Early American History (RL 1)
Penncrest High School
Second Semester 2016
Mrs. Staiger
Room: B219
E-mail: sstaiger@rtmsd.org
Telephone: 610-627-6304
Homework on my website
The overall objective of this semester long course is to study the history and people
of the United States, from the time of the French & Indian War, fought in the English
colonies in the mid – 18th Century, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, in the mid –
19th Century. In addition to studying the history of this timeframe, we will address US
geography, economics, civics & government, and society & culture. Through monitoring
current events, we will keep up on what is becoming tomorrow’s history. A more specific
list of objectives is listed on the back of this syllabus.
This class will use the text, United States History (from Pearson), which is to have a
cover on it at all times. While this is the major source for this class, other materials will
also be used including primary sources and articles from respected historians. You should
expect to be reading and writing on a daily basis both in class and at home. All
assignments and tests are to be completed to the best of your ability. You should always
take pride in what you hand in for a grade. It should go without saying that all work should
be completed on time.
In each marking period we will complete a major project. For the first marking
period we will work with topics from our course and produce a digital presentation. In the
second marking period, we will complete a project dealing with biographies of famous
Americans. Potentially up to two other smaller projects may be assigned each marking
period as time and topics allow.
For this class you will need to bring all materials everyday unless I say otherwise.
You will need your assigned textbook (with a book cover), pen or pencil, folder and a
means of taking notes. I recommend that you put my name on your book cover, so that if
it gets misplaced it can be returned quickly. For assignments, tests, or anything that you
will hand in, use only pencil or blue or black ink pen. Keep a folder or a section of your
binder exclusively for this class. In addition to digital resources, you will also need to keep
all handouts and graded items to prepare for the final exam. I will expect you to produce
any of these handouts at any time. You are to take notes during class and from reading
assignments; however the form of these notes is up to you. I will often provide you with a
digital copy from which to start but you are expected to annotate these base notes further.
Work should be handed in neatly done for both digital assignments and written work.
Practice your organizational skills; you will need them for the rest of your life.
Your grade for this class is based on your performance in the following areas: class
participation, attendance, assignments, tests, quizzes, the major and minor projects, and
attitude. Your grade will also be affected by the department final examination. Grades are
based on Rose Tree Media’s standards as found in your student handbook. Do keep in
mind that final grades for the year are numerically averaged, using the averages from each
marking period and the exam grade. Do your personal best and you will succeed.
Opportunities for extra- credit do arise, and it is highly suggested that you take advantage
of them when offered. There will not be any last minute extra credit work at the end of a
marking period. Do not ask.
Late / make up work policy is as follows and will be different for major projects. If
you are absent from school and it is an EXCUSED absence, all work is to be made up in a
reasonable amount of time and you should consult with me upon your return to school. If
you expect to miss class for a field trip, guidance appointment, or because you were late to
school, I expect the assignment to be handed in sometime during the day. There is no
excuse for not knowing the assignments, because you can always check my website or
the myHomework app and I expect you to do so. Assignments are to be completed on
time. School is your first priority and that includes homework. Should unforeseen events
occur, you may turn assignments in 1 day late with a penalty of losing a letter grade for it
being late. After that no credit will be given. In the case of an UNEXCUSED absence, no
credit will be given for any assignments due and/ or class work for that day.
When you pass your present level of ability and accomplishment as a student then
you will have succeeded in this class. This is a Level I course and you will be treated in
such a manner. At the same time, I expect you to devote the energies needed to succeed.
Do not fall behind. Do keep in mind that I am always available to discuss difficulties or
ideas, just come see me. Let's have a great, productive semester!
“There is no substitute for hard work.” – Thomas A. Edison
Course Objectives- To be referred to periodically and revised if the class sees fit.
1- To show the relationship between the past and the present in America.
2- To better understand how the various ethnic and religious groups have affected the
United States.
3- To develop continuing interest in our country through the use of current events.
4- To become a well informed citizen of the United States.
5- To open our minds to the positive aspects of all that America has to offer.
6- To acquire a realization that our culture is made up a various ideas acquired from other
parts of the world.
7- To realize that people are different and that is just fine.