Academy Park High School
Course Syllabus
Black Cultures
Course Information
Credit Hour: 0.5
Marking Period: 1, 2
Time: Blocks 5
Teacher Website:
http://www.sedelco.org/Domain/527
Teacher Information
Name: Elizabeth Burns
Phone: 610-522-4330 x 6320
Office Location: 320
Office Hours: 7:10 – 7:30am; 2:35 – 3:00pm
E-Mail: eburns@sedelco.org
School Attributes
The manner in which we prepare students at Academy Park High School is informed by four attributes:
(1) Dedicated faculty who will hold themselves, at minimum, to the same standards as the students we
teach; (2) Positive relationships developed and nurtured between and among adults and students; (3) A
high level of rigor included in instructional practices via standards aligned and contextually driven
instruction; and (4) Connecting positive relationships with effective instruction for positive academy
RESULTS!
Course Description
The socioeconomic development of African-Americans in our society is examined in this course.
Students will learn of the ideas, attitudes, movements, and reforms related to Black culture in American
society.
Course Competencies/ Learning Objectives
Students who successfully complete Black Cultures will be competent in the following areas:

8.3.9.A: Compare the role groups and individuals played in the social, political, cultural, and economic
development of the U.S.

8.3.9.B: Compare the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places which are critical to the U.S.

8.3.9.C: Analyze how continuity and change have impacted the United States.

8.3.9.D: Interpret how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations have impacted the growth
and development of the U.S.

8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social, political, cultural, and
economic development of the world.

8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S. history which are
critical to world history.

8.3.12.C: Evaluate how continuity and change in U.S. history are interrelated with the world.

8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the U.S. have
influenced the growth and development of the world.
Student Evaluation
The grading system for the History Department at Academy Park High School is as follows:
Tests, Projects, & Major Papers
Quizzes, Classwork, & Minor Assignments
-
30% (classroom)
40% (classroom)
Attendance & Class Participation
Homework
-
20% (school wide)
10% (school wide)
The above areas will be used as the basis for 80% of your grade per semester. The midterm and/or final
exam will constitute the remaining 20% of your grade per semester.
Late Assignments/Extra Credit
Late assignments will NOT be accepted for full credit. Students may turn in assignments a day late for
half credit. After this point, the outstanding assignment will receive a zero. Extra credit may be given at
the teacher’s discretion if the student a) has completed and turned in all assignments up until that point
and b) asks the teacher for extra credit opportunities.
Attendance Policy
Regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. Academy Park
High School expects students to exercise good judgment regarding attendance and absences. Students will
accept full responsibility for ensuring their work does not suffer because of absences. All students are
expected to attend every scheduled class on time. Exceptions may be made for illness and valid
emergencies.
Classroom Expectations
1. Students will arrive to class on time.
2. Students will be prepared for the day’s lesson with paper, pen/pencil, etc.
3. All students will be respectful of the opinions of others and work together to discuss historical
and current events.
4. The teacher and students will work together in a respectful, safe classroom.
5. Participation in classroom discussions will enhance each student’s learning experiences.
6. Students are expected to have all assignments completed; this may require some work outside of
the classroom.
Class Requirements
- 3-Ring Binder (to hold papers in)
- Loose-leaf notebook paper
- Pens/Pencils
Plagiarism, Cheating, and Academic Integrity
Plagiarism is the practice of copying words, sentences, images, or ideas for use in written or oral
assessments without giving proper credit to the source. Cheating is defined as the giving or receiving of
illegal help on anything that has been determined by the teacher to be an individual effort. Both are
considered serious offenses and will significantly affect your course grade. Please refer to the Student
Code of Conduct booklet for additional information.
Methodology
A combination of lecture, class discussion, presentations, videos, cooperative learning, and problembased learning will be used in this course. Grades will be determined by the satisfactory and timely
completion of assignments. The grade of each assignment is based on the prerequisite given for each
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assignment. Below is an overview of topic/ units and major assessments/assignments for this course.
Please note dates/timeframes are subject to change and are an estimate. Assessments are subject to
changes based on the teacher’s discretion.
Unit
Intro
1
2
3
4
5
Topic
Projects/Assessments
Study of Cultures
Beginnings in Africa
The Atlantic Slave
Trade
African Americans
help create a New
Nation
African Americans in
the New Republic
Steps to Freedom
The Reconstruction Era
The Separation of the
Races
A New Century and
New Opportunities
The Great Depression
and WWII
First Steps Towards
Equality
The Movement
Continues
A Time of Transition
Impact of the 2000s
Semester
Timeline
September
African Cultures Project
September
Cause-and-Effect Analysis
October
Harlem Renaissance Art Project
November
Leaders of the Civil Rights
Project
December
Modern-Day Reflection
January
General Information
This class is meant to be both educational and enjoyable for all parties. To make this possible, students
should arrive to class every day with an open mind and the willingness to learn new or different subjects.
If there is ever any need to get in touch with me, please feel free to call, or email me (email is best).
Please acknowledge that you have read and understand the information explained above
________________________________
Parent Signature
____________________________
Student Signature
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