Advanced Placement World History s2

U.S. History Syllabus 2016-2017 Mr. Smith [email protected]

Course goals: The goal of this course is to provide the students with a basic knowledge of United States History. The course will also provide students with the knowledge of how events in the past influence modern society. The course will explore the foundations of the United States democracy, individual rights and responsibilities of its citizens. In summary, the goal of this course is to provide the student with a framework to be a responsible citizen and voter in the United States.

You need to bring a pencil or pen, paper, and your textbook daily.

Computers and Internet access are essential to the successful completion of the course.

Grading: We will use a traditional grade structure for assigning class grades. Measurement (60% of total) - Unit Tests are given approximately once every two to three weeks.

Performance (20% of total) - Role plays and simulations: these illustrate issues of cause and effect in major historical events. Many of these simulations are case studies of specific events that are then used to help us understand broader issues of cause and effect for similar events. - Presentations: these may be poster, video, or some other format that addresses a particular theme. These may include the use of geography, primary sources, statistical data, or other resources to assist in historical interpretation. - Socratic discussions: as a class, we will discuss issues posed by the study of history using primary (and more frequently) secondary sources. These will be scored discussions with participation encouraged. - Research projects: All students will complete projects for National History Day in February. - Research papers: Students who do not qualify for the Arizona state competition of National History Day will complete a formal research paper.

Other assignments (as assigned throughout the semester) 20%. These include: - Practice essays. - Daily written assignments.

Each semester, a final exam will be given that is worth 15% of your overall course grade.

Attendance and tardiness: Regular, on-time class attendance is expected. Failure to get an absence cleared may result in the loss of credit for the class. If you are placed on attendance probation, expect to lose credit. Late work: With any excused absence a student has the same amount of days they were gone to complete the assignment. If the assignment is not turned during class the day after obtaining the assignment, the student will earn a grade of zero. Assignments not turned in due to an unexcused absence may not be made up and earn a grade of ZERO. Ignorance is not a legitimate excuse for turning in assignments late.

Academic honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty. Cheating means that you copied another student and there is evidence that you did so. Plagiarism means that you copied, paraphrased, or summarized a source or classmate without referencing them (this is a much lower threshold than copying: if it can be shown that you have a similar work as someone else, then it is defined as plagiarism). At the least, expect to fail the assignment (which may result in your failing the class). If this becomes a habit, expect to be asked to complete assignments in the presence of a teacher and face administrative disciplinary action.

Controversy: Controversial topics will be discussed in this class. You will be expected to treat one another respectfully and with dignity, regardless of your personal views. Disagreement should be expected and expressed. The instructor may voice alternative opinions if he feels that the class lacks diversity of opinion. You do not need to agree with opinions, but you should respect them.

State Standards, Units and Topics: Strand 1 American History

Concept 1 Research Skills for History

Concept 2 Early Civilization Pre-Columbian to 1500s

Concept 3 Exploration & Colonization 1500s-1700s

Concept 4 Revolution & New Nations 1700s-1820s

Concept 5 Western Expansion 1800-1860

Concept 6 Civil War & Reconstruction 1860-1877

Concept 7 Emergence of Modern US 1875-1829

Concept 8 Great Depression and WWII 1929-1945

Concept 9 Postwar US 1945-1970s

I reserve the right to alter the syllabus at any time.

Hey, just pay attention, sit up, lean in, ask and answer questions, note take, and track eye movements.