Modern American History (Level 2)

Mr. Brown

Class syllabus

OBJECTIVE:

The overall objective of this year-long course is to study the history and people of the United States, from the time after the American Civil War and Reconstruction through the aftermath of September 11, 2001 and the role in which the United States finds herself today. Beginning with a study of Industrialization, Immigration, and the rise of the Progressive Era in the late 19th Century, we will discuss influential leaders and events along with the major wars of the 20th Century. However, more than just people and wars will be examined. Students will study social, political, and economic movements, all the while, and most importantly, analyzing why Americans acted as they did. With how fast change, spurred by technology, takes place in this country, it is important for students, as well as leaders, to be aware of what took place in the past so we as a nation do make the same mistakes. While not every era will be covered down to the last detail, each time frame will be depicted in such a way as to give students a clear picture of where our nation has been. Additionally by thoroughly monitoring current events, we will keep up on what is becoming tomorrow’s history. The result will be the ability of students to thoughtfully and intelligently analyze where and why we, as a nation, are heading in the direction we are.

CONTENT:

This class will use the text, United States History, (from Pearson). While this is a major source for this class, other supplemental materials will also be used including handouts, readings, video clips, movies, etc. Students will also be completing projects throughout the year.

Approximate Schedule: will be revised throughout the year.

  1. Civics, Government, Geography of the USA
  2. Rise of Industry, Immigration (Chapters 13, 14)
  3. Issues of the South and West/Populism-Progressivism (Chapters 15, 16)
  4. Progressive Presidents and Policies (Chapters 16, 17, 18)
  5. Imperialism/WWI: U.S. Home and Abroad (Chapters 18, 19)
  6. Roaring Twenties (Chapter 20)
  7. Great Depression/New Deal (Chapters 21, 22)

**MID-TERM EXAM** - end of 2nd marking period

  1. WWII (Chapters 23, 24)
  2. The Cold War (Chapter 25)
  3. The 1950s (Chapters 25, 26)
  4. Civil Rights Movement (Chapter 27)
  5. Vietnam War (Chapter 29)
  6. The 1960s (Chapter 29)
  7. The 1970s (Chapters 30, 31)
  8. The 1980s (Chapter 32)
  9. The 1990s – Present (Chapters 32, 33)

**FINAL EXAM** - end of the 4th marking period

GRADING:

Student grades will be determined on a total points system. To track your progress, I suggest you regularly check your grades online. Any plagiarized assignments will receive no credit and may result in further disciplinary action. Grades will be updated at least once per week. Graded assignments will include homework, quizzes, tests, projects, graded classwork, etc. DO YOUR PERSONAL BEST AND YOU WILL SUCCEED! Opportunities for extra credit may arise, and I suggest you take advantage of them. There will not be any last minute extra-credit work at the end of a marking period.

HOMEWORK AND LATE WORK:

Daily homework involves reviewing class notes and assignments. Other written homework assignments will be assigned several times a week. Late homework and class assignments will not be accepted! Major assignments will be accepted late, but penalized. Students will lose one letter grade for each day the assignment is late. After three days, the assignment will not be accepted, and will be entered in as a ZERO. Don’t make that mistake!

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP WORK:

Student attendance will be taken daily in class. If absent, students are expected to turn in previously assigned homework and assignments the day they return to school (This includes long term projects such as reports, papers, etc.). It is the responsibility of the student to get the notes and assignments from the days missed from a classmate, the course website, or the teacher. Students will then be given the number of days they have been absent to turn in missed assignments. Test dates will be posted well in advance. Students should schedule appointments and other foreseeable absences around these dates! In the occasion of an EXCUSED absence for a test or quiz, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements the day they return to make up the test. If a test or quiz is missed as the result of an unexcused absence a makeup exam will NOT BE GIVEN and the student will receive a zero.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:

This class incorporates class discussion, cooperative learning assignments, and group assignments; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we create an engaging, friendly, and respectful classroom environment. Students will be expected to treat every individual in the classroom with decency and respect. The most effective classroom environment is one where students feel comfortable partaking in questioning, contributing to class discussion, and working cooperatively with their peers. Bullying, disrespect, profanity, cheating, and plagiarism will not be tolerated! It is understood that all rules imposed by the school will be followed and enforced according to guidelines set forth in the student handbook.

CLASS PREPARATION:

Students are expected to keep a 3-ring binder or separate folder specifically for this class. Students will bring a pencil, pen, iPad, and class binder to EVERY class. When you enter the room, take your assigned seat, get out your materials, and look on the board for instructions for the class activities.

LATENESS TO CLASS:

Students are expected to arrive in class BEFORE the bell rings. Students that are late for class will first be given a warning. A second lateness will result in class detention. Subsequent lateness will result in class detention and a call/email home.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

Cell phones are strictly forbidden and use will be handled according to the policy established by the school handbook. The use of iPads is not allowed unless instructed by the teacher.

COURSE WEBSITE:

Please visit the course website. Notes, assignments, and homework will all be posted on the website. This is an excellent resource for both parents and students to stay up to date, informed, and involved!

COMMUNICATION:

Effective communication between students, teachers, parents, and administrators is crucial for a successful school year. I will take many steps to ensure open lines of communication.

  • The easiest and quickest way to contact me is by email at
  • You can also leave me a voice mail at 610-627-6394
  • Grades will be updated online per school policy.
  • I hope that I will be able to meet with parents at back to school night. If you are unable to attend, I will be more than happy to arrange another time to visit with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or

concerns.

I have read each section above, and I fully understand what is expected of a student in Mr. Brown’s classroom.

Student Name: ______

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

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