US HISTORY Syllabus
Mr. G. Nicholls
Room No. 256
Room
Phone: (512) 841-1966
E-mail: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this class students will study the history of the United States since Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements. Students will examine the impact of geographic factors on major events, examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students will use critical-thinking skills, including explaining and applying different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.
TEXTBOOK/RESOURCES:
Mastering the TEKS in United States History Since 1877 by Jarrett Publishing Company
The American Republic Since 1877 published by Glencoe McGraw-Hill
History Alive! Pursuing American Ideals published by Teachers Curriculum Institute
Ordinary Americans published by Close Up Publishing
Additional readings or articles may be used.
SUPPLIES:
Everyone is expected to have the following supplies with them in class:
GRADING POLICY:
Six weeks grades will be based on a weighted grading system with tests, projects, and other major assessments valued at 50% and daily, homework, and other minor assessments at 50%.
In an average six weeks, students will be assessed by a minimum of two major grades and six minor grades. Students are encouraged to use academic planners to keep track of their test dates and daily work due dates.
MAKE-UP WORK:
When absent, students must assume responsibility for requesting work missed and completing it within two days of a one day absence (with one additional day for each additional day of the absence). Make-up tests and assignments may differ from the original. You should be prepared upon your return for any quizzes and/or tests announced before your absence, except in extraordinary circumstances documented by a phone call, e-mail, or note from a parent or guardian.
Make-up tests will be held before school or by appointment. Retesting will be provided to students who fail to master the content with at least 75% accuracy. Test corrections will be made available to students with mastery of the content but who wish to review those questions they missed.
LATE WORK:
For both major and minor assessments, students will be penalized for late work. If an assignment is one day late, the maximum a grade a student may receive is a 75. If an assignment is two days late, the maximum grade a student can receive is a 65. If an assignment is three or more days late, the maximum grade a student may receive is a 55.
Late work will not be accepted after one week before the end of the six weeks grading period.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students are expected to comply with the attendance policies set out by the Austin Independent School District and Austin High School. Attendance will be taken every day.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
These are actions or behaviors all students should display as examples of their maturity and responsibility:
· Respect Every Person in the Classroom
· Be on Time
· Come to Class Prepared to Learn
· Stay on Task
· Participate in Class Activities
SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
The Austin Independent School District has many rules and guidelines students must follow. The following are of special importance as they are the rules most frequently broken. Please consult the AISD Student Handbook for a complete list of rules and guidelines for students.
Students are expected to follow all school rules and guidelines.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are to remain turned off. If a student has a cell phone or electronic device out for any reason, it will be taken up and turned in to the office. No eating or drinking is allowed in the classroom. Students wearing clothing in violation of the dress code will be sent to the office for administrative action.
FINAL NOTE FROM YOUR TEACHER: It is my teaching philosophy that every teacher (regardless of subject) should make learning interesting and enjoyable. My ability to do so is dependent on your doing your part. Please ask for help when you need it, please be willing to help other students, and please respect the ideas and opinions of the other students in class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this class students will study the history of the United States since Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements. Students will examine the impact of geographic factors on major events, examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students will use critical-thinking skills, including explaining and applying different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.
TEXTBOOK/RESOURCES:
Mastering the TEKS in United States History Since 1877 by Jarrett Publishing Company
The American Republic Since 1877 published by Glencoe McGraw-Hill
History Alive! Pursuing American Ideals published by Teachers Curriculum Institute
Ordinary Americans published by Close Up Publishing
Additional readings or articles may be used.
SUPPLIES:
Everyone is expected to have the following supplies with them in class:
- 3-Ring Notebook
- Spiral Notebook
- Pen or Pencil
- Paper
GRADING POLICY:
Six weeks grades will be based on a weighted grading system with tests, projects, and other major assessments valued at 50% and daily, homework, and other minor assessments at 50%.
In an average six weeks, students will be assessed by a minimum of two major grades and six minor grades. Students are encouraged to use academic planners to keep track of their test dates and daily work due dates.
MAKE-UP WORK:
When absent, students must assume responsibility for requesting work missed and completing it within two days of a one day absence (with one additional day for each additional day of the absence). Make-up tests and assignments may differ from the original. You should be prepared upon your return for any quizzes and/or tests announced before your absence, except in extraordinary circumstances documented by a phone call, e-mail, or note from a parent or guardian.
Make-up tests will be held before school or by appointment. Retesting will be provided to students who fail to master the content with at least 75% accuracy. Test corrections will be made available to students with mastery of the content but who wish to review those questions they missed.
LATE WORK:
For both major and minor assessments, students will be penalized for late work. If an assignment is one day late, the maximum a grade a student may receive is a 75. If an assignment is two days late, the maximum grade a student can receive is a 65. If an assignment is three or more days late, the maximum grade a student may receive is a 55.
Late work will not be accepted after one week before the end of the six weeks grading period.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students are expected to comply with the attendance policies set out by the Austin Independent School District and Austin High School. Attendance will be taken every day.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
These are actions or behaviors all students should display as examples of their maturity and responsibility:
· Respect Every Person in the Classroom
· Be on Time
· Come to Class Prepared to Learn
· Stay on Task
· Participate in Class Activities
SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
The Austin Independent School District has many rules and guidelines students must follow. The following are of special importance as they are the rules most frequently broken. Please consult the AISD Student Handbook for a complete list of rules and guidelines for students.
Students are expected to follow all school rules and guidelines.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are to remain turned off. If a student has a cell phone or electronic device out for any reason, it will be taken up and turned in to the office. No eating or drinking is allowed in the classroom. Students wearing clothing in violation of the dress code will be sent to the office for administrative action.
FINAL NOTE FROM YOUR TEACHER: It is my teaching philosophy that every teacher (regardless of subject) should make learning interesting and enjoyable. My ability to do so is dependent on your doing your part. Please ask for help when you need it, please be willing to help other students, and please respect the ideas and opinions of the other students in class.