U.S. Historical Perspectives in Cinema
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United States Historical Perspectives in Cinema
Teacher: Mrs. Arneson
Email: jarneson@burlington.k12.il.us
Office: Room 106
The primary objective of this course is to study the different perspectives of history
portrayed by the film industry. This class will teach you to analyze what really happened,
versus what was made up for the entertainment value of the movie.
The following are requirements for success in this course:
 Absences/Tardiness: Be here!! And on time! YOU are responsible for all work
missed due to absences. It is also YOUR responsibility to inform your teacher of
pre-arranged absences in a timely manner to ensure you are aware of what will
be missed.
o If you have to miss a class, you will be responsible to rent movies from
the LMC so that you catch up on what you missed.

Preparation: Completion of homework, outside reading, viewing of videos, and
movie reviews, etc. is essential. Being prepared gives you the opportunity to
succeed on tests and quizzes.

BYOD: Electronic devices are ONLY to be used with my approval. You may not
have your device out at any time, unless specified by me. There will be days
when we will use BYOD and I will let you know when those days occur.
Course Outline:
The American Revolution
The Civil War
Native American Culture
The Old West
1920’s/Depression
1950’s/60’s Life
Cuban Missile Crisis
1970’s/80’s Life
Modern War & Conflict
Modern Civil Action
Sept. 11th/Terrorism
The Patriot (R)
Glory (R)
Dances with Wolves (PG-13)
Wyatt Earp (PG-13)
Cinderella Man (PG-13)
American Graffiti (PG)
Thirteen Days (PG-13)
Miracle (PG)
The Black Hawk Down (R)
The Insider (NR)
World Trade Center (PG-13)
A strong attempt has been made to include movies that are based on actual events,
even though some may be historically inaccurate. Also, movies were selected to avoid
specific R rated material. The movies that are rated R are mostly due to realistic war
violence.
U.S. Historical Perspectives in Cinema
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Grading: Each unit we cover will have the following breakdown for grades: Unit tests
and projects are EACH worth 30%, homework is worth 25% and class participation is
worth 15%. The final will be worth 20% of the overall points for the semester.
Explanation of Grading:
 Class Participation - Participation grades will be given on a regular basis. You are
expected to pay attention during this class. Falling asleep or doing work for other
classes will result in a ZERO for the day.

Homework - Our class will not have daily homework. However, as you can see
from above homework is worth a large portion of your grade and successful
completion of this class will not be had without completing homework. Some
homework may come from your book and some will come from outside sources.
o Quizzes - Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Some quizzes
will be announced and some will be pop quizzes. Quizzes will always be a
review of previously learned material. These will fall under the homework
category.

Tests - Each unit will have one formal test covering major points of the unit. This
test will include matching, multiple choice, reading comprehension, vocabulary,
and writing.

Final Exam - At the conclusion of the semester will have a formal final exam. The
final exam will encompass major highlights of the units we have covered. This
test will be formatted the same as unit tests but greater in length. Students will
be given a study guide and have a formal review session before the final.
Grading Scale: 100% - 90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% - 70% = C
69% - 60% = D
59% - 0% = F
U.S. Historical Perspectives in Cinema
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Late/Absent Policy:
 Tests – If your absences from class is excused you will be given 5 school days from
the time of your absences to make up the test. If the test is scheduled within 5
school days of a major break (i.e. Thanksgiving break, Winter Recess, Spring Break)
your test must be made up the first available day you are physically capable of
taking the test. If you have an unexcused absences from class you will not be
allowed to re-take the test and will receive a zero (basically, do not skip class).

Final Exam – If you have an excused absences during the final exam we will work out
a time for you to take the exam. The exam must be taken as soon as possible (even if
this means before or after school hours).

Quizzes – If your absences from class is excused you will be expected to take the
quiz the next day you are in school. However, this make-up must occur during lunch,
study hall or before/after school. You will not be able to make it up during class
time. If you have an unexcused absences from class you will not be allowed to make
up the quiz and will receive a zero (basically, do not skip class).

Homework- It is due at the time specified by the teacher. Homework will only be
accepted late for ½ credit within the unit it was due. Every student will receive 2
homework passes that can be used to receive full credit for an assignment.
U.S. HPC
Name: _______________________
Late HW Pass Fall ‘14
-May only be used once
-Not replaceable if lost
-ONLY for HW assignments
-Excluded items: projects, papers,
essays, tests, and presentations
U.S. HPC
Name: _________________________
Late HW Pass Fall ‘14
-May only be used once
-Not replaceable if lost
-ONLY for HW assignments
-Excluded items: projects, papers,
essays, tests, and presentations