Syllabus
American history
Strafford High School-2021/22
Mr. Baker
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/mrbakerhistory/home
Phone: 736-5000 Ext 1462
Conference Hour: 6th Hour-1:20-2:10 1st Semester-2nd: hour 9:00-10:55 2nd Semester
Course Description:
This course is designed to deal with modern American history, beginning with the American West. The course will end with a study of the current conflict in the Middle East. There are fourteen major units of focus for the year. Each unit is designed to explore one of these relationships: domestic relations and development, people groups' perspectives of events, or the relationship between the US and other nations.
Course Rationale:
It is the purpose of the Social Studies program at Strafford R-VI Schools to build the skills and knowledge that will help students to understand the world around them and to become good citizens. The focus of this course is for students to examine the major political, economic, social , and intellectual developments in American history. Students will gain an understanding of the changes in US government, major economic developments, causes and results of US wars, settlement and immigration patterns, and an understanding of the evolution of the American family and society. This class will include a focus on communication, research, analysis, and writing skills
Text:
Appleby, Joyce, et al. The American Vision: Modern Times. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2008.
This will be electronic-Chrome book-An electronic Form of the Text are available for transfer to your home computer
You are expected to have a pen, paper, and folder each day. This includes any assignment due that day. You will not be allowed to return to your locker to get the required materials.
Parent Communication:
Website: On the class website there are important dates for this class. There is information for each unit, copy of notes (must have all # defined filled out for credit), unit map, review sheet, & links on the unit topic. Address for American history course: http://sites.google.com/site/mrbakerhistory/home/american-history
Technology: Chrome books will be used throughout the year. This will include: Google Classroom and google meet. The Majority of assignments and assessments will be turned in online through google classroom with some required on paper.
Student Expectations:
Your grade will consist of unit tests, quizzes, and various class homework assignments. The grade will be figured as follows:
Test-40% (Unit tests over all material covered in each Unit 14-per year)
Quizzes-20% (Quizzes over Unit Maps, Social Studies vocabulary, and Review Quizzes- 1-2 per unit)
Homework-30% (Various assignments, semester assignments, daily history & notes)
Finals-10% (1st & 2nd Semester final)
Home Work/Assignments: All assignments will be posted on your google classroom page. All test will be on google forms.
If you can not finish an assignment in class it is homework and due the next day or when specified by instructor. If you do not have an assignment for any reason, it will be a zero; this includes completed assignments forgotten in lockers or if turning it in online time stamped after required due time.
You may still turn in or complete this assignment with these requirements:
1. Stay before or after school for the allotted time that was given in class to complete the assignment & any late assignment will be an automatic 1/2 Credit.
2. If you want to retake a test you must stay after school. (online portion only(this is the Multiple Choice and matching, if we have to take the written online that is not available for retake) and for only 70% max on retake) This does not include Unit Map quizzes.
Makeup Work: Make up work is to be turned in according to the school handbook. Missed tests must be made up before or after school by appointment. Missed notes should be available online. You are responsible to keep up with work missed due to a Quarantine or isolation due to COVID. Missed work is your responsibility, not mine.
Semester Projects: You will be assigned two semester projects ester.
1st Semester and Second-Review Portfolio: Consists of all completed Unit Portfolios-Detailed Rubric and Instructions will be given at a later date.
2nd Semester-Oral history-Research Paper: (Time permitting) You will complete an oral history interview on a historical topic. You will also research the topic of your interview and present it to the class.
Semester Final: Each semester there will be a comprehensive final. The final will be 10% of their semester grade.
Class Participation: History is a very dynamic and involving subject. You will be expected to participate in class discussions and group work. Failure to participate will have a negative effect on your grade.
Unit Portfolio- Unit Overview, Social Studies vocabulary, daily history, and notes: Will be checked on the pretest review according to the rubric. (Completed notes consist of all terms filled out and defined either through lecture or textbook)
Bathroom Policy: You are allotted three bathroom passes without a penalty per quarter. Unless it is an emergency you must wait until after we have completed our notes for the day. You will not be allowed to go before class, so do not ask. There will be a sheet for your hour that you must sign before you are allowed to go.
Other Class Rules: Students should refer to the student handbook for attendance, tardiness, and other school policies. School rules will be followed at all times in this classroom. No food or Drink
The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus and requirements if a certain aspect is not working correctly.
Course Outline:
First Semester
Introduction/Colonial to Reconstruction (Chapters 1-3)
The West (Chapter 4)
An Industrial Nation, Urban America & Gilded Age (chapter 5 & 6)
Progressive Movement (Chapters 8)
America as a World Power (Chapter 7)
World War I. (Chapter 9)
The Twenties (Chapter 10)
The Great Depression/New Deal (Chapter 11-12)
Second Semester
World War II. (Chapter 13-14)
The Cold War Begins & 1950’s (Chapters 15-16)
The Sixties (Chapter 17)
Civil Rights & Counter Culture (Chapters 18 & 20)
War in Vietnam (Chapters 19-20)
Seventies & Republican Years (Chapters 21-22)
Nineties to the Present (Chapters 23-24)