U.S. History

 

US History

Mrs. Westendorf • Indian Springs High School • P-5

amber.westendorf@sbcusd.com

 

 


Course Objectives

     Students in grade eleven study the major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. Following a review of the nation's beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals, students build upon the tenth grade study of global industrialization to understand the emergence and impact of new technology and a corporate economy, including the social and cultural effects. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. The rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. Students understand that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious inheritance that depends on an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection.

 

Student Behavior

     Punctuality and excellent attendance are required and necessary to succeed in this class. Therefore, Indian Springs High School’s attendance policy will be strictly enforced. Specifically, students are allowed only the number of days they were absent (truancies not included) to make-up any work missed.

     All students are expected to behave in a safe and respectful manner. Those who do not can expect fair, consistent, and natural disciplinary consequences for their inappropriate actions or attitudes. Typical consequences include but are not limited to warnings, time-outs, detentions, referrals, parent phone calls, parent conferences, behavior contracts, and even expulsion from the class. Consequences may also be remedial, such as washing all the desks in the classroom if caught writing on one desk.

     No food or drink, except water, may be brought into the classroom.  No electronic devices are to be out during class unless the assignment calls for it.  The use of the electronic device must be strictly academic.  Failure to follow this rule may result in the electronic device being confiscated and held by the teacher or office until a guardian can pick it up.

     Students will need to come to class everyday with all the materials they need to succeed: their notebook, textbook, pen/pencil, assignments, other materials, and a positive attitude.


 

Core Values

 

  1. Be prompt
  2. Be polite
  3. Be prepared
  4. Be productive
  5. Be proficient

 

Class Expectations

 

  1. Be on time to class
  2. Turn in all work on time
  3. Do your own work
  4. Come with all required materials
  5. Use restroom before or after class
  6. Pay attention in class
  7. Ask permission before speaking or getting up
  8. Take turns speaking
  9. Use class time productively.
  10. Keep all property clean and tidy

 

Consequences

 

  1. Teacher warning
  2. Teacher  conference
  3. Phone call home
  4. Parent conference
  5. Referral
  6. Administrative  intervention


Cheating- While students are encouraged to help each other and work together, cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating occurs whenever a student attempts to take credit for someone else’s effort. Cheating can take place in or out of the classroom on anything that has a point value attached to it.  Any student found cheating will be given a negative 100%  (which will not be dropped in the case of an exam) on whatever was cheated on. He/she may also be suspended from class pending a parent conference. A second offense will result in another parent conference and a negative 200% on whatever was cheated on. Any further offenses will result in even more serious negative consequences.

 

Grading- After the third week of class grades will regularly be posted online at https://portal.sbcusd.com/abi_parent/ Please check your grade online before requesting a printout.

      There are several major categories for grades given in this class. Grades are calculated by the relative weight given to each category, not simply by adding up one’s points for the class and dividing by the number possible. The scale and semester categories are as follows:

Grading Scale                                         Categories                             

90%–100%  A                                          Tests                                                                     40%                                  

75%–89%              B                                 Essays/Projects                                                     40%                                  

60%–74%              C                                 Quizes/short writing assignments   20%       

45%–59%              D                                                           

  0%–44%               F                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Tests—Tests will be given every few chapters. Tests will usually consist of multiple choice questions. Each test will cover all readings, lectures, discussions, etc. since the last test. Students who know they will be absent on the day of a test must inform the instructor several days prior to arrange an alternate time. Otherwise, they will receive a make-up test which will be more difficult than the original, missed test.  To make up a test the student must schedule a time during lunch or after school.  Class time is not an appropriate time to make-up tests.  The lowest test score of each student will be dropped at the end of each semester.

 

Essays—Essays and short writing assignments will be given as classwork and homework.  Students who need to make-up an essay due to an absence can expect a different, perhaps more difficult prompt.

 

Chapter Questions and notes—Students will be expected to a packet of historical identifications and application questions for each chapter in the textbook and notes we take in class. No late work will be accepted, except as allowed under the school’s attendance policy. Daily quizzes will be given based on chapter questions. QUIZES CANNOT BE TAKEN IF THE STUDENT DOES NOT HAVE NOTES.

 

Assignments—Students will receive various other assignments, such as secondary readings, maps, primary source materials, etc. All in class assignments are due at the end of the class period and all take home assignments are due at the beginning of the next class unless otherwise stated. No late assignments will be accepted, except as allowed under the school’s attendance policy.

 

Projects:  Projects will be given throughout the year.  If you are absent you can turn it in the next day for full credit.  If you turn the project in late the project will be worth ½ credit.

 

*Outlines—Outlines are extra credit. Outlines need to cover all important material in the chapter and should be legible. The minimum acceptable length for an outline is five full pages written on college-lined, 8 ½ x 11 notebook paper. Those whose writing is larger than average will need to write more.  Outlines are expected to be the only extra credit available in this course. No typed outlines will be accepted. No late outlines will be accepted, except as allowed under the school’s attendance policy.

 

Disclaimer—The instructor reserves the sole and complete right to modify this syllabus at any time and in anyway she sees fit