10th
Class Syllabus:
Grade U.S. History
1877- Present
Mr. Genther Room 816
Strongsville High School
Office: Mezzanine
Email: genther@strongnet.org
Website: http://www.strongnet.org/Page/1563
School Phone: (440) 268-7100
Welcome:
Welcome to United States History! I am looking forward to teaching this course and look forward to the days ahead
in the classroom. The following will be a general outline of the course and the expectations for class this semester.
Course Summery and Description:
This course is designed for students to gain an understanding of United States History from 1877- Present.
Students will develop reading and writing skills to successfully complete the multiple choice and free
response portions of the Social Studies OGT and End of Course Exam. The student is expected to
demonstrate great capacity to recall and master the general survey of American history from Post
Reconstruction to present day history..
1st Semester Overview:
Unit 0: Early U.S. History Review
The unit will review the history of the United States from the American Revolution through the Civil War
and Reconstruction which students learned during their 8th grade year of U.S. History. Emphasis will be
given to the American Constitution and Bill of Rights during this review.
Unit 1: Industrialization in the U.S.
The unit will focus on industrialization in the U.S. and its impact on U.S. labor forces, the rise of labor
organizations, big business, as well as movement of Americans out West.
Unit 2: Immigration and Segregation
This unit will focus on immigration to the U.S. in the late 19th century into the early 20th century. The
other half of this unit will describe the changing of life in America as a result with emphasis on
segregation.
Unit 3: Imperialism and Progressivism
Imperialism is a major unit in 9th Grade World Studies. As a result, 10th Grade unit will be a brief United
States connection to imperialism. Also included in this unit will be the politics and result of the
Progressive Movement within the United States.
Unit 4: World War I
World War I is a focus for 9th World History. As a result, 10th Grade will focus primarily on the United
State’s decision to enter the war, the peace treaty, Wilson’s 14 Points, and the U.S. decision not to
participate in the League of Nations.
2nd Semester Overview:
Unit 5: The Roaring Twenties
The focus is a major analysis of the political, economic and social developments in the United States
during the 1920s including such issues as the Red Scare, migrations from South to North, race riots,
Harlem Renaissance
Unit 6: The Great Depression and New Deal
The focal point of this unit will be on the Great Depression and result. The focus is a major analysis of the
cause and effect relationship politically, economically and socially for the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl
and the New Deal.
Unit 7: World War II & The Home Front
The rise and fall of Nazism, Imperialistic Japan and the war itself are in 9th grade. As a result, 10th Grade
will focus on analyzing the U.S. moving from isolationism to international involvement. The major focus is
on the home front including: industrial mobilization, women and minorities in the workplace and JapaneseAmerican internment.
Unit 8: The 1950’s and 1960’s
The focus will be on life and society within the United States in the 1950’s and 1960’s as well as politics of
the Cold War from the Marshall Plan to Vietnam.
Unit 9: The Vietnam War Era
The focus will be on American involvement in Vietnam and the subsequent results politically and socially
within the U.S. and abroad.
Unit 10: Nixon, Ford, and Carter Years
This unit will center on history of the United States (economically, politically, & socially) during the
presidency of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter.
Unit 11: Reagan and the 1980’s
The focus of this unit will be on the economics and politics of the 1980’s with emphasis on the ending of
the Cold War and entrance into the modern era of U.S. foreign policy.
Unit 12: U.S. in Modern Times 1990’s to Present – (Depending on time)
This last unit will discuss the United States in the Modern Era.
Materials:
Each student will be required to have and bring to class each day:
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3-Ring Binder (for History ONLY)
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2 packs Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
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12 dividers (for our 12 Units of Study)
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Highlighter(s)
Pencils &/or Pens
USB Flash Drive (shared use w/other
classes)
Homework:
Homework will be assigned almost daily and will be a portion of your overall grade. Students will be
expected to have homework completed and turned in the day its due.
Incomplete Work:
Late assignments will be accepted up to 24 hours after an assignment was due but, will receive half credit.
Other late work can be handed in later but, is up to teacher discretion for the amount of credit awarded.
Absences:
Students who have an excused absence are responsible for making up any missed assignments. It is the
student’s responsibility to check the class website or with the teacher for any missed assignments.
Students will have the exact number of days they were absent to make up the work.
Tardy Policy:
Strongsville High School tardy policy will be followed.
Evaluation:
Grades will be based upon the following:

Homework: Homework is an extension of classroom material and will be assigned
periodically. Homework will be comprised of vocabulary, review questions, discussion
reviews and daily readings.
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Notebook: There will be a notebook check at the end of each unit. Notebooks will be
checked for completed notes and activities from class.

Discussions/Debates: Periodically we will hold a class discussion/debate. Students will
be given the topic in advance and must come prepared with research and be actively
involved in the class discussion/debate. Students will be graded based on their research,
participation, validity of information, and written review.
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Projects: Various in-class as well as out of class projects will be assigned over the
course of the school year. Projects will be given to motivate, inform, allow students to
show creativity, and evaluate their knowledge and understanding.
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Quizzes: Periodically quizzes will be given to evaluate student comprehension.
Material for each quiz will be from assigned textbook reading.
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Tests: There will be a test given at the conclusion of each unit/topic of study. Tests will
be comprised of multiple choice questions, true or false questions, map/graph/reading
questions, and short answer or essay questions. There will be a study guide given at
least one week before every test!!
Course and Behavioral Expectations:
1.)
Come to class on time and prepared.
2.)
Be respectful and courteous of your teacher and fellow classmates.
3.)
Cell phones and electronics are not used during class instruction.
4.)
Be respectful and listen while the teacher is instructing class.
5.)
Raise your hand if you have something to add or ask.
Consequences:
1.
2.
Verbal Warning
Teacher-Student Conference
3.
4.
Disciplinary Referral
Sent to Administrator
Communication and Contact Information:

Class Website: All class notes, study guides, homework, projects, research links, and more are
all located online. Homework hotline will not be used!
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Students: If you have a question or would like additional help do not hesitate to ask. I can be
reached before or after class, after school, during planning period, by class website, or by email. Remember, teachers are here to help you!
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Parents: To monitor student progress, grades, and assignments please check the PASS system
online as much as you prefer. For nightly homework, class notes, study guides and assignments
check the class website. At anytime should you have a question or concern to share, I would
encourage you to e-mail me at genther@strongnet.org.
I look forward to working with you during this course. Stick with it, work hard, and you will do well. Good
Luck and Best Wishes!
Mr. Genther