2025-2026 US History Class Syllabus
A-G Requirements for UC/CSU: Completion of this course with a “C” or better will fulfill part of the A-G UC/CSU college requirement. [To graduate, only a “D” is required.]
Course Skills
Citing specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Determine central ideas of a primary or secondary source.
Evaluate multiple perspectives
Assessing author's’ claims, reasoning, and evidence.
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information using a diverse selection of media.
Integrate information from primary and secondary sources into a coherent understanding of an idea or event.
Reading Requirements:
Students will interact with an array of various text forms, which may include: textbook, academic essays, news articles, digital text, and other various primary and secondary sources.
Writing Requirements:
Students' writing should reflect an increased growth in critical thinking. Students use writing to complete various tasks such as: writing to clarify, writing to explain, writing to understand, writing to persuade, writing to describe, and writing to synthesize. Writing at times may be physical or digital.
Grading Scale
A - 90% - 100%
B - 80% - 89%
C - 70% - 79%
D - 60% - 69%
F - Below 60%
If you are not achieving the grade you wish to have in this course, it is your responsibility to make time to meet with me one-on-one for help. You have an access period for assistance as well as class time to ask me questions. The school usually provides additional tutoring in the library after school as well. I recommend getting peer contact info for assistance as well.
Please be aware that it is a department policy that grades are not rounded, 89.9% is a B.
Grade Categories
Unit Work (30%)
Exams / Projects (60%)
Participation1 (10%)
1 Participation involves participating in things like surveys, exit tickets, or tasks designed to gather information to teach a concept but may not directly be an “assignment.” It is not raising your hand to participate during lectures.
Attendance
Attendance is taken in my class by placing your phone in the designated area. If you are LATE, it is your responsibility to inform me that you came in late so I can correct it before the period ends. Write your name, period and the date on a piece of paper and hand it to me before the next period begins. I will not correct attendance reports if you failed to notify me of being late. If you come in late you are to put your phone in the appropriate location.
Please be aware that I receive a lot of emails and I may not respond right away. I often only respond to emails while at work. Students, please ask me your questions in person, not over email.
Grade Inquiry - If you have a question about your grade, schedule a time to meet with me in person.
Electronic Device Policy
(Earbuds, Digital Watches, Smartphones, etc.)
Electronic devices are allowed to be used with approval by the instructor. If you are using a digital device without approval or in a way I deem distracting, I may confiscate the electronic device. In order to have the device returned, you will need to email your parents and CC me on the email explaining why you had your device confiscated.
Further information can be found in the school's 'Electronic Device Policy'.
Absences
Unexcused absences outstanding for more than 48 hours will result in no credit for missed class assignments and no exam make-up. It is the students responsibility to notify the instructor that the absence was cleared within the 48 hour window.
Make-up Work
It is the students responsibility to meet with me about tasks done while they were absent. Only excused absences may receive make-up work credit.
Late Work
Assignments will be accepted for partial credit within a three-day timeframe from the due date.
1 Day late = -20%, two days -30%, three days -40%.
Write the date you are turning in the task and place it in my tray. Late work without submission dates will receive no credit.
Digital tasks: All digital tasks which are late must be printed and handed in. I will not accept late work via online platforms such as Google Classroom or Canvas.
Grade Disputes
Please review your grades, mistakes happen. If you feel there is an error, please meet with me prior to the end of the following unit if you wish to have corrections made due to possible errors. Grade disputes will be done in person, not through email.
504 Plans
Extra Time: If your 504 plan allows for extra time, please be aware you may be given material, such as exams, in sections. As you complete one part you will come get the second part.
Notecards: If you are allowed a notecard, it must be submitted to me 24 hours before the exam. No vocabulary definitions are allowed.
Field Trips and School Activities
Please be aware that participation in field trips or activities that would result in a student being out of the classroom can occur without a teacher signature on a clearance form, the signature just indicates what the student missed can be made-up. If a signature is required more than one-week in advance I may not be able to sign it but it does not mean they can not attend the event, it just means the task missed in class may not be able to be made-up. As the event approaches I am willing to revisit the issue and consider signing off when the event is a week out.
Controversial Material
Please be aware that the class will bring up modern events, that can be news articles, political cartoons, socratic seminars, and other modern issues. Be aware that any issue brought up will be for topic relevant subjects, for example: in US History we could discuss protesting as it relates to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech and when might there be limits to these rights. While I keep personal bias out of the classroom, some things are going to be related to politics and it will be based on whoever holds whatever office. If I speak about the Governor of California, my intention is not to say he (or she) is bad or good, but because he (or she) is the person holding that office, they would be discussed, not because I approve or disapprove of their policies personally. The same applies on a national level.
Final Note
Lastly, we will be studying social behavior, past and present.
Controversial issues will come up in class and everyone must feel free and safe to express their opinions without criticism. By listening to differing opinions and engaging in civil dialogue you will be more educated and better prepared to engage the world with a critical view and broad perspective.