United States History

Coach Ciaburri

Alvord High School

Course Description:

An overview of U.S. History post-Civil War to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social event and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and freeing policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements including civil rights. End of Course Exam is required by the state.

Supplemental Texts:

Throughout the course of the year will we reference articles taken from a variety of scholarly sources including, but not limited to, Journal of American History, essay collections such as Perspectives on the American Past, and a variety of anthologies and problem studies such as Major Problems in American History, The Way We Lived, and Interpretations of American History.

Course Overview:

“In United States History Studies Since 1877, which is the second part of a two-year study that begins in Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from 1877 to the present. The course content is based on the founding documents of the U.S. government, which provide a framework for its heritage. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements, including civil rights. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and eras and analyze their causes and effects. Students examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students describe the relationship between the arts and popular culture and the times during which they were created. Students analyze the impact of technological innovations on American life. Students use critical-thinking skills and a variety of primary and secondary source material to explain and apply different methods that historians use to understand and interpret the past, including multiple points of view and historical context.” (paragraph taken from the Texas Education Agency’s 2010-2011 revision of US History)

Classroom rules and procedures:

Rule: RESPECT! Students must show RESPECT for adults. Whether it isan administrator, teacher, parent, or guest speaker, I expect students to follow instructions with the utmost RESPECT.

RESPECT for other students. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

RESPECT for yourself. This means coming to class on time, prepared and ready to be actively engaged in your learning, whether through in-class assignments, discussion, homework, or studying for exams.

Consequences:

1st Offense- Verbal Warning

2nd Offense- Sent Outside

3rd Offense- “Coach C” Detention and Parent Phone Call

4thOffense- Office Referral

Cell Phone Policy: In accordance with Alvord ISD policy, students are allowed to use technological devices (e.i. cell phones, laptop, and tablet) in the classroom for educational purposes when authorized by the teacher. Students who choose not to use it for educational purposes or without permission will have their devices confiscated. Failure to comply with this rule will result with chargers confiscated and turned into the office.

Food and Drinks: Eating and drinking is not allowed in the classroom. However, water with a secure lid is allowed to be brought into the classroom.

Offenses that could earn a Coach C detention: profanity, disrespecting an adult or another student, using an electronic device without permission, plagiarismor other offenses that do not coincide with rules.

Topics for this class:

First six weeks: Material covered for the first two weeks will include a review of colonization, the American Revolution, development of the Constitution, and the Civil War era. During weeks three-six, westward expansion during the 1800s, the rise of Industrialism, and the growth of cities will be covered. Westward expansion will include the end of the Indian wars, rise of the cattle kingdom, and settlers. The development of American cities and the rise of Industrialism, the new rich, Laissez-faire, and immigration will be explored more in depth.

Second six weeks: Topics will include political and economic reforms, the politics of the Gilded Age, the emergence of the United States as a world power through Imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and political growth during the Progressive Era. More in depth study of labor unions, farmer groups, political reforms, Open Door policy, the Boxer Rebellion, Imperialism, Theodore Roosevelt, trust-busting, Taft, and Wilson will occur.

Third six weeks: History lessons during this grading period will deal with World War I and the economic, political, and social changes of the 1920s. Causes of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles, post-war recession, and the effects of WWI, along with the Roaring 20s, the Stock Market crash, and election of 1932 will be covered.

*Students will review for a comprehensive semester exam given in December.

Fourth six weeks: Lessons learned will focus on Roosevelt and the New Deal and WWII. Terms of Roosevelt’s presidency and the First and Second New Deal programs will be main topics. Students will also concentrate on the causes of WWII, actions of the war at home and abroad, and the effects of WWII.

Fifth six weeks: During this grading period, the main topics will include the Cold War, Postwar America, and the 1960s. Topics will concentrate on the terms of Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. More in depth lessons will cover the Civil Rights movement.

Sixth six weeks: During the last grading period topics will include the Vietnam War, protests and change in the United States, Nixon and Watergate, and the administrations of Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, and Bush 43. Also included will be the War on Terrorism.

An assignment calendar may be found on “Classroom.” I strongly encourage students to check my website for due dates and announcements. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their assignments and due dates.

Each unit will involve a combination of the following activities: overnight reading assignments, quizzes over reading, cooperative learning activities, essays including document based questions, map work, and vocabulary. Each unit will have an assessment, either a test or project, to ensure their mastery of the content and skills.

*Progress reports will be sent home every 6 weeks for students to take home.

*Parent/Guardian: Please contact me with any questions or concerns! It is encouraged!

Supplies:

Students will need:

  • One composition notebook for notes, maps, graphs, etc., that they will leave in the classroom. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of the student to maintain an organized notebook that they can refer to throughout the year. If the student is absent or misplaces their notebook, they will need to get the material from another student or come to tutoring before or afterschool.
  • Pencil/Pen- Blue or Black Ink Only!
  • Colored Pencils and Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Scissors
  • Kleenex Box
  • 1 ream of Paper
  • 1 container of Hand Sanitizer

Grading Policy:

Major Grades=40%: tests, essays, projects

Minor Grades=60%: assignments, quizzes, homework

Late work: Late work will be accepted at a grade no higher than 70%. In addition, students will also be required to redo assignments that do not meet a minimum grade of 70%.

Reteach and retest: Students will have the opportunity to retest during tutorial hours, for a maximum grade of a 70%. It the student’s RESPONSIBILITY to come prepared as they will only have one opportunity to retest.

Cheating/Copying another student’s assignment: NOT TOLERATED!! Students caught will receive an automatic zero and an email/phone call home.

Make-up work: It is the student’s responsibility to pick up missed assignments. The student will have time to complete and turn in assignments.

Contact Information:

Parent or guardian, please fill in the following and return to teacher

Student’s Name:______Period #:______

I have read the World Geography Student/Parent letter and I am aware of the policies stated within.

Student’s signature:______Date:______

Legal Guardian’s signature:______Date:______