Welcome to United States History!

Congratulations YOU are an Historian!

That is to say, for the next 40 weeks, you will be studying the history of the United States of America from the year 1865 to the present. You will be trained to “think like an historian” as you uncover, learn, and engage in: Gathering, Interpreting and Using Evidence; Chronological Reasoning; Comparison and Contextualization; Geographic Reasoning; Economics and Economic Systems; and Civic Participation.

The various Unifying Themes below will help us better understand how history can be viewed: Individual Development and Cultural Identity (ID); Development, Movement, and Interaction of Cultures (MOV); Time, Continuity, and Change (TCC); Geography, Humans, and the Environment (GEO); Development and Transformation of Social Structures (SOC); Power, Authority, and Governance (GOV); Civic Ideals and Practices (CIV); Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems (ECO); Science, Technology, and Innovation (TECH); Global Connections and Exchange (EXCH).

Overview

This is your final year of Middle School, so you are expected to take OWNERSHIP of your work as per the following:

· Come to class EVERY day, on time – PREPARED to do your BEST;

· Bring the proper materials: (Either a 5 Subject Spiral Notebook and 3 folders OR a Loose-leaf Binder with Sheet Protectors; AND several pens and pencils);

· Don’t assume – follow through!

(Which means, do ALL assignments – including make-ups;

· If absent – Call a class-mate BEFORE you return to school and see what you missed)

· PARTICIPATE in class discussions and LISTEN to others without interrupting;

· Always RESPECT your PEERS and TEACHERS.

• • · Bring an open mind to class – you’d be amazed at what you can learn!

Flipped Classroom Discussion

Much of what we do will be “student/learner-centered” – where class time is devoted to exploring essential questions and historical topics in greater depth via provocative class discussion. These meaningful conversations are very important to understanding the reading and course content you may have to prepare outside of class.

As such, more than superficial participation is expected. Emphasis is placed on higher order thought, critical analysis, and creativity. Remember that ALL students have a right to their opinions (however unpopular). How you support what you say (with facts and respect) is key to doing well in this class.

Homework

Simply put, homework is IMPORTANT. It enables you to PREVIEW, REINFORCE and REVIEW the SKILLS and CONTENT you learn in class. You are expected to fully complete each Homework assignment by the start of the next class. Incomplete, late or missing Homework will lose points.

Academic Support

Be pro-active. Come for EXTRA HELP when needed –

or if requested by a teacher.

Writing, Media, and Research Skills

There is an emphasis on reading and interpreting primary and secondary source materials in this course. Socratic Seminars & Scored Discussions are used to assist students with comprehension and analysis of difficult content – just as Document Skills are utilized to study the relevance of maps, charts, graphs, pictures, political cartoons, etc. on historical events. In addition, contemporary issues and current events will be discussed throughout the year – which means that students should read the newspaper or watch/listen to the news on a regular basis.

Grading Policy

In general, your grades are standard-based and may include the following:

§ Classwork: Preparation & Participation ¨ Homework: Readings & Assignments

© Quizzes & Assessments ª Essays: In-Class & Take-Home

J Socratic Seminars & Scored Discussions Ω Project Work

Gradebook Portal

As of this writing we now have the technological opportunity for students and parents to view the online Gradebook, (i.e. assignments, assessment, grades, etc.) in addition to a Teacher’s Course Website; With regard to both, my goal is to input and update information by week’s end; Given occasional unexpected challenges along the way, I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding towards this end;

Curriculum Map

https://croton-harmonschooldistrict.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/Map?BackLink=5136&CurriculumMapID=258&YearID=2018&SourceSiteID=

Cell Phones and Electronics

You will not need your Cellphones or Electronic devices in our classroom. As such, please put them away before entering class. Better yet, store it away in your locker when you get to school in the morning.

If I see your cell phone, I-pod, or electronic device, in class, I reserve the right to GIVE it to the Assistant Principal for safe-keeping until the end of the school day.

Closing Thoughts

Keep in mind that I want ALL of you to do well. I am one of many academic partners at P.V.C. who wants to see you achieve your full potential as a student and citizen. Please do not hesitate to approach me after class if you think we need to talk.

While I encourage you to form smaller study groups outside of class to discuss and learn from one another - remember that your personal honor and integrity is always at stake. Please do all of your own work at all times. Cheating and plagiarism (which includes copying Homework) are strictly prohibited.

Contact

If you have any questions, comment or concerns – I may be reached at:

914.271.2191 ext. 2503 OR Brett.Bowden@chufsd.org

Lastly, please take to heart the advice of Mark Twain:

“Always do right. You will gratify some people – and astonish the rest.”

“Audentes Fortuna Iuvat”