Westwood Regional School District
US I Course Syllabus
Course Information
US I CP
Full Year Course
Credit Value: 5.0
Teachers: Miss Huber
Emails: ann.huber@wwrsd.org
Course Summary: This course will study United States history from the first English settlements to
the Age of Imperialism. It will include topics such as the Colonial Period, French and Indian War,
American Revolution, the Constitution, Antebellum America, the slavery issue, the Civil War,
Reconstruction, and Westward Expansion. Various instructional methods will be used, including
lectures, discussion, debates, oral reports, in-class Internet research and the use of audio-visual
materials, including Power Point, multimedia presentations and film. Primary sources will be used to
provide different viewpoints on selected topics. Students are expected to work independently to
interpret facts in order to answer questions and define themes and eras. The analysis of historical
documents will be used to answer essential questions concerning the economic, social and political
facets of each historical period. Students will be expected to complete a summer reading assignment
prior to entering the course.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
The American Colonies Emerge
The Colonies Come of Age
The War for Independence
Shaping a New Nation
The Living Constitution
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
Mid-Term Exam
Launching a New Nation
Balancing Nationalism and Sectionalism
Expanding Markets and Moving West
The Union in Peril
The Civil War
Reconstruction and Its Effects
Final Exam
Course Goals and Objectives
Students will be challenged on a daily basis to connect issues that our founding fathers dealt with and
apply them to today. The first and fourth quarter will focus primarily on writing and research papers
will be required in the MLA format. The second and third quarters will focus on communication skills
and delivering oral presentations. The writing and oral presentation assessments will develop
fundamental skills, simultaneously building a historical frame of knowledge.
Texts, Readings, Materials:
The Americans, Holt McDougal, 2012
Any additional readings will either be handed out in class or posted on my website.
Grading:
Grading Policy:
Major Assessments 50%
Minor Assessments 30%
Minor Assessments 20%
Social Studies Department Policy
Major Assessments: (40%)
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Unit tests
Major Projects
Research papers
Summative alternative assessments
Minor Assessments: (30%)
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Quizzes
Reading Checks
Minor Projects
Minor Alternative Assessments
Supplemental Assessments: (20%)
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Homework
Classwork
Do Now’s
Participation (see participation guidelines)
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Throughout the year there will be additional assessments that will fall into one of these three categories
If you are absent for a test or quiz it is YOUR responsibility to arrange to make it up a as soon as possible outside
of class time
Absence on the due date of an alternative assessment or project does not excuse you from submitting it on time unless
arrangements were made beforehand
Academic Integrity:
 Students are expected to read and understand the Jr./Sr. Student Handbook section about plagiarism.
“In most cases a zero (0) will be imposed as a consequence of cheating/plagiarism and notice will be sent home. In the case of a long
written assignment, such as a term paper, any students involved in the copying will receive an “F.” Students may lose eligibility or
member status in academic clubs/organizations, including honors societies, if found guilty of academic dishonesty