Mrs. Osgood
U.S. History II & III
Newburyport High School Syllabus
U.S. History II & III
Course Overview and Expectations 2016-2017
Contact Information:
Teacher: Mrs. Alyson Osgood Course: U.S. History II & III
Room 238 or History/English Office Room 302
*Teacher’s Email: After School Make Up Day: Monday
*Please note: Because there is another history teacher with the same
last name, please double check the email address before sending me an email!
Mission Statement:
Newburyport High School strives for excellence. We believe that this quest for excellence is a partnership among all aspects of a student's life: home, community, schools, educators, and peers. NHS values the student as an independent, creative learner, and provides diverse learning environments to nurture different abilities and aspirations. NHS honors its traditions while embracing change and progress to prepare its students to succeed in a globally competitive world. Our mission is to foster a sustained passion for learning that each student will carry throughout life.
Course Overview:
Welcome to U.S. History! This is a year-long course that is broken into two parts. During the fall semester, U.S. History II begins with an examination of Reconstruction and other significant consequences of the Civil War. We will then explore western expansion, the impact of immigration, and the role of Native Americans in late nineteenth century America. Next, we will examine the causes and effects of industrialization, including urbanization and the growth of organized labor. Following this, we will trace the emergence of Progressivism and explore the impact of the political, social and economic reforms of this era. Finally, we will examine the expansion of U.S. imperialism in Asia and Latin America.
At the start of the spring semester, U.S. History III will begin with an exploration of the causes and impact of World War I. We will then examine the social, political and economic influences of the 1920s and 1930s, with particular attention paid to the impact of the New Deal on the American economy, U.S. politics and society as a whole. Following this, the causes, effects and impact of World War II on the home front will be studied. Moving into the 1950s, 60s and 70s, we will conclude with an examination of the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement.
Because history is perpetually building upon itself, to understand a sometimes foreign and confusing past is to understand the world we live in. Thus, many of the topics we study and analyze this semester will have significant relevance to issues that we, as individuals and as a society, face presently.
Grading Policy:
40% Unit Assessments
30% Reading Checks/Quizzes/Homework
20% Writing Assignments
10% Class Participation
Student/Teacher Expectations: ______
· Students will be respectful of others during class discussions and presentations. While there may be differences of opinion, which indeed are necessary for people to learn and change their points of view, students are trusted to have the maturity to ensure that these differences of opinion are at no time be expressed through insults to others. Students are expected to use only words and actions that are suitable for a classroom. Inappropriate and/or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Indeed, everyone plays a part in creating a respectful environment at Newburyport High School. Likewise, Mrs. Osgood will be respectful at all times – of students, fellow teachers, ideas, comments and differences.
· Students will be honest at all times. All work students do should be their own. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. (Please see the Clipper Compass for further information).
· Mrs. Osgood is responsible for providing extra help and will always be available after school on Mondays. Although it is Mrs. Osgood’s responsibility to provide extra help, it is the student’s responsibility to ask for it.
· Cell phones should be off and out of sight during the school day. The same rule applies to other electronic devices: CD players, ipods, MP3 players, and calculators. If any of the above are heard or visible in class, they will be taken from the student.
· In a high school setting, students are expected to initiate communication with the teacher when necessary. If a student has a question about an assignment, knows he or she will be absent from school, or just has a question about the class in general, the student (rather than the student’s parent/guardian) should see the teacher in person after school, or send the teacher an email.
Only in rare circumstances should parents/guardians be contacting the teacher before the student has attempted to do so on his or her own. Certainly, parents/guardians can be supportive of students’ efforts to advocate for themselves (for example: by proofreading an email before a student sends it to a teacher or by reminding students to stay after for extra help), but parents/guardians should not be the ones taking charge.
· If parents/guardians would like to know more about daily assignments and upcoming tests or quizzes in history class, they should ask their student! Having a conversation with one’s student, or looking at his or her assignment book, is a good way for parents/guardians to get more information about what is going on in class or what is coming up in the near future. Of course, if parents/guardians question the veracity of their student, then by all means contact the teacher.
· Students (and parents/guardians) should check X2 periodically. Grades are updated regularly in X2 and can provide a good indication of a student’s progress in the class. It is crucial that students (and not parents/guardians alone) be aware of their progress in class. If a student or parent has a question about an assignment or grade, the student should email or speak with the teacher in person after school.
What to Bring to Class Each Day: __
Students MUST have the following each day in class:
ü A pen and a pencil
ü Assignment notebook (to be used for recording homework for all classes)
ü Any homework that is due
ü A notebook and folder OR a 1” or 1.5” 3-ring binder dedicated ONLY to history
* You generally DO NOT need to bring your textbook to class. I will notify you ahead of time if you do. Keep it at home for homework.
*You are juniors in high school and by this point in your academic careers you should be able to decide what organization system works best for you, be it a binder or a notebook and folder. Thus, while I will not require you to keep a 3-ring binder, I HIGHLY encourage you to. I pass out lots of supplemental readings and handouts, and I think that a binder is the best way to stay organized for this class. I hole-punch everything for you ahead of time and you simply need to keep your work in chronological order. Regardless, you MUST have some type of organizational system for keeping your materials for history class organized and accessible.
If I find that you are wasting time or struggling in my class due in part to disorganization, I will require that you use a binder set up as I have suggested. Organization will factor into your participation & preparation grade for the course.
Make Up Work Policy: ______
· Get the phone number or email of a classmate in your same class period, so that you can call or email this person to get assignments when you are absent.
· Make up work will be compiled for you and placed your class’ folder in the classroom – it will have your name on it. It is your responsibility to pick it up the day you return from an absence, regardless of whether or not our class meets that day.
· Work that was due on a day you are absent is expected immediately upon your return to school – again, it is your responsibility to hand it in.
· Unit exams must be made up within a week, or the score is a zero.
· Of course there are always extenuating circumstances, but you must advocate for yourself and let me know ahead of time.
Late Work Policy: __
· Assignments are due at the start of class. Do not come without your work – print it out before you arrive. Work handed in later in the day is considered late and will receive partial credit.
· Classwork and homework assignments will be accepted within 24 hours for part credit.
· Penalties for late writing assignments and projects will be outlined in the rubrics provided with those assignments.
General Homework/Classwork Grading Criteria
Daily assignments will vary in degree of difficulty and length. However, in general, we will use the following criteria to evaluate most basic homework and classwork assignments.
ü + + / 100% / assignment clearly demonstrates that the student has completed all components of the assignmentit is obvious that a very strong effort has been made to be
thorough in all responses to all questions posed
the work clearly indicates a deep understanding of the material
all other relevant criteria has been met
ü + / 90% / assignment demonstrates that the student has completed all components of the assignment
it is obvious that a strong effort has been made to be thorough in all responses to all questions posed
the work indicates a solid understanding of the material
all other relevant criteria has been met
ü / 77% / assignment demonstrates that the student has not completed one or several components of the assignment
it is apparent that an effort has been made to be accurate and thorough, though the work contains several careless errors
the work indicates some understanding of the materials
ü - / 50% / assignment demonstrates that a sizeable number of components are not completed
it is apparent that little effort has been put into the assignment and it appears rushed
the work displays very little understanding of the material
0 / 0% / assignment is not completed or less than half completed
the effort put forth in this assignment does not warrant a grade
Parent/Guardian Signature:______
(please detach and return this sheet as part of your first homework assignment)
In order to keep parents/guardians in the loop and us in touch with you, please fill out the portion below so that we know you are familiar with the grading schemes and expectations for this class. And, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Student’s Name: ______
Who was your history teacher last year?______
Who is your English teacher this year?______
I have read and understand the expectations that Mrs. Osgood has for me as a student in her class.
Student’s Name: ______
(please print)
Student’s Signature:______
I have read and understand the expectations that Mrs. Osgood has for my student as a student in her class.
Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
(please print)
Parent/Guardian Signature:______
Parent/Guardian Email address(es): ______
______
Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s): ______
If you have specific concerns or questions, please indicate so below. Or, email me. ______
______
______
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