Mr. Harris
Syllabus
American History
Course Description:
Students will study the history of the United States (Reconstruction to
present date).
Unit 1: Foundations and Background to American History
Unit 2 / 3: Industrialization and the Gilded Age / American Society
in Transition
Unit 4: The Progressive Era
Unit 5: America Builds an Empire
Unit 6: America in WWI
Unit 7: The Roaring Twenties
Unit 8: The Great Depression and the New Deal
Unit 9: America in WWII
Unit 10: America in the Cold War and the Civil Rights Years
Unit 11: The Sixties: A Decade of Protest and Change
Unit 12: Crisis and Resurgence
Unit 13: America in the New Millennium
Assignments
Students are required to complete all assigned work. If a student is absent (excused) they
may make up the work. It is the student’s responsibility to get the work. This includes
handouts, tests, current events, and homework or special assignments. There will be a
TWO DAY late day penalty resulting in 20% off each day maxing at 2 days. Late work
will be accepted if you have an excused absent.
50% of Grade
Tests
Tests will be announced well ahead of time. Students will receive a study guide at the
beginning of the chapter. Everything on the test will be located somewhere on your
study-guide or review sheet or in your textbook. Tests will vary in format to allow for
diversity and cater to individual’s successes. The tests are major grades.
25% of Grade
Chapter Reviews
Students will receive a chapter review at the beginning of the chapter. Chapter reviews
are DUE the day of the test. You use the study guides all the way up to your test to study
for. The book is used as a reference and a reference only. You will have an opportunity
to work on your chapter reviews in class if you use your time efficiently. You need to
complete identifications. You need to locate if applicable. You also need to complete
the essay questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES. The chapter review is a daily grade.
Special Assignments
In some cases each chapter you will be given a special assignment to complete with your
Chapter Review. These special assignments deal with the chapter. You might be asked
to trace a map or create a project or work together in pairs to complete a special project.
Some projects will be daily grades and some will be major grades.
Notebook Checks
Your notebook will contain class notes, current events and anything thing else you wish
regarding history. The notebook checks will be done at random. If you have your notes
you receive a “100” for the day. If you do not have your notes for that day you get a “0.”
Notebook checks are done for the simple reason to maintain participation in the class. If
you want a good grade you will take notes. You need a Presidential Section, a Creative
Writing Section & a Note Section in your notebook.
Essay Questions
Must be answered in complete sentences and must be complete.
25% of Grade
Group Projects & Multi-Media Projects
There will be group projects throughout the year.
Your groups will be picked via lottery and it will be a combination of peer grading and
teacher grading. Each group member must carry his/her weight when completing work.
Current Events
An article is due on selected Fridays and you will know well in advance. Please attach
the article to a brief summary. Each student will be required to share the article with the
class and a discussion will follow. A current event must deal with world events.
Newspapers, internet, magazines and books are recommended sources. The current event
must be completed before you enter class the Friday it is due
Debate
On Friday, once, every two months, we will have a debate. This will be announced so
there will be no current event due the day of a debate. Everyone must participate in the
debate.
Participation
Participation in readings, lessons, discussions, projects, current events and debates will
help you tremendously in your grade. Class Behavior is included in this part of your
grade. It is very important to participate because this will help determine the ambiguities
of grading.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit will be provided throughout the year and is available upon request.
Grades
Grades will be made up of tests, class participation, chapter reviews, debates and current
events along with group projects. Students that meet all requirements of the school’s
policies on exemptions will be exempt.
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=75-79
D=70-74
F=69 - Below
Two nine week grades are averaged in to make a semester grade
Two semester grades are 60% of overall grade
20% is your Midterm and 20% is your Final Exam
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
REWARD