Honors United States History
Fall 2012 Syllabus
West Forsyth High School
Course Description:
The following goals will be covered within the content of U.S. History as described in the
Standard Course of Study provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. All
objectives for U.S. History along with Terms, Suggested Activities for students, and Primary and
Secondary Resources are located at www.ncpublicschools.org.
Goals for U.S. History:
1. The New Nation (1789-1820) – The learner will identify, investigate, and assess the
effectiveness of the institutions of the emerging republic.
2. Expansion and Reform (1801-1850) – The learner will assess the competing forces of
expansion.
3. Crisis, Civil War, and Reconstruction (1848-1877) – The learner will analyze the issues that
led to the Civil War, the effects of the war, and the impact of reconstruction on the nation.
4. The Great West and the Rise of the Debtor (1860-1896) – The learner will evaluate the great
westward movement and assess the impact of the agricultural revolution on the nation.
5. Becoming an Industrial Society (1877-1900) – The learner will describe innovations in
technology and business practices and assess their impact on economic, political, and social
life in America.
6. The Emergence of the United States in World Affairs (1890-19140 – The learner will analyze
causes and effects of the United States emergence as a world power.
7. The Progressive Movement in the United States (1890-1914) – The learner will analyze the
economic, political, and social reforms of the Progressive Period.
8. The Great War and It’s Aftermath (1914-1930) – The learner will analyze United States
involvement in World War I and the war’s influence on international affairs during the
1920’s.
9. Prosperity and Depression (1919-1939) – The learner will appraise the economic, social, and
political changes of “The Twenties” and “The Thirties”.
10. World War II and the Beginning of The Cold War (1930-1963) – The learner will analyze the
United States involvement in World War II and the war’s influence on international affairs in
the following decades.
11. Recovery, Prosperity, Turmoil (1945-1980) – The learner will trace economic, political, and
social development and assess their significance for the lives of Americans during this time
period.
12. The United States since the Vietnam War (1973-present) – The learner will identify and
analyze trends in domestic and foreign affairs of the United States during this time period.
Expectations for Performance of Students:
1. All students are able to learn – The basis for instruction starts with the foundation that all
students can and will learn about the history of the United States. Successful completion of
the course is a requirement for graduation from high school in the state of North Carolina.
2. All students will be prepared to learn – Students will be expected to come to class prepared to
learn. Students will be assigned daily homework that will include a review of previously
covered material as well as readings that relate to topics that will be covered the next day.
Students will be expected to bring paper, and pencil or pen each day.
3. All students will be in attendance – Students will be expected to be in class ready to begin
when the bell rings to start class. Students that are tardy or absent will miss the instruction
needed to be as successful as they can be.
4. All students will be expected to give their best effort – The school, teachers, parents, students
and community are all judged based on the academic performance of the students at North
Forsyth High School on Standardized Tests. More importantly, the more our students learn
and develop their capacity to learn, the more opportunities and choices will be afforded them
after graduation from high school.
Required Materials:
1. Paper
2. Pens or Pencils
3. Highlighters- Any Color
4. 3- Ring Notebook
Timetable:
1. Goal Multiple Choice Tests – 1 for each Goal in the Standard Course of Study for United
States History
2. Quarter Tests – 2 per Quarter
3. Notebook/Portfolio will be checked at the end of each Goal
4. Exam – United States History Exam taken at the end of the semester/ 25% of grade in the
course
Grades:
1. Notebook/Portfolio-Points based upon the number of assignments included in the Notebook
a. The student must maintain all Goal assignments in their Notebook/Portfolio.
b. All assignments should be stored according to the dividers in the Notebook (Tests,
Assignment Sheets, Class Assignments, Homework/Biographies)
2. Homeworka. 10 Points per assignment based upon material covered during class.
b. Homework will be assigned every night
3. Biographies- 30 Points each
a. Students will be assigned a Biography from a list determined by the Goals were are
covering
b. Biographies will be assigned every other week.
4. DBQ (Document Based Question)- 30 Points Each
a. Assigned Questions for Each of the Twelve Goals of US History
b. Documents will be applicable to the Goals we are covering
5. Projects: 50 Points Each
a. Family History
i. Events of one member of the family
ii. Family Tree
iii. History of the Family Name
b. Cemetery Visit
i. Oldest Grave, Newest Grave
ii. Oldest Person, Youngest Person
iii. Interesting Markings, Epitaphs, Markers
iv. History of the Cemetery
c. Historic Site
i. Actual: Web Sites, PowerPoint, Paper, Brochure
ii. Virtual: Web Sites, PowerPoint, Paper, Brochure
d. Presidential Report: 3 Presidents from different eras
i. Biography
ii. Comparison/Contrast: Policies
iii. Poster-PowerPoint Presentation
6. Tests/Assessments
a. Goal Tests- 100 points
a. Quarter Tests are based upon the Pacing Guide developed by WSFCS- 100 Points
Pacing Guide:
 Supplemental Text and Documents will be taken from resources available online and within
the West Forsyth High School Social Studies Department.
Contact Information:
jecannon@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
School Phone: 336-712-4400
Cell Phone: 336-978-2249