All assignments will be posted on google classroom!
Mrs. Kissamis
heidi.kissamis@d426.org
US HISTORY 1 & 2 SYLLABUS
Contact Information:
email - heidi.kissamis@d426.org
phone - 815-522-2654
The best way for students to contact me is to talk to me in class, before school or after school. Students and parents can also email or call about any issue I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Course Description:
The first semester covers the eras from Colonial Times through Manifest Destiny. The second semester covers from the Civil War through The Great Depression. Students will come to appreciate the ways in which American culture was formed from many different cultures. Students will see how the events of the nation’s past have influenced its present and how it will influence its future. This course includes instruction on the genocide of the Native American people through this period of American history.
Course Objectives: As a result of this course, students will be able to…
evaluate how historical developments were shaped by time and place as well as broader historical contexts
analyze change and continuity within and across historical eras
evaluate the methods utilized by people and institutions to promote change
analyze how people and institutions have reacted to environmental, scientific, and technological changes
analyze the factors and historical context that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras
analyze the concept and pursuit of the American Dream
Identify the role of individuals, groups and institutions in people’s struggle for safety, freedom, equality and justice
analyze key historical events and contributions of individuals through a variety of perspectives, including those of historically underrepresented groups
analyze the relationship between historical sources and the secondary interpretations made from them
analyze the causes and effects of global conflicts and economic crises
analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past
analyze the geographic and cultural forces that have resulted in conflict and cooperation
Academic Expectations:
Have class materials ready to use
We will be using Google classroom - chromebooks must be brought to class and be charged every day
Respect the classroom and everyone in it - INCLUDING YOURSELF
Listen carefully to directions and follow them
Be ready to think–participate–learn!
You may be called on to answer questions
When you are given class time to work, you need to be working
You need to be an active participant in group work
Students are expected to follow the rules in the Parent/Student Handbook in this classroom.
Students are expected to follow the rules regarding chromebook usage given by the office
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to complete their own work.
Any plagiarized work will automatically be counted as a zero without the opportunity to make up the assignment.
If you allow someone to copy your work you will also receive a zero without the opportunity to make up the assignment.
No Communication (verbal, non verbal, electronic, etc.) during tests. Any communication or use of a cell phone will be automatically counted as a zero.
Behavioral Expectations:
No snacks– water in clear containers only
Be on time
Pick up all trash and don’t make a mess
Do not write on the desk
Keep your hands and feet to yourself (even if you are playing)
Respect others opinions
Be good listeners (no talking when someone else is talking)
No putting someone else down
no swearing
No yelling or other behavior which distracts other students and/or your teacher
NO PHONES
if you have a cell phone you will be required to place it in the cell phone holder
you may not charge you cell phone on your chromebook
Students are expected to follow the rules in the Parent/Student Handbook in this classroom.
Discipline Policy:
good behavior will be rewarded with Hawk Pride cards
students demonstrating poor classroom behavior may have the following consequences
verbal reminder
verbal warning
discuss behavior with teacher either during or afterclass
office referral and/or detention (call home to discuss behavior with parents/guardian)
* the teacher reserves the right to send anyone to the office immediately if the behavior warrants removal from the classroom
Tardy Policy:
students must show up to class on time. In the event that a student is tardy,
1st tardy: Enter into grade book, verbal warning
2nd tardy: enter into grade book, verbal warning,
3rd tardy: enter into grade book, verbal warning, call home
4th tardy: enter into grade book, verbal warning, call home, detention
Hall Passes:
You will use the “my homework” app to access hall passes
YOU MUST ASK ME FOR PERMISSION FIRST
You may only ask to leave the room during “work time” - Not when I am talking/working with the class as a whole.
If the “my homework” app denies your request - see me
If the “my homework” app approves your request
Show me your pass
Leave your chromebook where I can see your pass
Click the return button when you return (tell me when you return if I have created your pass)
Academic Grades:
Grades are based on total points accumulated on quizzes, tests, homework, class assignments, daily class participation, and projects for the quarter. All work combined is worth 80% of the semester grade.
Final exams are worth 20% of the final semester grade.
Semester grades are calculated as percentages using a scale of 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60%= D, <60% = F.
Required Materials:
textbook
chromebook
headphones or earbuds
notebook and paper
writing utensil
Late Work:
Students are expected to turn their class work in on the due date. Work turned in after the due date will be marked down 20%. All work for a unit is due before the end of a unit (test/project).
Students are always free to discuss with me the reason their class work is late; if they do this when the assignment was originally due, then the late penalty may not be applied.
Makeup Work:
Students have one school day for each day absent to turn in all makeup work (unless arrangements are made with the instructor for more time).
Not all class activities can be made up, as they require direct participation by the student.
Tentative Course Outline:
A New Society is Born
Native americans prior to western contact
Discovery of the “new world” and its impacts
Colonial society
The American Revolution
Challenges of a New Nation
Constitution
American political origins
Economic and social changes
expansion
including transcontinental railroad and roll of immigrant groups
genocide of the Native American population
Civil War
What were the causes of the Civil War?
including a unit on slavery and abolitionism
Impact of the Civil War
Reconstruction
Expansion, Imperialism and Change
Industry is king
Becoming a world power
Progressivism
World War I
Modernization
Invention
Roaring 20s
* This schedule is not comprehensive, and is certainly condensed. It does not include any assignments and is tentative.
*syllabus is subject to change