American History II

American History II (1900-present)

Course Syllabus

Mr. Miller

*Why take American History II?

American History II builds on the study of American History I in Ninth Grade. This course begins an examination of American History in 1900, and follows the growth of the nation through the present day. As our country continues to be a leader in the world, one must examine the events of the 20^th century that allow us to understand how we have become a world power.

*Course Objectives:

Students will gain an understanding of recent American History from the age of overseas expansion (Imperialism) up to and including our present role as the world’s only superpower. Students will examine the recent history of the United States through writing, reading comprehension of primary sources, and an examination of important statistical data.

*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.

6. Books should remain covered at all times.

*Materials Needed:

Each day a student in American History II should bring their textbook, 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 II is divided into major topical periods, corresponding to the development of the nation.

· Struggling in the World and at Home

· World War I

· The 1920s

· Crash and Depression

· World War II

· The Cold War

· The 1950s

· Kennedy and Johnson

· The Civil Rights Movement

· The Vietnam War

· Recent Events in American History

*Teacher Contact:

Phone (717) 485-3195

E-mail mmiller@cfsd.info

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