Syllabus

 Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to enhance student understanding of American History and the development of the United States through the use of history, economics, geography, and civics from native civilizations and the birth of the United States as a nation-1877 and the end of Reconstruction.

Essential Questions:

v  Why do Americans need core democratic values?

v  What are the factors of conflict?

v  How have Americans worked to build unity after conflict?

v  What makes people or events historically significant?

v  Is expansion always progress?

v  Why does where we live influence how we live?

Topics (partial list):

v  Native American History

v  Colonization

v  American Revolution

v  Articles of Confederation

v  Constitution

v  Bill of Rights

v  Jefferson’s Presidency

v  War of 1812

v  Expansion and Reform

v  Causes of the Civil War

v  The Civil War

Resources:

v  History Alive! (online) The United States through Industrialization

o Website: http://www.teachtci.com/

v  Primary & Secondary Sources

v  Videos, Podcasts and other media resources

Daily Required materials:

v  Netbooks (supplied by HPS)

v  Two pocket folder to be used only for U.S. history. 

v  Spiral Notebook to be used for U.S. history class only please. 70 to 100 count is fine. (We use both “ends” of the notebook, so please do not buy a five subject spiral to share with other classes.)

v  Highlighter

v  Pencil

v  Red Pen (for correcting homework)

Grading

v  Points for all assignments are added together.  Typical point values are:

Tests: 25-50 pts

Quizzes: 5-20 pts

Writing Assignment: 25-50 pts

Daily Assignments: 1-15pts

v  Grading Scale (from HMS handbook)

100-94 A   93-90 A-  

89-87 B+   86-83 B   82-80 B-

79-77 C+   76-73 C   72-70 C-

69-67 D+   66-63 D   62-60 D-  

59-0 E

v  Trimester Grades

Grades will be awarded on a 12-week basis.

Progress Reports

Every Tuesday during the school year, I will post current grades in class.  Students are responsible for writing down these grades in their school supplied agendas and getting it signed by a parent/guardian each Tuesday night.  A designated teacher (Advisory teacher/1st hour) will confirm parental signature of grades on Wednesday.

Homework Policy

No late homework is accepted; however, I offer four late assignment tickets per trimester that will allow students to turn work in no later than one week after the due date.   Staying organized, using class time wisely, checking grades in class and online will help students avoid missing assignments. These late tickets may also be used as hallway (bathroom) passes throughout the trimester.

Types of Assignments:

v  Tests and quizzes

v  Daily warm-ups & classroom work

v  Homework

v  Individual & Group projects

Classroom Rules:              “Do Nothing to Hinder Teaching or Learning” 

v  Be on time: in your seat and working on the warm-up when it’s time for class to start.

v  Be Prepared: bring your notebook, folder, pencil, Netbook and any other needed materials every day. 

v  Follow Directions: the first time they are given.

v  Make Smart Choices: be safe and respectful. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 

Consequences:

v  Friendly reminder of expectations

v  Teacher and student 1-on-1 away from the classroom

v  Restitution: student will repay or repair any damage (physical or emotional). 

v  Writing assignment

v  Parent Contact

v  Office referral

Mr. Scudder’s Guidelines for Success:

v  Growth Mindset- true success is the product of effort not talent

v  Be Mindful- pay attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment.

v  Be Positive- make the decision to have a positive outlook

v  Have Empathy- strive to see things from many others points of view before taking action.

v  Take Chances- don’t be afraid of failure.