U.S. History II
Course Overview
Mrs. Minze – Room E-11
Overall Perspective: This curriculum covers topics in U.S. History from the industrial period
of America of the 1800’s through the U.S. involvement in Vietnam in the 1960-70’s. This course
will also explore the role of the United States as part of the global community in that same time
period. Students will acquire research oriented, critical thinking, and social skills to facilitate
historical problem solving and factual interpretation. Students will compare and contrast primary
source materials to fully understand historical perspective.
Requirements: During each unit to be covered, students will be expected to complete long
and short term assignments. These may include written papers and oral presentations for the
topics assigned. Students are expected to submit all assignments on time. When given a reading
assignment with a discussion to follow, students will be graded orally on preparedness and
understanding of the material. Students must also keep a notebook of class notes that will be
randomly checked by the instructor.
The 5 Simple Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Prepared
Be On Time
Keep an Open Mind
Discipline: Shore Regional has a well documented discipline code, and it will be followed
explicitly in class. Please see the school handbook for guidance. As upper classmen at Shore, it is
expected that students will conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times.
Grading: Assignments will be graded in a point system. At the end of each marking period, the
percentage of points granted, out of all possible points earned, will be averaged in the following
manner.
Tests:
Quizzes:
40%
25%
Homework: 20%
Classwork: 15%
Tests: Tests will primarily be in essay and open-ended question format. They may also include
Document Based Questions (aka DBQ’s). In addition, a number of projects and papers may be
assigned throughout the year. These larger projects and papers will be counted as part of the
overall test grade. Therefore, the average of all scores received on tests, major
projects, and papers throughout the marking period will make up 40% of the
student’s overall marking period grade.
Quizzes: Quizzes will vary in format. Most quizzes will be announced, though there may be a
few pop-quizzes here and there. Smaller papers and essays will also be averaged in to the overall
quiz average. The average of these smaller papers and quizzes will equal 25% of the
student’s overall marking period grade.
Homework: Homework will be assigned throughout the week, and may include short
response papers, internet research, current events, reading packets, etc. The average of all
homework scores will equal 20% of the students overall marking period grade.
Classwork: Much of the classwork assigned will vary in format and be collected and graded.
Class preparation will also be a component to the classwork grade. If a student is unprepared for
class (e.g. shows up late, does not have textbook, notebook, pen, etc.), a zero will be averaged in
to their classwork grade. The average of the scores of all classwork assignments will
equal 15% of the student’s overall marking period grade.
*A Note on Late Work:
I do not accept late work. Be responsible, and get your assignments in on time. Please do not
wait until the night before to be sure your computer is up and running, and that your printer has
ink.
The one and only exception of accepting late work is for absences. Students returning after
missing class are to check their assigned class folder for any handouts/worksheets. They may also
check the class website to view assignments. Students will have the same number of days that they
were absent to make up their work. For example- if a student misses 1 day of class, they have 1
day to make up any missed assignments. If as student misses 2 days- they have 2 days to make up
their assignments…and so on.
In addition- if a student is absent on the due date of a major project or paper assignment, that
project or paper assignment should be turned in on the day of their return. If it is not turned in
on the day they return, it is late.
Grading Breakdown:
100-92: A
91-84: B
Contact Information:
83-77: C
76-70: D
69-below: F
Ellen Minze
Email: eminze@shoreregional.org
Phone: 732-222-9300 ext. 4810
Please complete this page and return no later than Monday, Sept. 8th.
I have read and understand the above syllabus. I have addressed any
questions or concerns I have about the rules and grading breakdown with
Mrs. Minze.
________________________________________________________________
Student Name (Printed)
______________________________________________
Student Signature
____________
Date
I have reviewed the above syllabus with my child. I understand that I can
contact Mrs. Minze at any time via phone or email to address any concerns I
have about my child throughout the year.
________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)
______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________
Date
To be completed by Parent/Guardian:
I prefer to be contacted by:
______ (phone)
______ (email)
Email Address:________________________________________________
(Please print clearly)