US History: CP

Mr. Grady

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Course Description 2009-2010

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:

·         To understand and apply social studies skills; i.e., communication, interpretation, reading, data collection, critical thinking, higher order problem-solving and process writing.

·         To explain and evaluate political, social, and economic institutions, as well as geographic concepts which shape the world.

·         To analyze, explain, and evaluate the chronological order of historical events and to recognize the complexity of historical cause and effect.

·         To compare and contrast and to show an empathetic appreciation of diverse world cultures, as well as individual and societal roles and responsibilities in today's global community.

The study of our nation’s history will be explored through the thematic analysis of four major questions…

·         How have the political concepts of democracy and the liberty and equality of individuals been reflected in American society at different times?

·         “The American Dream” is one of upward social and economic mobility. To what extent has this dream been a reality in our history?

·         What is “American culture,” and how has it developed?

·         How and why has America’s relationship with other countries developed and changed?

Units of Study

·          Early Colonial Era

·          Revolutionary War Era

·          Confederation to Constitution

·          Antebellum Era

·          Civil War

·          Reconstruction

·          The Industrial Age

·          The Great West and the Agricultural Revolution

·          The Progressive Era

·          The Path of Empire (Imperialism)

·          World War I

·          The Roaring Twenties

·          The Politics of Boom and Bust and the Great Depression

·          World War II

·          The Cold War Begins

·          The 1950’s-Domestic, Korea, Civil Rights

·          The 1960’s-Domestic, Vietnam, Civil Rights

·          The 1970’s-Watergate

·          Current Domestic and Foreign Issues in American Society

Class Materials

Text

The textbook for this class is Prentice Hall’s America: Pathways To The Present.  In addition, primary and secondary reading handouts will supplement your text and form a large part of your reading material. 

Class Notebook  

Each student should have a three-ring binder to be used specifically for this history class.  This binder will hold everything (aside from your text) that you will need and use for this class, including handouts and class and text notes you will take throughout the year.  Organization of this notebook and note-taking are important parts of this class and will contribute to your final grade.  You will be expected to bring this binder to class each time we meet.  

Grades and Assessments

Your grade = your total points/total available points.                                                                                                                                                                                             

Assessments are likely to take the following form:

Tests                                                                                                      value: 100 points

Reading quizzes                                                                                   value: 10-20 points

Announced quizzes                                                                             value:  20-40 points

Participation                                                                                          value:  50 points per quarter

Homework (for accountability and/or content)                               value:  up to 10 points

Projects/papers and other major writings                                        value:  80-100 points

Short writings and other class activities                                          value:  10-40 points

Late Homework and Paper Policy

This policy will be followed throughout the year; however, if you have emergencies or personal matters, please come and talk to me.  
 

Homework:

   Homework is due at the beginning of the class.  Any homework that is handed in late (even at the end of the period or later in the day) will receive only half credit.  Any homework not passed in on the due date will receive a zero. 

Papers and Projects:

The due dates for papers and assignments will be strictly enforced.  Late papers or projects will be marked down a half  grade for each day they are late.   You will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to make up the work will result in a zero.

Tests and Quizzes:

                All tests and quizzes are to be taken as scheduled.  If you are absent, you will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to make up the work will result in a zero.

Extra Help

Extra help will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:15 p.m.; however, I will be after school most days, so simply let me know if you would like to speak with me. 

Email: grady_richard@doversherborn.org –feel free to use it when necessary.