HIST
101
History
3
Virgin Valley
H51 40565
Hist 101
US History Pre-Columbian to 1865
Hist 102
1865-present
Gregory Johnston
Virgin Valley High School
Contact info: gjkids@sisna.com Office Hours: 6:15-6:45 AM, 1:00-1:30 PM, Daily Room 303
Lesson plans, readings and textbook purchasing info: http://users.sisna.com/gjkids Dual
Credit/Honors US History button on the left hand side of the page.
Course Description: This is a set of college level US History courses that will also meet the CCSD
graduation requirements for US History. The course will emphasize a thematic approach to
events and interpretation of United State History, with the student gaining insight into the
complexity the development of American institutions and attitudes.
Indicators of Success: The content of the course will be driven by readings from the text, Give
Me Liberty by Eric Foner, primary source interpretations and class discussion. We will work to
acquire an understanding of the dynamics and themes that have driven American culture and
decision making. You will be asked to share your understanding in class discussion, group work,
objective tests, and most importantly, critical stance writing opportunities. These will be
evaluated in terms of both content mastery and conceptual understanding.
What the webpage contains: I have a class webpage for your use. This page will not only
contain links to valuable learning and thinking resources, but also your weekly reading
schedule, links to classroom notes and presentations, daily topics and links for textbook
purchasing. This website is my primary way of communicating with you outside of the
classroom. Consequently, I expect you to check the site frequently for reading assignments,
study aides, and most importantly, when you may have to miss a class, so that when you
return, you are prepared.
Grading Policy: A grade is a reflection of the degree to which you master understanding,
events, individuals and dynamics in American History.
Reading: Your greatest source for this information will be the reading material. You will
find the daily reading assignments on the website and to pass, it will be necessary to read, in a
timely fashion, these materials. To help you to begin to focus on the reading and to facilitate
classroom discussion, reading quizzes will be an integral part of preparation. One of the
advantages to owning your text is the ability to highlight important information. We will spend
several class periods demonstrating how to highlight texts effectively. I will regularly check
your individual highlighting. These reading assignments constitute your “homework” for this
class.
Reading Quizzes
10%
Reading Highlights
10%
Objectives Tests: When we have looked at a particular period or movement in detail,
through reading and discussion, we will evaluate our level of mastery through multiple-choice
tests
Objectives Tests
40%
Writing Evaluations: To give you more opportunities to demonstrate understanding of
more complex dynamics, you will be asked to write, in detail, on periods, events and discuss the
themes and dynamics that underlie these events
Essay Tests
40%
Important First Semester (Hist 101) CSN dates:
August 30
All Jumpstart/CSN fees and registration is due
October 25-26
Jumpstart/CSN mid-term
October 28
Jumpstart/CSN failing notices due
December 13-17
Jumpstart/CSN finals
December 23
Jumpstart/CSN final grades are submitted