AMERICAN HISTORY (2024-2025)
Instructor: Drew E. Walden
Phone: (316)322-4810
Email (Preferred): dewalden@usd490.org
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of American history from the Reconstruction era following the Civil War to the present day. Students will analyze the socio-political, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped the United States during this transformative period. Through a variety of learning activities, including readings, discussions, projects, and assessments, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the nation's history and its impact on contemporary society.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the major political, social, and economic changes in the United States from Reconstruction to the present.
Analyze the causes and effects of key events and movements in American history.
Identify and assess the influence of diverse cultural, ethnic, and social groups on American society.
Evaluate primary and secondary sources to interpret historical events and draw informed conclusions.
Recognize the connections between past events and current issues in American society.
Develop effective research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Required Materials:
In order to ensure active participation as well as overall learning a notebook will be required. This notebook will be periodically checked by the instructor to confirm active participation and that students have the requisite knowledge and mastery of content needed to be successful in this course.
Grading Structure:
Grades in this course will be weighted according to the following categories:
-Participation: 10%
Active engagement in class discussions, group activities, notebook checks, and overall contribution to the learning environment.
-Assignments and Quizzes: 40%
Homework assignments (Homework will be exceedingly rare), in-class exercises, projects, and quizzes that assess understanding of the material on an ongoing basis.
-Tests: 50%
Major exams and assessments that evaluate comprehensive understanding of key concepts and content covered in the course.
A= 90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=0-59%
Technology in the classroom (EHS 24-25 Student Handbook Pgs. 12-13):
Cell Phone Guideline: To create an optimal learning environment, cell phones may not
be used in the classroom. Students are welcome to use their phones during passing
periods, before and after school, and during lunch. By the time the bell rings to start class,
phones should be silenced and put away in a backpack, pocket, or other secure location.
Smart watches should not be utilized for app usage, messaging, or other non-essential
functions during class. AirPods and headphones are allowed at the teacher's discretion.
In order to help everyone stay engaged, staff members will address a student who has a
cell phone out during class and document the student's name with the office.
Consequences for cell violations may include:
- Documented warning and administrative conference
- Secure phone pouch for remainder of the day
- Administrative Detention with parent phone call
- Night or Saturday School with parent phone call
- 1-3 Days In-School Suspension with Parent Meeting and Individualized Plan
- Matrix Points
Device Requirement:
All students are required to bring their school-issued devices to class each day. These devices must be fully charged and ready for use at the start of each class. The devices will be used for a variety of activities, including research, accessing course materials, completing assignments, and participating in interactive lessons.
Expectations:
Preparedness: Ensure your device is charged before arriving at class. There will be limited opportunities to charge devices during class time.
Usage: Devices are to be used for educational purposes only. Non-educational use during class will result in consequences as outlined in the technology policy.
Failure to bring a charged device may result in loss of participation points and could impact your ability to complete in-class assignments, potentially affecting your overall grade.
Cheating/Plagiarism/Forgery (23-34 student handbook, pg 3):
The acts of cheating, plagiarism, or forgery in connection with academic endeavors or school processes or procedures are detrimental to the educational process and are subject to disciplinary action and loss of credit and may be a matrix violation.
Utilizing Individual Work Time:
Dedicated classroom time will be allotted for students to complete designated assignments. Effectively utilizing this time is crucial for earning credit. Engaging in activities unrelated to the assigned task, such as phone use, socializing, etc. during this period significantly hinders the student’s learning and will result in zero credit with no chance to make it up. This dedicated time is a valuable investment in understanding the material and excelling in the course.
Free seating:
Students are to remain in their assigned seats during instruction. If students do not have any missing assignments, they will be permitted to sit anywhere they’d like during individual work time.
Late Work:
Students can turn in any assignment from the current unit up until the day of the unit test, after which late work will not be accepted.
Plan of Study (whole year):
Unit 1: American Beginnings (Brief overview of American History from 1492-1865)
Unit 2: Westward Expansion
Unit 3: Industrialization
Unit 4: Immigration and Urbanization
Unit 5: The Progressive Era
Unit 6: U.S. Imperialism
Unit 7: World War One
Unit 8: Roaring 20s
Unit 9: Great Depression
Unit 10 and 10.5: The New Deal and the Rise of Fascism in Eurasia
Unit 11: World War 2
Unit 12: Beginnings of the Cold War
Unit 13: The Vietnam War
Unit 14: The Civil Rights Movement
Unit 18: Changing of the Guard- End of the Cold War to Today
Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Any modifications will be communicated to students in a timely manner. Students are responsible for staying informed about any changes that may affect the course structure, schedule, or requirements.
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