ transformation from a regional power to a world power.

                                -analyze and critique leaders’ decisions.

                                -analyze different points of view about the same event/idea.

                                -identify the locations of events on maps.

                                -express their opinions about historical events in speech and writing.

                                -recognize bias in historical writings.

                                -incorporate geographic information and analyze its relation to history.

-understand and explain how government processes affect society and how citizens affect government processes.

                                -analyze relationships between individuals and social structures.

                                -recognize similarities and differences among and within cultures.

                                -understand the growth of economic systems and resource managements.

                                -recognize technological advancements and their impact on societies.

EXPECTATIONS:  In order to facilitate the discussion of ideas, students are expected to raise their hand and wait to be recognized if they wish to speak.  In addition  mocking/making fun of another student’s attempts to express him/herself in the classroom WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Need to be brought every day.  Students will not be allowed to return to lockers for forgotten materials including homework.

                Textbook:  The Americans, published by McDougal Littell

                Notebook paper:  for taking notes and completing assignments

                Standard blue/black pens or pencil:  for completing assignments

                Agenda:  for writing down homework assignments

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:

1.        All school rules are in effect and all students are expected to know them and follow them.  This includes everything from being in dress code and not chewing gum to not cheating or bullying other students.

2.       Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to their classmates and the teacher.

3.       Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate (no sleeping or other homework)and with all necessary materials.

4.       Students are expected to advocate for themselves:  i.e. ask for extra help, arrange times to make-up tests, ask questions, etc.

5.       Students are expected to demonstrate Catholic values in their work and their behavior.

**Failure to follow rules or otherwise disrupt the learning process will be dealt with through disciplinary or other appropriate action.

**A special note about cheating/plagiarism: 

1.        Plagiarism:  copying more than six words in a row without giving credit to the source is considered plagiarism.  Rewording another person’s idea without giving them credit is also plagiarism.  Plagiarized work will receive a zero.

2.       Cheating:  Copying another person’s work whether it is homework, classwork, a test, quiz or project or anything else is considered cheating and the work will receive a zero for the copier and the person allowing the copying.  Do not give other people your homework!!

GRADES:  All assignments are given a point value.  The larger/more important an assignment is, the higher number of points it will be worth.  Quarter grades are determined by adding up the points earned by the student and dividing that total by the total points possible which converts the points to a percentage.  The grading scale can be found in the student handbook.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS:

1.        Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the period on the due date.

2.       Assignments MUST be completed in standard blue/black ink or pencil.  Work completed in anything else will not be graded.  The first time, the student may redo the assignment.  Any time after that, the work gets a zero.

3.       Each student is allowed one, free, late assignment per quarter.  This does NOT apply to tests, long-term assignments or projects.  Any other late work will receive no more than half credit.  ALL make-up work must be completed prior to the test on the material.  After the test, the grade remains a zero.  You, the student, are responsible for knowing/finding out if you are missing an assignment.

4.       Make-up Work:

A.       If you miss a class period, see me as soon as possible or check online to see what you missed.

B.       If you know you are going to be gone, get your assignments from me ahead of time.  If something is due when you will be gone, you are required to turn it in before leaving unless I give you permission to do otherwise.  This applies to tests, quizzes, and projects as well.

C.       Tests/Quizzes need to be made-up before or after school or during your study hall.  See me to make arrangements.

D.       Make-up work includes viewing any videos shown in class.  Make arrangements with me to do this before or after school.

TESTS:  Tests will be chapter tests.  The tests will contain a variety of types of questions (usually multiple choice and short answer, occasionally an essay question).  Students will be informed of the format of each test prior to the testing date.  The test will be based on all of the material covered in class including discussions and videos.

EXTRA CREDIT:  Extra credit points are available in the following ways:

1.        Extra credit questions on tests/quizzes (usually 1-3 points each time).

2.       Turning a project in early ( 5 points).

3.       Redeeming unused hall passes (1 point each).

HALL PASSES:  Students are expected to use the restroom and go to their lockers in between classes.  However, students will be allowed 5 passes per semester to use the restroom during class.  They may only be used during independent work time.  Unused passes may be redeemed for extra credit at the end of the semester.

EXAMS:    All students must take the first semester exam.  Each semester will cover the semester’s material and will have questions in a variety of formats.  Students will receive more details as we get closer to exam time.

EXTRA HELP:  I am generally available after school every day for extra help and make-up work.  I will also be available on Thursday mornings before school.  Other morning times may be arranged as well.

PRAYER:  You are expected to stand and be respectful during morning and afternoon prayers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Be silent during ALL announcements.