U. S. History Syllabus
Purnell Swett High School
2010-2011
Teacher: Fredrick P. Deese
Dear parents/guardians:
Your child is in my class this semester. I am looking forward to a successful
school year, with your help. All Social Studies teachers will strive to provide a sound
educational experience for all students. Following is some course information.
Course Content:
This course will cover various aspects of the history of America. The objective of the
course is to give students a basic understanding of the developments that has shaped the
American government we have today. It will also help to build a knowledge foundation
that will prepare students for the United States History EOC exam. The study of history is
helpful in understanding today’s world.
During this process students will learn to use and make maps, design art, and learn a
large amount of vocabulary relevant to United States government and history.
Vocabulary words are a very important part of this course. Students will also be required
to participate in such activities as research, role-play, and oral presentations. A variety of
teaching strategies and resources will be implemented into this course to ensure that your
child receives the most exciting and rewarding learning experience possible.
North Carolina Standard Course of Study for U.S. History:
Goal 1, New Nation (1789-1820).
Goal 2, Expansion and Reform (1801-1850).
Goal 3, Crisis, Civil War, and Reconstruction (1848-1877).
Goal 4, Great West and the Rise of the Debtor (1860-1896).
Goal 5, Industrial Society (1877-1900).
Goal 6, U.S. in World Affairs (1890-1914).
Goal 7, Progressivism (1890-1914).
Goal 8, The Great War and its Aftermath (1914-1930).
Goal 9, Prosperity and Depression (1919-1939).
Goal 10, World War II and the Cold War (1930-1963).
Goal 11, Recovery, Prosperity, and Turmoil (1945-1980).
Goal 12, U.S. since the Vietnam War (1973-present).
Required and recommended readings:
Students will be required to read the textbook, note sets, short topic readings, and
current events when applicable.
My Schedule:
Breakfast Duty (7:30-8:00)
1st period (8:00-9:30) U.S. History-Room 411
2ndperiod (9:37-11:07) U.S. History-Room 409
3rd period (11:14-1:09) ABCD lunch duty
4th period (1:16-3:09) Planning
Grading scale:
A) Tests-60%
B) Notebook, tests, quizzes, and classwork-20%
C) Class participation-20%
Materials: Students will be required keep a class work notebook. Students will need a
1.5” to 3 inch-3 ring binder, loose-leaf paper, pencils or pens, notebook dividers,
and coloring pencils.
What I expect from you: All work must be submitted on time, neat, and complete. No
incomplete work will be accepted. All students are expected to follow all rules and
guidelines in the student handbook and the student code of conduct. All students will
respect each other and the teacher at all times. Bullying and disrespect will not be
tolerated. Students are expected to follow instructions from the teacher at all times.
Students must be prepared for class, in their desks, ready to work when the bell rings. If
you are not inside the classroom when the tardy bell rings you will be required to report
to the front desk for a tardy pass. The work assigned in this class must be completed by
the student in order to properly prepare the student for the U.S History E.O.C. exam.
What you can expect from me: I will implement a variety of teaching strategies in the
classroom including, but not limited to, power points, Q&A handouts, information
handouts, basketball and “roll the dice” review games, challenging other U.S. History
classes, and even singing and live guitar music. This class is designed for the student to
have fun while they learn. You can expect me to give you everything you will need to be
successful with the U.S.History E.O.C.
Policy for make-up work: If a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to check
with the teacher to make sure that he/she has their missed work. Students can make up
work in learning centers (Tuesday and Thursday from 3:16-4:00), in Saturday academy,
or when the teacher allows. It is strongly suggested that missed work be completed as
soon as the student returns to school. Under the new adoption of the High schools that
work and the Power of I, if a student has missing assignments, they will be given an
Incomplete (ip) on their nine-week report card. Students have until 3 weeks before the
end of the semester to complete all missing assignments. If missing assignments are not
completed the (ip) as listed in grade book, is replaced with a zero. Any work turned in
more than three weeks late will get a maximum grade of C.
Thank you in advance for helping to make this a fun, exciting, and successful
U.S. History class.
Please sign and return this syllabus indicating that you have read and
understand the contents. Students will receive extra credit for a parent
signature when the syllabus is returned.
Sincerely,
Fredrick P. Deese
Purnell Swett High School- 521-3253
Parent/Guardian signature___________________________
Student signature__________________________________
Date: __________