Early American History (RL 2)
Penncrest High School
First Semester 2015 – 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. 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.
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, mini - 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. Keep in mind this is a semester course. 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. 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 up to 3 days late with a penalty of losing a letter grade for each day it is 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. 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.