American History 9 – Syllabus
“Pursuing American Ideals”
Instructor
Mrs. Glowa
E-mail
sglowa@wiu.k12.pa.us
To dream anything that you want to dream, that is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you
want to do, that is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself, to test your limits, that is the courage to
succeed.
-Bernard Edmonds
Course Description:
American History I examines United States political, social and economic history from the
end of the Civil War through World War II. It is a continuation of the course taken by
students in 8th grade. Through the use of reading, writing, map work, skit and role
playing, lecture and discussion, and analysis of art, music, literature, film, and other
resources, we will explore the history and culture of the United States through some of its
most exciting years. Students will be guided to understand and appreciated not only the
role of American leaders, but also the crucial part played by ordinary people in sharing
our world through the late 19th and 20th century as the U.S. rose and became a
superpower.
Course Objectives:
 Master a broad body of historical knowledge
 Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology
 Use historical data to support an argument or position
 Interpret and apply primary sources, including diaries and journals, cartoons,
letters, graphs, photographs, music, etc.
 Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and
contrast, etc.
 Apply research and writing skills
 Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems
Course Topics of Study:
INTRODUCTION – What makes America unique?
Defining and Debating America’s Founding Ideals
UNIT 1 – Rebuilding the Union
Reconstruction, 1865-1877
UNIT II – American Transformed
Change and Conflict in the American West, 1860-1900
The Age of Innovation and Industry, 1860-1914
Labor’s Response to Industrialism, 1890-1920
UNIT III – Modern America Emerges
The Immigrant Experience, 1880-1920
Uncovering the Problems at the Turn of the Century, 1890-1920
The Progressives Respond, 1890-1920
UNIT IV – America on the World Stage
Foreign Policy: Setting a Course for Expansionism, 1880-1917
Becoming a World Power, 1880-1917
World War I and Its Legacy, 1914-1920
UNIT V – The 1920s and the Great Depression
The Politics of the Roaring Twenties, 1919-1929
The Roaring Life of the 1920s, 1920-1929
The Great Depression Begins, 1929-1933
The New Deal and Its Legacy, 1933-1940
UNIT VI – The World at War
The Origins of World War II, 1931-1941
The United States in World War II, 1941-1945
World War II on the Home Front, 1941-1945
Text:

History Alive: Pursuing American Ideals
Materials:
Students will be provided with the necessary course materials and resources:
 Folder/binder for all materials
 Journal
 Textbook
Technology:
Students should purchase a flash drive to for their high school career. Many times
students will need to complete a revised copy of an assignment. This is a portable way
to keep their documents. The Library has flash drive rentals for a night for 25 cents.

Flash Drive
Classroom Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be in your seat when the bell rings.
Bring all books and materials to class including your independent novel.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
You cannot disrupt other students from learning.
You cannot disrupt the teacher from teaching.
Consequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Non-verbal warning
Verbal warning
Conference in the hall
Parent phone call
Referral to Administration
*Serious Infractions will be referred to the office immediately
Classroom Procedures:
1. When you enter the classroom, you must be quiet and in your assigned seat
before the tardy bell rings.
2. Before the ringing of the bell, take out your materials and begin your daily warm
up assignment.
3. If you are tardy, you must bring a slip from the office or a transfer slip and hand it
to the teacher.
4. The chalkboard will state the daily assignments and objectives.
5. When you turn in a paper or assignment, place it in the gold basket.
6. During lessons and discussion, raise your hand and the teacher will call on you.
7. During classroom discussions, you must participate and make all questions and
comments relative to the current discussion.
8. When you need to use the rest room, you must ask permission then sign out by
placing your name, the date, and time on the clipboard and take the pass with
you. You must sign in when you get back.
9. You may bring a drink/snack to class as long as they do not become a distraction.
If you make a mess, you will be cleaning it up.
10. When you finish your class work early, you can work on any unfinished History
assignments or read your historical fiction novel.
11. You may move around the room to get supplies, tissues or sharpen your pencil
after the directions are given for the assignment.
12. The end of the period is when the teacher, not the bell, dismisses you. Do not
pack up early.
Important Class Policy:
*I will not tolerate any expressions of racism, sexism, or any other type of discrimination.
Throughout this course we will be examining many different lifestyles, cultures and ideas.
All people, regardless of differences, deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy.
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Major Assessments Worth Noting:
Unit Assessments -By the conclusion of each unit, you will be required to answer the
essential question and prove your understanding through a summative assessment.
Other formative measures will occur throughout the semester as well to assess learning
and drive instruction.
Historical Fiction PowerPoint Presentations – This will be based around reading a historical
novel of your choice independently. The presentations will be due at the end of the
semester.
Other Assessments Include: Journal Entries, Quizzes, Tests, in class assignments, Essays,
Projects, Exit Slips and Participation.
Grading:
Grading will follow the policy of the Greensburg Salem School District
90-100 = A 80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
Retesting - A student may retest on a test (not quizzes). In order to qualify for a
retest, the student must meet with the teacher either before or after school so
materials can be re-explained/taught. After the tutoring session, the student will
need to arrange to take a new test after school at instructional makeup. There
needs to be at least a 1-day notice of the tutoring session.
American History 9 – Syllabus
“Pursuing American Ideals”
Instructor
Mrs. Glowa
E-mail
sglowa@wiu.k12.pa.us
This syllabus has been prepared as a guide to acquaint you with the policies and
procedures in American History 9
You are responsible for sharing this document with your parent(s) and or guardian(s).
When you sign and date this document you are recognizing receipt of the syllabus
and that you are familiar with policies and procedures.
Student’s Name (Please Print):
____________________________________________________
Signature:
____________________________________________________
Date:
____________________________________________________
Student Gaggle Email:
____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (Please Print):
____________________________________________________
Signature:
____________________________________________________
Date:
____________________________________________________
Phone:
____________________________________________________
Email:
____________________________________________________
*This form needs to be returned to Mrs. Glowa by:________________________________