US History

US History Syllabus

Mr. Lenzmeier

Course Description: 

This course explores the political, social, and economic development of the United States from the Progressive Era to today. Emphasis is placed on analyzing sources, developing historical arguments, and connecting past events to present issues through research, discussion, and writing.

Major Units/Topics:

Sem 1

Progressive Era

Gilded Age, Progressive Movement, Teddy Roosevelt, 1912 Election

1920s

Immigration policies/quotas, Republican Presidents, Policies, Economic factors

Great Depression

Causes, Dust Bowl, New Deal, Life during the Depression

WWII

WW1 v WW2, homefront, Japanese internment camps, Holocaust, Lend-lease act, Atomic Bomb, Major battles and results.

1950s

Containment Policy, Domino Theory, Korean War, Duck and cover, Brown v Board, Civil Rights Movement, Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam, Eisenhower, Geneva Accords

Sem 2

1960s and Civil Rights Movement

Election 1960, JFK vs LBJ, New Deal v Great Society, Medicare v Medicaid, Major Court Cases, Malcolm X, Black Panther movement

1960s and Vietnam War

Vietnam War, technology, horrors, and resistance

1970s

Nixon, Watergate, President Ford, President Carter

1980s

New Right, Election of 1980, Reagan’s Presidency, Cold War, Berlin Wall, War on Drugs, Deregulation, 

1990s-2000s

GW Bush, Desert Storm, 1992 election, Clinton, 2000 Election, 9/11, Patriot Act, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq

Objectives:

Evaluate primary and secondary sources.

Create claims and arguments from the sources.

Explain the context around historical events.

Explore social, political, cultural, and economic themes of United States history.

Grading Scale:

A = 95-100

AB = 90-49

B = 85-89

BC = 80-84

C = 75-79

CD = 71-74

D = 68-70

Mr. Lenzmeier’s grading scale reflects the Xavier grading scale. 

Points Categories by weight:

Summative:

Summative exams/quizzes/projects = 55%

Skills:

Assignments/Homework = 35%

Participation = 10%

**Participation for this course includes but is not limited to: speaking, listening attentively, peer support, note-taking, asking questions, bringing evidence, etc. Mr. Lenzmeier will track participation. Students will also be provided reflections that will count towards participation scoring.  Off track behaviors, not listening, disruptions etc. will all lower a participation score. 

Assignment types/major assignments:

This course contains a research project worth summative points! 

Multiple choice quizzes/practice, readings, journals, exams, pamphlets, worksheets, simulations, projects, posters, presentations, etc. Mr. Lenzmeier is willing to take suggestions on assignment/project ideas to cater to interests or passions! I love learning and want you to love it as well!

Classroom Rules:

1. Respect the teacher and most importantly respect fellow classmates.

2. Work hard!

3. Stay on task!

4. Please use class time for class. Do not gather by the door as the class is winding down, instead use your time wisely!

5. Come prepared with learning materials.

6. Eyes, ears, and listening when others are talking/lecturing/in discussion/debate, etc.

7. Be on your absolute very best behavior when guests, substitutes, and/or student teachers are in the classroom.

8. Building-wide rules are classroom rules. Dress code, phone usage, etc. are all covered in the Student handbook.

9. After asking Mr. Lenzmeier use designated restroom passes

10. Cheating and plagiarism are not permitted. If you are going to use the work of others, properly cite it otherwise cheating will be assumed. All instances of cheating will lead to a 0 in the gradebook. See the school handbook for further guidelines.

Student conduct: Following classroom rules is not only the expectation, but it is the standard. Consistent demonstration of inability to follow rules and directions by the teacher will result in consequences.  The continual breaking of classroom rules will also lead to consequences. The school-wide code of conduct must also be followed within Mr. Lenzmeier’s classroom. See the student handbook for more on student conduct. Also, see Consequences section for more.

Participation: Participation is valued extremely highly in this class. Participation is an indication of hard work and an avid desire to learn. This reflects highly on you as a person and as a learner! Don't be afraid to get it wrong! Failing is the first step in learning and active participation leads to better grades and a better understanding of course material.

Absences: Participation is highly valued in this class. Because of this, continual unexcused absences will be a detriment to your course grade. Communication with the instructor is expected. See student handbook for more information. 

Late Work/Missing Work: 

Communication is key. You must communicate with Mr. Lenzmeier beforehand if you will be missing class time. 

Unexcused late work can be completed for 50% credit. 

For difficult circumstances communicate with the instructor. Mr. Lenzmeier reserves the final say on late work credit.

Consequences: Continually breaking classroom or building rules will lead to consequences.

1 instance – verbal or nonverbal redirection

2 instances – conversation with the teacher

3 instances – communication with administration

Mr. Lenzmeier reserves the right to skip steps based on the severity of the behavior.

See also: Behavior Matrix in Student Handbook

Read and Sign:

This signifies that I (Insert name):_______________ have completely read and understood the course syllabus for (Insert class):________________. I understand classroom rules and expectations. I understand that the syllabus is subject to change at any time by Mr. Lenzmeier and he will communicate clearly new expectations/changes. 

(Student Signature):____________________________ (Date):___________