American History Syllabus
The American Revolution through the Civil War
Length of Course:
Recommended Level:
Prerequisites:
Credit:
Required for Graduation:
One Semester
11 or 12
None
1
Yes
Course Description
This course in American History spans from the French-Indian War to the end of the
Civil War. The topics covered will help the student better understand major events and
people that have been vital in shaping our nation. Major topics to be studied include the
American Revolution, making of the constitution, the Presidents from Washington to
Lincoln, the War of 1812, the road to the Civil War, and the Civil War itself.
Instructor Information
Mr. Scott Black
Email: blackc@charleston.k12.il.us
Website: http://www.charleston.k12.il.us/chs/teachers/tblacks/index.htm
Phone: 217-639-5107
Co-Instructor Information (5th Hour)
Ms. Lisa Goldacker
Phone: 217-639-5105
Class room: 418
Class room: 413
Materials
 Pen or pencil
 Three-ring binder with paper or spiral notebook with paper and pockets
 Textbook: The American Vision – 2003 edition
Course Objectives
Students will understand:
 Events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, and the
United States
 How to examine and analyze the events of the past and use these events as a
powerful tool for understanding the events of today and the future.
 How people, nations, actions and interactions have led to today's realities
 How to better define their own roles as participating citizens.
American History Syllabus
The American Revolution through the Civil War
Course Content
First Semester
Topic
Tentative Week Covered
Unit 2 Creating a Nation 1754-1816
Week 1 - 4
Unit 3 The Young Republic 1789-1850
Week 5 - 10
Unit 4 The Crisis of Union 1848-1877
Week 11 -17
Note: Course Content and Schedule are subject to change based on the time available
to complete the subject matter
Interesting Websites
 www.whitehouse.gov
 www.constitution.org
 www.americanpresident.org
Course Rules & Requirements
Make up Work—You are responsible for any assignments, quizzes, exams, lecture
notes or in class work, which are missed due to an excused absence. If I am not
contacted within one day from an excused absence, you will receive a zero on the
missed assignment
Honesty—Those students subject to academic dishonesty may receive a non-passing
grade for the assignment, exam, and/or the entire semester.
Classroom Protocol—This class will follow the rules of the Charleston High School
Student Handbook. Furthermore, if we all follow the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you
want to be treated,” class will go much more smoothly.
Grading Policy
Your grade will be based on a percentage of points possible. The grading scale is
equivalent to the Charleston High School grading scale described in your Student
Handbook.
Activity
Possible Points Available
Unit Exams, (3 total, 100 points each)
300
Term Paper (1 per semester)
100
One comprehensive semester exam (100 pts each)
100
Homework assignments (10 pts each)
200
Note: Actual number of points may vary due to the amount of time available to complete
all the anticipated subject matter.
Student Accommodations
Students will have access to all materials needed for this class. Accommodation will be
made without reservation to those students who need assistance.