Course Expectations: BE NICE and BEST EFFORT

Here are some examples of what “Be Nice” looks like:

• Follow the rules in the Student Handbook, especially the cell phone policy, so that you can fully attend to the class, your classmates, and the task at hand.
• Actively participate in a positive manner.
• Be respectful.

Here are some examples of what “Best Effort” looks like:

• Come to class on time with all necessary materials, including your binder, charged iPad, and writing utensil.
• Keep all course materials organized in your binder and iPad.
• Try your hardest on each piece of work you submit.
• If you are absent, check the website to see what you missed and see me upon your return in order to get missing work.
• If you have questions or need extra help, please tell me. I am available before and after school, during x-block, and other times during the school day. You can also email me at any time.

Course Description

Essential Question for the course: How do groups and individuals impact history?

The overarching goal for United States History 1 is for students to understand that they are part of a democratic society in which the acts of individuals impact the course of history, and that they gain the skills to become responsible contributors to the wider community. The course content focuses primarily on the 1800s, including the early republic, antebellum America, the Civil War and Reconstruction, westward expansion, and industrialization. However, special emphasis is placed on connection to present day and current events. To help develop the skills necessary to productive democratic participation, emphasis is placed on critical thinking skill development including:

• understanding and diagramming different types of historical reasoning,
• reading, interpreting, and critically examining primary and secondary sources to assess the effectiveness of the different methods for change
• using critical thinking and research skills to understand and interpret current events related to their study of history

Students will apply these skills to their study of the various ways change has been facilitated, including through the courts, legislative action, presidential action, and the actions of individuals and groups. Students will conduct short as well as more sustained research projects. Students will write clear arguments that are well supported by evidence.