United States History II Syllabus

GJHS Course Syllabus

Course Name: American History II

Instructor: Mr. Staib

Course Overview

American History II is a course that continues the examination of the unique American people from the Civil War to the present. Students will examine the social, political, and economic factors that shaped our nation. Students will get an in-depth look at the Reconstruction, the Gilded Age of Politics, the rise of American Industry, the Progressive Era, World War I, Roaring 20’s, Great Depression, World War II, Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, Vietnam, the end of the Cold War and America’s progress in the technological age of the 21st Century. Students will be asked to explain the unique heritage of the United States and apply the knowledge of our past as a means of explaining the present. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between history and geography and learn to use critical thinking skills to describe the impact of social, economic, religious, and political institutions on American history. While completing this course, students will analyze the role of America’s involvement in armed conflict throughout the world, examine the historical development of the American economic system, and explore the impact of the humanities on U.S. history and society. This course will encourage students to recognize the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, to use informational tools in the evaluation of history and to explore career opportunities in the field of history.

Course Objectives

Analyze chronological thinking
Analyze and interpret historical sources
Analyze the fundamentals of historical interpretation
Analyze and interpret historical research
Identify and evaluate how continuity and change have influenced history from the 1890’s to the present
Identify and evaluate conflict and cooperation among social groups and organizations in history from 1890 to the present
Identify and evaluate the political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to United States history from 1890 to the present
Identify and evaluate primary documents, material artifacts, and historical sites important in United States history from 1890 to the present
Evaluate how continuity and change has influenced United States history from 1890 to the present

Classroom Rules

Attendance

It is absolutely necessary that you attend class on a regular basis. The meaningful discussions and

helpful presentations that take place in class are difficult, if not impossible, to repeat on an individual

basis with the same effectiveness. Just because you had a day off does not mean the class did not move

on. Material you missed will not be covered during class time. Therefore, it is essential that you attend

class regularly. Before you return to class, you must get an excusal slip from your academy secretary.

Do not enter the classroom without an excusal slip. If you do miss a class, then it is YOUR responsibility

to get the notes and make up any work that you missed. If possible, have someone pick up assignments

for you when you are out a day. Please contact me in the case of an extended absence so your work

can be sent home to you. When absent, you will need to go to your period’s make-up work slot,

where you will find all work that you missed for that day. If you are absent the day an assignment is

due, that assignment is due the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be

prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return. All make-up work must be completed

within 3 days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero. An unexcused absence will result in a

zero for any assignments, quizzes, tests, or activities performed that day.

Classroom Behavior

Class will begin promptly every day. I expect you to come to class prepared and to have all materials (pencils, folder, homework, assignments). Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times. The following rules are to be followed at all times: Be Respectful, Be Honorable, Be There, and Be Prepared. A more detailed explanation of classroom rules and expectations follows in the Code of Conduct Contract.

Tardies

You MUST arrive to class on time! Class will begin promptly each day.

Coming to class late is a disruption in the educational process of others; therefore, it will be handled in a

very strict, consistent fashion. BE ON TIME!!!!!!!

Course Materials

1.) Pocket Folder (provided)

2.) Notebook (provided)

3.) Pencils

4.) Textbook (Provided)

Course Text & Readings

Prentice Hall: United States History

Assessments:

Quizzes and Tests

Quizzes will be given throughout the chapters and may be announced or unannounced. We quiz frequently throughout each unit of study. The purpose of quizzes is to help me see what areas of difficulty you may be experiencing with the material prior to taking a large chapter test. Therefore, we can correct any mistakes you are making and remediation can take place before you take the chapter test. Tests will occur at the end of each unit of study. They will always be announced at least two days in advance. Please try to be in attendance on test days! In some cases, we will review the day before a test. If you are absent on a review day, you are still responsible for taking the test the day you return! No exceptions! Please keep in mind that quizzes and tests together are 45-50% of your overall grade. Ultimately, you must be able to show me how well you can perform on your own.

Grading Policy & Procedures:

Grading Procedure:

The grade earned by the student for the course is determined by assessment in participation, quizzes, projects, summaries, tests, and a final (which is 20% of the total grade for the course).

Grading Scale

A 93-100%

B 82-92%

C 70-81%

D 60-69%

F 0-59%

1.Classroom work is assigned daily. The student is required to complete the work assigned for the day. For an unexcused absence the student can get a zero for the day’s work. For an excused absence a student can have up to three days to complete the assignment.

2. Quizzes are given weekly and are worth 10 to 20 points each.

3. Unit tests are worth 40 to 50 points.

Your final grade will be determined by four 9 week grades and the final exam. Each 9 week grade is worth 20%, and the final exam is 20%. Even if you pass all 9 week marking periods, but fail the final exam, you may still fail the course. Thus, it is an absolute necessity to take final exams seriously!!

Academic Dishonesty

Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism of homework, etc.) WILL NOT

BE TOLERATED and will result in the following:

1.) a zero on the work involved,

a phone call home to parent/guardian
a discipline log being sent to the office.

I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities. I have also read the rules in the Code of Conduct Contract and understand them and the consequences that result if not followed.

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