US History: A Nation Emerges Honors
2012-2013
Teacher Information:
Mr. Peter Small
E-mail:
Web-site: http://honorsane2014.wikispaces.com/
After School Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-3 AND other days by appointment
Room 107
Course Overview:
US History: A Nation Emerges is an extension of the history courses you have completed at Windham High School. There is an assumption of a certain level of skill and knowledge acquisition. Our content material has a focus upon the early United States from European colonization to the Civil War. The course is designed to continue to develop the skills introduced in your previous courses while developing research and writing skills. This course is designed to set you up for a successful Junior year in AP United States History. As such, this course will follow a rigid curriculum and skill development for optimum success.
Organization:
We will be using online text materials. These will be accessed from our course website. If you desire a paper copy you may, of course, print one out. You will need to bring your netbook with you every day. This will be an essential part of the course. You will need to have a binder for the course as an organizational tool that will will carry with you through the end of your Junior year.
Course Essential Questions:
ñ In what ways are the United States and its citizens unique? How would you describe American culture and identity?
ñ What should be the role of government in the lives of the citizens? How does the Constitution provide a stable basis for government but adapt to changing times and ideas?
ñ What rights do citizens have to protest against the government? Under what circumstances is it acceptable to rebel against the government?
Course Units:
Unit 1: Colonization and colonial life
Unit 2: American Revolution
Unit 3: Establishment of American Traditions
Unit 4: Rise os Jacksonian Democracy
Unit 5: American culture, expansion and slavery
Texts and Required Supplies:
The American Pageant
Netbook
Notebook
Grading:
All assignments and grades will be posted on Infinite Campus. Assignments may also be found on our course website. Grades are broken down as follows:
Tests/Projects 35%
Quizzes 30%
Homework 25%
In Class Assignments 10%
It is your responsibility to check the website and to touch base with me when you have been absent. Work must be made up within one week of the absence. Late work will be accepted at the next class meeting with a maximum grade of C. For some assignments, late work may not be accepted and that distinction will be identified when the assignment is first given.
Classroom Policies:
In addition to all district and school policies, I ask that we should:
Come prepared to class, physically and mentally, ready to actively engage.
Come to class ready to work with others in our study of American History.
I would ask you to remove your hats in the classroom and remember to leave your backpacks in your locker.
The history of the United States, while not as content dense as the study of World History, is equally diverse and exciting. I ask you to arrive ready to question our study of events, ready to explore meaning behind the past, and ready to challenge yourself and the ideas of all.