Syllabus-US History and the Constitution
Course:US History and the Constitution 2016-2017
Instructor:David Rush
Email:
Office Hours: Wednesday 2:24-3:30 Room Number: 122
US History is a REQUIRED course with an End of Course (EOC) exam at the end of the year. This exam is weighted 20% of the final grade. This is a rigorous course that requires reviewing material from class EVERY night in order to succeed.
This course will strictly follow the South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standards for US History, which can be found on the districts website:
General Overview of the Course
The focus of United States History and the Constitution is the story of the American people from the period of the colonial settlement to the present day—the establishment of the British colonies and the transfer of English political traditions, the creation of the United States as a new nation, westward expansion, the American Civil War and Reconstruction, the response to industrialization and urbanization of the late nineteenth century, and the nation’s developing role in world affairs in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Required Materials
3-ring binder
Dividers (5 will be sufficient).
Pens or Pencils
US History Textbook
Note Cards: These will be a vital study tool, I suggest you stock up!
Personal devices: If you have access to a personal device, I encourage you to use it in class. However, this is a privilege which may be revoked if it becomes a distraction.
Course Objectives:
- Demonstrate a mastery of historical events of US History
- Use historical evidence to defend and support basic arguments and positions regarding US history
- Gain the necessary knowledge to become an informed and active US citizen.
- Interpret and draw conclusions from various pieces of historical data including historical documents, cartoons, graphs, etc.
- Work individually and with peers to create presentations.
- Work individually and with peers to evaluate material, and improve writing skills.
- PASS THE END OF COURSE US HISTORY EXAM!
Mastery: Students must achieve Mastery of the course by scoring at least an 80. Students who do not meet this standard must attend Academic Assistance.
Warmups: On most days, students will have a daily “warmup” activity when they come into class. Students are expected to begin work as soon as they enter the classroom. Often times these assignments will be assessed as a classwork grade.
Note-Taking: Students should come to class prepared to take notes in class. While this will not be a lecture style course, many classes will require students to take notes. For study purposes, these should be compiled and organized in your binder.
Quizzes: Students will have many quizzes throughout the year, with at least one a week. Some will be announced and some will be unannounced. Quizzes may cover material we have discussed in class, or from homework.
Homework: Journal writings, readings, and other assignments will sometimes be assigned for homework. It is vital that homework is completed and on time. Quizzes and tests will often draw on material covered in the homework, and may not necessarily be covered in class.
Classwork:Students will receive classwork on a daily basis, in a variety of forms. Students will often be expected to collaborate in groups and to teach material they have learned to the rest of the class. While not all classwork is graded, student participation is necessary with every assignment.
Class Discussions: Students will often be asked to voice their opinions regarding various topics in US history throughout this course. Students will need to prepare for designated class discussions PRIOR to the class period. Sometimes students will be required to bring in a designated amount of comments/questions on a topic. All students will be expected to participate. Students will be expected to be kind and courteous to their fellow classmates, always treating their opinions/views with respect.
Tests: Students will be notified of test dates well in advance. If you are absent on the day of a test, you are expected to make-up the test ASAP. However, being absent the day before the test will not excuse you from taking the test on the original date. Test questions will come directly from homework and material covered in class. Student should STUDY NIGHTLY so they do not feel overwhelmed.
Retakes on Test: If you make below an 80 on TEST you will be allowed to retake it during the NEXT Office Hour time. The highest grade you will be able to achieve is an 80 on a retake. Students should not treat the original test as a trial-run, rather they should do their best the first time.
Projects: Students will have to complete both GROUP and INDIVIDUAL projects throughout the course. All projects will have clear expectations and I will review the guidelines in class. Class time will be provided for completion of the project, but students will need to work at home as well. Many of these projects will require students to orally present their work in front of the class.
Late Work: All assignments need to be turned in on time. For each day past the deadline, 10% of the final grade will be deducted from the assignment. I will NOT accept work more than 3 days late.
Office Hours: Office hours are on Wednesday from 2:24-3:30. You MUST sign up to come to office hours AHEAD of time. This will allow me to prepare to help you with your specific needs during that time. My office is located in Room 122.
School Rules/Attendance/Tardiness: Please give special attention to the school rules, as outlined in your student handbook. A student who misses even a few days of class puts themselves at a serious disadvantage. When a student is absent, it is THEIR responsibility to get all work/notes that were missed. Tardiness is detrimental to your own learning experience, and disrupts the whole class. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action, as outlined in the student handbook.
Classroom Rules and Expectations: All general GTCHS rules will be followed in class. Additional classroom rules and expectations come from one guiding principle: STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DISRUPT THE LEARNING PROCESS.
- Respect and encourage my right to teach and your peers’ right to learn. Disrespect towards myself or fellow students will not be tolerated.
- Be actively engaged in the learning process: ask questions, collaborate, and seek solutions.
- Think, and raise your hand before you speak.
- Be on time to fulfill your daily commitments.
- Be appropriate: lewdness and profanity can create an uncomfortable learning environment and will not be tolerated.
- Be truthful; communicate honestly. If you make a mistake, own up to it.
- Be responsible and accountable for your choices.
Classroom Disciplinary Procedures:
1st Offense: Non-Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Verbal Warning
3rd Offense: Phone call to Parents/Guardians
4th Offense: Referral
Major classroom disruptions or unacceptable behavior will be met with an immediate referral.
Grading:
Tests: 40%
Quizzes: 10%
Classwork: 10%
Homework: 10%
Projects/Papers: 30%
This is a TENTATIVE syllabus. I reserve the right to make adjustments as necessary.
PARENTS AND STUDENT: Please make sure you reviewed the entire syllabus concerning how US History is structured and the expectations for the class.
Student Name (Please Print) ______
Student Signature______
Parent Signature______