American History
Instructor: Mr. Jason Chappell
E-mail: chappellj@chadwick.k12.mo.us
Course Description: We will be examining the story of our nation’s past. We will examine our
nation’s history from Reconstruction through Modern Times. Students will examine cause and
effect relationships throughout American history. Using American History as a theme, we will
intertwine Economics, Civics, and Geography throughout the year.
The course will be divided into nine units as follows:
Unit 1: Review of The Civil War
Unit 2: Reconstruction 1865-1877
Unit 3: The Birth of Modern America 1865-1900
Unit 4: Imperialism and Progressivism 1890-1919
Unit 5: Boom and Bust 1920-1941
Unit 6: Global Struggles 1931-1960
Unit 7: A Time of Upheaval 1954-1980
Unit 8: A Changing Society 1968-2003
Unit 9: Contemporary Issues/Current Events 2003-Present
Grading: Daily assignments and quizzes will account for 30- 45% of the quarter grade. Unit
tests will account for another 30-45% of the quarter grade. Participation will account for the final
10% of each quarter grade. Participating in class discussions, germane comments and questions,
and being an active member of the class are all examples of adequate participation. Students are
expected to turn assignments in on time. Late work will be reduced 10% for each day it is late (A
becomes a B for the assignment, and so on). Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and is
outlined in the Student handbook.
Grading Scale:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Journal: Students are expected to maintain a journal for the course which is to be used to
maintain class notes, projects, and returned assignments. The purpose of the student journal is to
maintain accountability of class related documents which will assist in the learning of course
content.
Rules:
TARDY POLICY
Tardies are accumulated on a quarterly basis. Students who are tardy (late) to school or their class
MUST report to the office BEFORE checking in with the classroom teacher. A student who is tardy for
more than 15 minutes of the class time is considered to be absent from that class. Three tardies in a
class will result in a thirty minute detention before or after school. A fourth tardy will result in 1 day ISS
and the fifth tardy will result in 2 days ISS. Failure to serve the detention will result in ISS.
All students must be seated with all materials for class when the bell rings. Those who are not will be
considered tardy.
Assignments and Make-up Work
Assignments given prior to the student’s absence are due immediately upon return. Should a student
be absent for several days, the parent/guardian may request the student’s assignments be sent home
during the absence. It will be the parent/guardian’s responsibility to pick up and deliver homework
materials. Please call 3 hours in advance to give adequate time for the teachers to gather all homework
assignments prior to coming to pick them up.
All make up assignments will be completed within a reasonable time frame to be determined by the
teacher.
A reasonable time will be discussed and established the student on a case by case basis upon the
students return to school.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Personal audio devices are discouraged. Use will be minimal and at the discretion of each individual
teacher. Bringing these items to school is at the student’s own risk. Staff members will not spend
valuable time searching for lost devices. If a student brings any electronic device to school and its use is
disruptive to school or class, it will be confiscated and the student’s parent/guardian must pick it up at
the principal’s office. Cell phone use will not be permitted during class unless a teacher has requested
use for educational activities.
Electronic devises in this class are a privilege that may be allowed under certain circumstances. These will
be discussed on a case by case basis.
SODAS
Due to federal mandates, students will not be allowed to drink sodas or energy drinks during the school
day. Open cans/containers of drinks are NOT ALLOWED in the halls. Any drinks found in the halls or
classrooms will be confiscated. Drink machines are considered “at risk.” No refunds are given for
money lost in the machines.
WATER BOTTLES
The only water bottles allowed in the school are store bought bottles with brand labels and the labels
must be attached. No personal water bottles or containers allowed.
Classroom Conduct
Each teacher will develop a list of classroom rules or expectations for the students in the classroom. The
purpose of these rules is to establish an atmosphere under which the teacher and students can perform.
They will be discussed with the students at the beginning of the school year and reviewed on a regular
basis. In addition, the teacher will discuss the consequences resulting from negative behavior. It is the
purpose of these consequences to correct those behaviors, which are not acceptable in the classroom.
In doing so, it is our goal to teach students responsibility and self-discipline.
In addition to the rules from the student hand book listed above there are rules for the class: These
rules will be discussed in depth.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Respect the Environment
Respect Others
Respect Yourself
Be a person of Integrity
Attitude – Students will maintain a positive attitude.
Raise hand to speak – Students will raise their hand to speak when not in open discussion
among the class or working in groups.
7. Movement around the room - Students will be free to move about the room to sharpen
pencils, turn in work, etc. This is a privilege not a right and will be suspended if abused.
8. Hall passes – Hall passes will be given to students on an “as needed” basis for
appropriate reasons; returning to ones locker because they are not prepared for class is
not an appropriate reason and will warrant a tardy.
9. Labeling of assignments – All assignments will be labeled with name, class period, and
date in space provided or in the upper right corner.
10. Assignment turn-in – Assignments will be turned in to the tray for student’s class period
unless otherwise stated in class.
11. Classroom Bookshelf - Books on the book shelf at the back of the room are provided as a
resource for students doing class related research or who have completed all work. Books
from the shelf are to remain in the classroom unless special arrangements are made.
12. Class dismissal – The bell does not dismiss class, students should remain in their seats
until dismissed.
Violation of classroom rules or school policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action in
accordance with the student handbook.
Materials: Students will need:
Textbook: The American Republic Since 1877: Glencoe
Journal/Notebook: for notes, in-class writings, projects, and returned assignments. An
acceptable example would be a two pocket notebook with brads which will accommodate
the storage of returned assignments and blank notebook paper.
Writing utensil: (pencil/pen on assignments, but no red or neon inks!)
Course Expectations: The course is created to match the Chadwick Public School curriculum
and the Missouri Course Level Expectations for secondary American History.
Student Signature___________________________________________________
Parent Signature____________________________________________________