United States History/Civics Honors

Introduction

Today, the responsibility placed on the United States as a global power is great, as are the expectations placed on its citizens. To be a citizen of the United States requires knowledge of the past and action in the present. Democracy is not a spectator sport! In order for this nation to operate, the people must be active controlling the government. Without the basic knowledge of how the government works, this task would be impossible. Moreover, as Americans in the 21st century, we are not only responsible for our impact on our nation, but on how the actions of this nation affect the world.

 

The goals for this course are as follows:

-Develop an Understanding of the nation’s history through a comprehensive curriculum.

-Become an informed U.S. Citizen in regards to civic responsibility and knowledge of government.

-Develop and/or improve critical thinking and analytical ability through research.

-Improve the manner in which research is conducted and documented.

-Enhance reading, writing, and presentation skills.

-Gain awareness of our nations past present and develop a sense of responsibility for improving our         

  nation.

 

Materials

The main textbook for this class is “The American Journey”. Other sources for this class will be updated versions of “The Americans”, “The American Spirit”, and “A people’s history of the United States”. These and other supplemental resources will be made available to the students throughout the year.

 

 A notebook and a three ring binder should also be present everyday unless otherwise stated. I have a three whole punch for all handouts if needed.

 

The teacher is not responsible for providing you with a writing implement. DO NOT ASK for a pen or pencil in this class, it will be expected that you come prepared every day. Cell phones and tablets are only to be used for the academic purpose of recording homework at the end of the period or for research during class. Mr. Webb will announce to the class when it is ok to use the cell phone or tablet for an academic purpose. Use of cell phones during an un-announced period will lead to the phone being confiscated for the day.

 

Classroom Expectations:

Civility is essential to successful learning. We learn best when we listen to others, are open to their ideas, and offer others the respect we also want to receive.

 

Being prepared for class is a sign of respect. Bring all the supplies you need and do all the assigned work.

 

Once the bell rings, class has started. This means you should be in a seat and ready to start prior to the bell ringing. All students allowed to leave the room during class time must attain a pass from Mr. Webb. Students must also sign out and upon returning to the classroom using the prepared form in C203. At the conclusion of class, do not leave your seat until the bell rings.

 

-We all have rights to have the quiet atmosphere needed for discussion and learning, to have our property (and communal property, such as the classroom) respected, while knowing that our work and the work of others is respected.

 

Grading Policy and Procedures

Tests/Projects/Essays: 50%

Quizzes/Short Writing: 40%

Homework/Classwork/Participation: 10%

 

All work that is collected by Mr. Webb will be graded as soon as possible and returned to the students. All the work that is collected will be placed in the corresponding class slot in the homework bin and will be returned to the student when graded. All work will be graded in room 203, thus ensuring security and confidentiality.

 

Every student will have access to their own manila folder in which to keep graded assignments and class notes. These folders will be kept in the folder bin located in room 203. Periodically Mr. Webb will have graded notebook checks on essential class notes and chapter outlines. This will include information kept in the student folders.

 

All graded tests and major written assignments will be kept in room 203. Any student requesting more time with these assessments for further description or questioning (other than the time provided on the date students are given their scores) must do so by meeting with Mr. Webb during lunch/activity, or after school. Instructional time will not be used to discuss individual scores.

 

 

Pacing Schedule (Tentative-Mr. Webb does not control Mother Nature)

Unit 1-Colonial America and the American Revolution

Unit 2-The Constitution and workings of the New Republic

Unit 3-Expansion, the Rise of Nationalism, Sectionalism, and Civil War

Unit 4-Capitalism, Immigration, Urbanization, and Progressivism

Unit 5-America and the World Wars

Unit 6-The Cold War and the Age of Reform

Unit 7-A global power in the Age of Globalization

 

 

Classwork and Homework will be graded with the following expectations:

 

90-100 Outstanding

An responses are well written with exemplary clarity that explains and backs up a correct response with specific details that presents in depth critical thinking and reasoning. These responses complete all the directives and show perfect mechanics, neatness and spelling. These responses go above any beyond the assigned activity.

 

80-89 Quality

Answers that are well written with quality depth and explanation that show good understanding. Compared to an “Outstanding”, these responses needed further explanation, depth, evidence, improvement of content, or clarity. Grammar mechanics are good and presentation is neat.

 

70-79 Adequate

Answers that require more depth, explanations, critical thought/reasoning, or evidence. These responses are not fully correct, complete, and unclear. These answers include minor mistakes in mechanics, spelling, neatness, and unfinished directives.

 

60-69 Insufficient

These responses need improvement across the board. Answer must use more evidence, depth, reasoning etc. Answer was incorrect or parts were noticeably incorrect or completely unclear. Answer showed little knowledge of the content and required major adjustments in grammar mechanics.

 

Less than 60 Unsatisfactory

The answer is non-existent or un-scoreable due to mechanics, neatness, or spelling.