3rd Block U.S. History 11:25-12:50pm

Course Description

Introduction
Welcome to United States History, one of the best classes in high school.  This is the class where you get to learn why your life and society is the way it is.  The class where you get to learn about how United States History, a class the quite literally broadens all of your horizons.  If you love math, you will love United States History because you have to analyze different factors and come up with an answer.   If you love science, then you will love United States History because you will be able to test theories and see the development of your ideas supported with observed facts.  There is something for everyone in this class, so I hope you will be inspired by the history of the world much as I am.

My Expectations
-When you arrive to classroom, please sit down, take out any materials you need, and prepare for class. 
-I expect that you will listen to me, take notes, and not bother people trying to do their job—even if they are your friends.  I will note that you were late and deduct points on your grade accordingly. 
-You will do all of the assignments and turn them in on time.  I don’t want to hear about Calculus or English homework.  You either have your assignment or you don’t.  
If you have an excused absence on the day something is due, you must turn it in on the DAY YOU RETURN TO SCHOOL. You will either drop off or put in the shared folder that I set up in google docs.
-You will attempt/complete every assignment.  I know I sort of said this already, but many students fail, because they fail to turn in all the assignments.  Time and math are on your side.  You can still get a good grade without getting and ‘A’ on every assignment.  If you get a 100% on 50% of the assignments, you will get an ‘F’.  That’s is just math.  I am a slave to my math.  If you have a 89%, you get a B+, period.  Don’t shoot yourself in the foot, and do everything.
-Come see me if you are having problems. I am on your side.  I want to help you.  If you don’t know what to do, you need an explanation, you need help getting organized, come see me BEFORE it is too late.  You know when you are not doing as well as you like to.  That moment is the moment you should schedule an appointment.
-You must follow all school and class rules.  Disruptive behavior (talking, singing, sleeping, anything other than what I have asked you to do) will result in a warning then consequence will be given

Communication Policy
You are assigned with TSD email address. You are REQUIRED to use it on daily basis.
PLEASE email me if you have any questions/concerns. You will submit all of your assignments in Google Docs. (Not email!)
PLEASE use correct spelling and punctuation in your email.

Assignment & Late Work Policy
Assignments are due before beginning of class. It will be counted LATE if you tried to send it when you arrive class.
Each day you are late with your assignment, it will be reduced to 50% then the next day will be reduced to 25% then 0% You only have up to two chances to turn in before you receive 0.

My Grading Policy
Grade Breakdown: (Each 6 week period)  
25% Performance Indicators
30% Tests/Research Project
15% Homework
20% Class Participation
10% Quiz
15% Final Exam (end of semester) *Note: If you earn A each quarter then you will not require to take Final Exam!

General Policies
Only exceptional work gets an ‘A’, read those rubrics carefully!
If you have a B+, that’s what you have.  Don’t ask me about extra credit.  I give opportunities for extra credit through out the grading period.  If you don’t take them, don’t ask me to create special assignments just for you later.  In all cases, extra credit counts only if you have turned in all of the regular assignments.
I make mistakes, if there is a mistake on your paper, or you disagree with a grade, come see me at lunch or a prearranged time.  We  can’t deal with it while I am trying to teach class.  I want to give you a fair hearing, not thirty seconds while I am distracted with other things.

Student Responsibilities
I know you have jobs, and practice, and sweethearts, but I fully expect that you will devote 5-10 hours a week for my class.  Some weeks will be harder than others.
Come to class with POSITIVE attitude. Lets make learning history FUN.
When the bell rings, PLEASE do not leave unless I say you can go! :)
If you miss class for whatever reason, please ask your classmate to copy or borrow any notes if missed. See me at right time for any assignments to catch up. You are expected to submit make up assignment as soon as possible.

Progress Report
Progress report will be distributed during half of the 6 week period to communicate with your performance. You are responsible to keep track with your grades through Power School.

Technology
In this class you will access to the Internet regularly. If you lose your technology privileges at home or school, it will make it difficult for you to do your homework. Please bring a note or have your parents send me an email to let me know if you do not have access so I can assist you.
I will not accept any excuses that have to do with--"I sent it---didn't you get it?" or "My email does not work; the server was down."  If you send an important email, you should check if it bounces or not.  The bounce notice usually comes within 15 seconds.  Furthermore, when email servers go down, it is usually just for a matter of minutes, occasionally hours.  So you should resend it.   If you are faced with an unanticipated problem--try your best to solve it.  That's what I have to do!  Excuses are not the same thing as accomplishments.

Material Requirements:
You are responsible to bring your own pen/pencil to class. You also are required to use Google docs therefore be RESPONSIBLE and bring your laptop to class.

A Short Syllabus:
This list is a general outline and is subject to some change as the needs of the class dictate.
1st 6 weeks:
    Unit 1: West and Gilded Age
    Unit 2: Celebrate Freedom Week
    Unit 3: Progressive Era
2nd 6 weeks:
    Unit 4: Rise of World Power
    Unit 5: Transition to Modern America
3rd 6 weeks:
    Unit 6: Great Depression and New Deal
    Unit 7: America Reacts to World at War
4th 6 weeks:
    Unit 8: World II
    Unit 9: Onset of Cold War and 1950’s
    Unit 10: Civil Rights Movement
5th 6 weeks:
    Unit 11: New Frontiers and Familiar Enemies
    Unit 12: 1970-1990
6th 6 weeks:
    Unit 13: 1990- Present
    Unit 14- Ever Changing America