United States History
2015-2016
Instructor: Patrick Steil
(303) 655-8850
Room C108
Class Page:
(All course materials including assignments, electronic textbook, and other resources are located here)
Office Hours: 8:00am – 9:40am in room C108 or by appointment
This course is a chronological and thematic survey course in United States History covering the time period from the end of the Civil War (1870) to contemporary America (2015). PrairieViewHigh School’s program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skill and factual knowledge to deal critically with the problems and issues in United States History. Students will learn to asses historical materials, their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course will emphasize key themes in United States history including: American diversity, identity and culture, demographic change, economic transformations, the environment, globalization politics, reform, religion, slavery, and its legacies in North America, and war and diplomacy.
Course Objectives:*
-Student will acquire fundamental and advanced knowledge of United States political, social, economic, constitutional, cultural, and intellectual history.
-Students will develop master of the process skills: analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical reading necessary for the mastery of the content of United States History
-Students will demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the content, concepts and themes unique to United States History.
-Students will develop the ability to recognize the significance of change over time and cause and effect.
-Students will be able to develop historically accurate interpretations of the events of United States History.
Course Objectives (con’t):*
-Students will develop the ability to think and reason analytically as demonstrated through essay and expository writing of article reviews, term papers and book reviews.
*Based on ColoradoState Standards for History 1 – 6, Reading and Writing 1 – 4
Course Materials:
Danzer, Gerald A; et al. The Americans, Reconstruction through the 21st Centrury:. McDougal Littell, Evanston, Ill., 2009.
Readings and Primary Sources vary and will be provided by the instructor
Three ring binder, loose leaf paper and writing apparatus.
Course Requirements and Guidelines:
-There will be a minimum of five unit examinations each semester, as well as a midterm and a final exam. Each unit will be followed by an assessment to gauge student understanding. Exams will be designed based upon the criteria of high school assessment including multiple choice, essay, and matching to allow students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout each unit. Expect unannounced quizzes on the required textbook reading. The final examination each semester will be comprehensive and equal 20% of the semester grade.
-Students will also be responsible for assorted term papers and projects throughout the year that will be considered assessments and make up part of the 50% allocated for examinations.
-Students excused on the day of an assignment or during a period of course work are responsible for obtaining all missing assignments from the class pages website (noted above). If the student needs help or explanation the instructor will be available but it is the responsibility of the student to ask for and make time outside of class for said help. This may mean coming in at lunch, before or after school to get the work and get caught up. Unexcused absences will not merit an option to turn in assignments past the expected due date for credit.
-Students missing assessments due to excused absences are responsible for arranging a time with the instructor to make up the missing exam, project, paper or equivalent. Students will graciously be give two weeks after the original date to make up the assessment, unless extenuating circumstance deem otherwise (see student handbook for clarification). Assessments completed after this date will be subject to a 50% reduction in credit each day. Missed assessments due to unexcused absences will not be allowed to be made up and result in zero credit.
-Late assignments will not be accepted. All assignments should be turned in at the beginning of class unless otherwise indicated. Assignments may not be electronically transmitted unless permission has been expressly granted by the instructor.
Grading policies:
-Grades will be calculated on a standards based 4.0 scale, using the requirements outlined above and following the Standards Based Curriculum of Prairie View High School. Daily assignments and course work will be evaluated and scored based on completeness, comprehensiveness and/or participation. Written work will be evaluated on the clarity and strength of the thesis, quality of the supporting details, and strength of the analytic and evaluative arguments presented. All written work will be evaluated using a nine point rubric.
Student will be given an opportunity to reassess in order to better their grades. The reassessment policies are consistent with PrairieViewHigh School’s policies. Prior to reassessment, students must complete all missing assignments during a given unit and must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the subject matter prior to reassessment. This includes a signed assessment contract which can be obtained from the instructor. A parent signature is required on each contract prior to reassessment. Reassessments must be completed within two weeks of the original date of the assessment.
For Semester Grade not including final*
Learning Activities = 30 percent of the grade.
Includes homework assignments, in class assignments, reading and writing assignments
Participation in group activities and discussions = 20 percent of grade
Includes Essential questions, daily discussions and group projects
Assessments = 50 percent of the grade.
* Based on Prairie View Standards, the final examination at the end of the semester will be equivalent to 80% of the student’s grade while the above activities equate to 80% of semester grade.
Parents/Guardians may and are encouraged to check their student’s progress at any time by looking at Infinite Campus. You can access Infinite Campus by going to the school webpage For instructions please contact instructor or school administration.
Point System/Grading:
- Prairie View’s Grading Rubric
Advanced: Students work represents an advanced level of sophistication and understanding. / 9-10 / 90 to 100 percent / A
Proficient: Student work represents movement towards proficiency. / 8 / 80 to 89 percent / B
Partially Proficient: Student work represents movement towards proficiency. / 7 / 70 to 79 percent / C
Incomplete Progress: No Credit. Student work is incomplete and represents a lack of mastery of course proficiencies. / Below 7 / 0 to 69 percent / I
Classroom Expectations:
Be on Time
-Students should be seated and engaged with the assignment posted on the board every day when they enter the classroom.
-Students not in the classroom when the bell rings will be considered tardy unless otherwise excused.
-Students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary measures including, but not limited to a referral and possible reduction in their overall grade.
Be Prepared for Class
-Students should be prepared for class when the bell rings.
-Students should enter the classroom mentally and physically prepared for the day’s assignment
-Students should have all necessary supplies with them when they enter the classroom.
-Students should have all readings and assignments completed before the beginning of the day’s lesson.
-Assignments are considered late if not turned in at the time they are due. Unless indicated, assignments are due at the beginning of class. Missed work during excused absences must be accompanied by a late slip (obtained from instructor). Late assignments or missed work due to unexcused absences will not be accepted for credit.
Be Respectful
-Students will treat the instructor and his/her fellow students with respect
-Students will be treated with respect by both the instructor and his/her peers before, during, and after class.
-Students will respect the school as an institution.
-Students will respect themselves by maintaining decorum and appearance fitting a classroom setting. (No hats or inappropriate attire is allowed –see handbook for clarification)
-Students will not talk or leave their seats while the instructor or other students are speaking. Such actions are rude and a disruption to the academic process and may result in disciplinary actions and reduction in grade if habitual.
Be Engaged
-Students will come with the desire to learn
-The instructor will nurture this desire by providing meaningful and enlightening lesson plans
-Students will participate in all activities, groups, and /or assignments understanding that their grade depends on this.
-Students are encourage to do their best always in everything.
Be Free of Distraction
-Students should come to class unencumbered by cell phones or other electronic devices that may cause distraction during class. Unless indicated by the instructor, all devices must remain turned off and out of site. Habitual use during unauthorized times will result in administration removing the device and student from the classroom.
-Cosmetics, aromatics, or hygiene products will be applied or consumed prior to entering the classroom.
-Food and beverages are acceptable as long as their consumption does not cause a distraction or mess. This policy will be modified and the privilege rescinded if such distractions or messes occur.
Be Trustworthy
-Students will be required to do their own work both inside and outside the classroom.
-Plagiarism or other use of work other than that of the student will result in a zero for the assignment and disciplinary action after the second offense.
Course Outline/Units of Study
FIRST SEMESTER
Unit I: Bridge to the 20th Century: (August 24-September 11)
Chapter 6: A New Industrial Age (1877-1900)
Chapter 7: Immigrants and Urbanization (1877-1914)
Central Focus: Analyzing the social and cultural changes that took place in the United States as a result of the rapid shifts related to industrialization, immigration and urbanization.
Themes:Industrialization, Technology, Innovation, Regulation, Unionization, Social Darwinism, Consolidation, Radicalism, Changes in work and lifestyles, Immigration, Discrimination, Racism, Urbanization, Crime, Americanization, Reform, Political Machines, Redefining the American dream and its stakeholders.
Assessment: September 11
Unit II: Social/Cultural Challenges and Changes at the Turn of the Century:(September 14 – October 2)
Chapter 8: Life at the Turn of the Century (1877-1917)
Chapter 9: The Progressive Era (1890-1920)
Central Focus: Examining the changing social and economic climate associated with the rise of industrialization and the middle class at the turn of the century. Analyze the programs and efforts of Progressives to better society.
Themes:Consumerism, Commercialization, Innovation and Technology, Education, Popular Culture, Segregation and Discrimination, Progressivism, Social Welfare, Reform, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Trustbusting and Regulation.
Assessment: October 2
Unit III: Modern America Emerges:(October 5 –October 23)
Chapter 10: America Claims an Empire (1890-1920)
Chapter 11: The First World War (1914-1920)
Central Focus: Defining and establishing America’s role as an industrial and military power in the early 20th century.
Themes:Imperialism, Racism, Jingoism, Expansionism, Nationalism, Spanish American War, Annexation, Foreign Policy, Remaking the City upon a Hill, Isolationism, Nationalism, Militarism, World War I, Mobilization, The Great Migration, Wilsonian Democracy, The New World Order.
Assessment: October 23
Unit IV: The Twenties: (October 26- November 20)
Chapter 12: Politics of the Roaring Twenties (1920-1929)
Chapter 13: The Roaring Life of the 1920s (1920-1929)
Central Focus: Analyzing the ongoing social, cultural, economic, political and religious transformations taking place in the United States after World War I.
Themes:Revolution, Radicalism, Red Scare, Labor Unrest, Normalcy, Conservatism, Consumerism, Advertising, Urbanization, Innovation and Technology, Prohibition, Fundamentalism, Organized Crime, Feminism, Education, Popular Culture, Harlem Renaissance
Assessment: November 20
Unit V: The Great Depression: (November 30-December 14)
Chapter 14: The Great Depression Begins (1929-1933)
Chapter 15: The New Deal (1933-1940)
Central Focus: Examining the cause and effects of the Great Depression to understand its economic, social and cultural ramifications. Analyzing the programs of the New Deal to assess their effectiveness in ending the problems caused by the Great Depression
Themes:Economic decline and depression, Financial collapse, Effects on Americans, Hooverism, New Deal, Reform, Social and Cultural changes, expanding government role.
Assessment: December 14
MIDTERM EXAM (December 14-18)
SECOND SEMESTER
Unit VI: World War II and its Aftermath: (January 5-January 30)
Chapter 16: World War Looms (1931-1941)
Chapter 17: The United States in World War II (1941-1945)
Central Focus: Analyze the causes and effects of World War II both in the United States and abroad.
Themes:Fascism, Militarism, Nationalism, Totalitarianism, Isolationism, Neutrality, War, Holocaust, Arsenal of Democracy, Mobilization (abroad and at home), Internment, Propaganda, Atomic Age, Reconstruction, Marshall Plan, Occupation, Impact and adjustment in Post War World
Assessment: January 30
Unit VII: America as a Superpower: (February 1- February 26)
Chapter 18: Cold War Conflicts (1945-1960)
Chapter 19: The Post War Boom (1946-1960)
Central Focus: Examining America’s new international scope and super power status during the Cold War and beyond. Analyzing social, economic, political and cultural changes during the 1950s.
Themes:Communism,Nationalism, Alliances, Containment, Occupation, Korean War, McCarthyism, Red Scare, Brinkmanship, Bomb Politics, Consumerism, Civil Rights, Conformity, Prosperity, Middle Class, Automania, Advertising, Conservativism, Suburbanization, Television, Rock and Roll and Popular culture.
Assessment: February 26
Unit VIII: Living with Great Turmoil:(February 29- March 17)
Chapter 20: The New Frontier and Great Society (1960-1968)
Chapter 21: Civil Rights (1954-1970)
Central Focus: Analyzing the shift in politics and society from the 1950 into the 1960s through both Cold War politics and the rise of the Civil Rights Movement
Themes: Cold War Crises in the Third World, Kennedy and Khrushchev, Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Space Race, Great Society, War on Poverty, Segregation, Integration, Civl Rights Movement, African American Alienation
Assessment: March 17
Unit X: A Time of Crisis:(March 28- April 15 )
Chapter 22: The Vietnam Years (1954-1975)
Chapter 23: An Era of Social Change (1960-1975)
Central Focus: Examine and analyze the growing social and political unrest surrounding the Vietnam War and the changing tides of Liberalism and Conservativism.
Themes: Vietnam War, Opposition, Protest and Resistance, Vietnamization and realpolitik, Legacy of the war, Social change, Chicano and Indian Civil Rights Movements, Feminism, Youth Culture, Counter Culture
Assessment: April 15
Unit X: Passage to a New Century: (April 18- May 13)
Chapter 24: An Age of Limits (1968-1980)
Chapter 25: The Conservative Tide (1980-1992)
Chapter 26: The United States in Today’s World (1992-Present)
Central Focus: Analyzing the growing divide in politics and society during the Neo-Conservative Age. Examining America’s position in the Post-Cold War world. Examining and defining continuing issues related to class, race, gender and nationality.
Themes:Neo-conservatism, Realpolitik, Detenete, stagflation, Watergate, Energy Crisis, Environmentalism, Reaganomics, deregulation, dismantling the New Deal, Conservativism, Equality, End of the Cold War, Iran Contra, Crisis in the Middle East, Clinton and the Global Economy, Computers and the Internet, Genetic engineering, Environmentalism, Millennialism
Assessment: May 13
FINAL EXAM (May 16-25)
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