Syllabus
PREP U.S. History
The preparatory United States History course is designed to prepare students for a comprehensive
STAAR U.S. History exam to be given in May 2015. The class includes examination of major themes and
concepts in U.S. History, including past and contemporary problems and democratic attempts at solutions.
Students will use a survey textbook and selected historical documents as resources. Students will be expected
to develop a personal reservoir of factual knowledge in order to exercise analytic skills. Students will be
expected to read and interpret maps, charts, cartoons, graphs, and primary resources such as personal diaries,
political speeches, literary selections, contracts, and newspaper or other media reports.
Materials: You will need the following items in class EVERY DAY:
1. One 3-Subject Spiral Notebook
2. Pen
Donations : to facilitate classroom activities the following items need to be brought and shared.
Period 2 – two highlighters
Period 4 & 7 – 1 box of tissue
Period 5 – a package of blue or black ball point pens
Period 6 – 2 glue sticks
Textbook: American Nation. Take this book home and keep it there. You will be required to use this book
at home to complete homework and prepare for tests.
Notebook: Your spiral is your record of work in this class. You will copy objectives, assignments, and journal
topics from the board daily. In addition to those items it will contain notes and your individual work.
Grades: Major tests and major projects will count as 70% and all other grades will be 30%. Graded activities
will include written essays, presentations, class work, homework, and quizzes. Social Studies testing days are
Tuesday and Friday.
If you are absent you will need to make up all assignments and tests in a timely manner to receive a grade for
them. See the WHS website for more information about the grading policy:
http://hs.houstonisd.org/westsidehs/index.html
Behavior: Rules for this class are listed below and posted in roomE236:
1. Arrive to class on time with required materials
2. Follow all instructions
3. Be respectful to the teacher
4. Be respectful to your classmates
5. No food, drinks or electronic devices are allowed
Contact Information: Mrs. Heather Barrow
Room – East 236
Email – hbarrow@houstonisd.org
Conference period – 3rd
Tutorials – Tuesday – 7:15-7:45 am, Lunch
Wednesday – 7:15-7:45 am, Lunch
Thursday - Lunch
Friday – 7:15-7:45
** Notification of intent to attend tutorials is appreciated, but not required.
Course Outline
Please understand dates are subject to change and current lesson plans can be found on line at
www.westsidewolves.org
First Six Weeks –
Unit 1 Gilded Age
Unit 2 Imperialism and Reform
Second Six Weeks – Unit 3 World War One and Social Change in the 1920’s
Unit 4 Prosperity and Depression
Third Six Weeks Unit 5 Rise of Dictators and World War II
Fall Final Exams -
December 16-19
Fourth Six Weeks -
Unit 6 Cold War
Unit 7 Civil Rights
Unit 8 Change Over Time
Unit 9 Constitutional Issues and Changes
Unit 10 Foundations of America
Unit 11 Contemporary Issues
Fifth Six Weeks Sixth Six Weeks -
Spring Final Exams - May 26-29