American History I

American History I (1492-1900)

Course Syllabus

Mr. Miller

*Why take American History I?

It is essential for all Americans to be educated about the past so as to (a.) understand why things are the way they are and (b.) learn from those who came before in hopes of not repeating their mistakes and building on their success.

*Course Objectives:

Students will gain an understanding of early America from its discovery by Columbus, through the colonial and Revolutionary period, and beyond the Civil War and Reconstruction. In the process students will master the composition of the United States (states, capitals, geographic features, etc.) as well as trace the geographic, cultural, and political expansion.

*Student Responsibilities / Class Guidelines / Expectations:

Listed below are simple responsibilities and guidelines which every student is expected to follow.

1. Follow teacher directions the first time given.

2. Be in class and seated when the bell rings.

3. Raise your hand to speak in class.

4. Come prepared for class.

5. Show respect in the class by not teasing, calling names, or using profane language.

*Materials Needed:

Each day a student in American History I should bring their a writing utensil and a three-ring notebook. These notebooks will be collected and graded for organization and completion at the end of each marking period.

*Evaluation and Grading:

Grading in this course is quite simple, as it is based strictly on a points system. In a typical nine-week period, test and quiz grades account for approximately 60% of a students’ grade, while homework accounts for about 40% of the grade. The key to receiving good grades in American History is to thoroughly complete homework assignments and to adequately prepare for quizzes and examinations.

*Tests and quiz formats include a variety of questioning strategies, to include matching, multiple choice, completion, short answer and essay questions.

**For special writing assignments and other projects, rubrics will be used for grading, and to allow students to realize project expectations.

***Extra credit is not typically offered, but students may meet with the teacher for enrichment and/or remediation.

*Course Breakdown:

American History I is divided into major topical periods, corresponding to the development of the nation.

· Colonizing America, The American Revolution, Creating the Constitution

· Federalists and Republicans, Nationalism, Industry, Land of Cotton

· Jacksonian America, Reform Movements, Manifest Destiny

· Slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, Moving West, Industrialization

*Teacher Contact:

Phone (717) 485-3195 ext. 1207

E-mail: mmiller@cfsd.info

Students may schedule appointments throughout the school day on an as needed basis.