Basic U.S. History since 1877 Assignments

Course Syllabus Basic United States History since 1877 2012-2013 Instructor: Alisa Nakano Department: High School Social Studies E-mail: [email protected] Classroom: HS 111 Course Description: In this class, we will learn about U.S. History from the year 1877 to the present. We will learn about problems that were caused by major wars, policies (rules) and how people decided to change the world, including the civil rights movement. We will learn about how technology affects our lives as Americans. We will use different information to understand what happened in the past. We will also learn about Deaf history in this class. Required Materials: Handouts (given in class), notes, journal (given in class), binder, notebook paper, pencils, blue/black pens and erasers. Grading Formula: Homework 10%, Classwork/Participation 40%, Tests 20%, Projects 20%, Quizzes 10% Classroom Expectations: Refer to the student handbook for more specific information regarding procedures for discipline. See attached for the Classroom Expectations handout. Assessments: This class will use different ways for you to have the chance to evaluate and show your learning progress. Some ways we will show what we have learned will include rubrics, peer and self-evaluations, tests, writing response samples, presentations and projects. Class Requirements: 1. Regular Attendance (no unexcused tardy marks or absences) 2. Finish all assignments on time 3. Keep up with Daily Journal/Notebook 4. Participate in small/large group discussion and class activities 5. Finish all presentations and projects 6. Follow the Course Expectations Course Expectations [email protected] Classroom Expectations In addition to the school rules, please follow these expectations: PREPARE, PARTICIPATE, RESPECT, POSITIVE ATTITUDE PREPARE -bring required materials to class daily -be ready for quizzes and tests -finish all of your assignments on time -be in your seat when the bell rings. Immediately start writing in your journal or working on the bellringer until your teacher lets you know to stop writing. PARTICIPATE -pay attention to the instructor or other speakers/staff members when they are talking -if the teacher flashes the light, immediately look up to pay attention -ask and answer appropriate questions -do your work in class as explained by the teacher -communicate clearly. Use only your school assigned e-mail address to contact the teacher with questions, if they are not asked before/during/after class([email protected]) -take notes and write down due dates for assignments. Take responsibility for your notes, handouts, and graded work. Do not throw them away. Homework will be posted on the blackboard/whiteboard. You are responsible for writing down the assignments and remembering when they are due. -if you have homework to turn in, put it in the designated basket BEFORE class starts. Homework is YOUR responsibility to turn in. It is NOT the teacher’s responsibility to remind you. RESPECT -show up to class ON TIME. Unexcused tardies will be reported for disciplinary action -Finish class activities, homework and assigned projects on time -Bring a pass to class if you are late -If you must leave the classroom to use the restroom or get a drink of water, use the pass you are given. -You can only use the restroom or get water 15 minutes (or later) after the beginning of class to 15 minutes before class ends. If you go to the bathroom or go to get water, give your phone/pager to the teacher before you leave the room. -do not write on the desktops or walls -leave your area clean, especially the floor -raise your hand if you need to ask a question, or comment during appropriate times -do not disrupt class when entering/leaving the room -remember to say “please” and “thank you” when you ask for something Positive Attitude -Do what you know is the right thing to do, even if your friends don’t agree with you -help other people to be positive and do the right thing -TRY YOUR BEST for all assignments. Ask for help when appropriate and be polite. –ask questions if you need to Absences -YOU are responsible for finding out what you missed and how to make it up -Projects are still due even if you are absent, unless you make other arrangements with the teacher BEFORE your absence. Other Rules -We all have good and bad days. If you are having a bad day, let the teacher know in class or in private. We all need to learn how to deal with a bad day. -DO NOT lay your head on your desk, either for sleeping or for other reasons -You can have water bottles, but no open soda or drink containers in class -No caps, hats or hoodies are allowed in class -No music players including music in the laptops are allowed. -Sometimes the teacher may need to leave class in between classes. If you see the door is locked and the teacher is not in the room, please wait outside the door quietly and patiently. The teacher will come back in a few minutes.