US+History+Syllabus

= __ American History Course Syllabus 2009-2010 __ =

__ Mr. Shirey---Room 402 __**__ 610-670-0180 x4478 __** **__shidai@wilsonsd.org__**
**__Textbook:__** __American History: Beginnings to 1914__ Pennsylvania Highlights version McDougal Littell, 2008  **__Course Overview:__** US History I encompasses the major events, concepts, and personalities which played a role in the developing years of our nation’s history from the time of English settlement in America to the late 1900’s, the Age of Industrialization. 

__ 1st Quarter __
1. Constitution/ Our Government Today  pages 260-301 2. 13 Colonies  Chapters 3, 4, 5 __ 2nd Quarter __ 1. French and Indian War  Chapter 5 2. Events leading to the American Revolution Chapter 6 3. American Revolution  Chapters 6 and 7 4. Confederation to Constitution  Chapter 8 __ 3rd Quarter __ 1. The Early Republic  Chapters 9, 10, 11 a. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, National Growth 2. A Changing Nation  Chapters 12, 13, 14 a. Jackson, Westward Expansion, Reform Movements 3. The Nation Breaking Apart  Chapter 15 __ 4th Quarter __ 1. The Civil War  Chapters 16 and 17 2. Reconstruction  Chapter 18 3. America is Transformed  Chapters 19 and 20


 * __ 8th Grade Focus __**
 * 1) Reading/ Analyzing Primary Sources
 * 2) Establishing Past to Present Connections
 * 3) Analyzing the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
 * 4) Responding to Reading and Writing Prompts

__ Grading __
worth a set number of points. Each quarter will consist of a variety of the above assignments including several quizzes, essays, and at least 2 major unit tests. The total points for each quarter will vary.
 * 1) Every assignment including homework, classwork, tests, quizzes, and projects are
 * 1) The student’s grade is determined by taking their total points earned divided by the total points possible.
 * 2) Point value of assignments are normally as follows:
 * 3) Homework  5-10 points c. Tests/ Quizzes/ Projects 50-100 points
 * 4) Classwork/ Groupwork 30-50 points d. Notebook 30-50 points

**Notebooks are checked each quarter to ensure that students’ have a** __usable tool__ **to use to study for history class.**

__ Absenteeism: __
(before school or during homeroom) required to take the test or turn in the project the day they return
 * 1) Students are responsible for all missed work when absent.
 * 2) Students should see me before class, if possible, when they return.
 * 1) If students are absent only on the day of a test or major project deadline, they are

 __Extra Credit__**:** Extra credit is always available to students. There will be several extra credit options offered each quarter. Students can also develop their own extra credit projects and have them approved such as art work, research projects, historical book reports, movie reviews, etc. Extra credit work must show an extra effort by the student to improve their grade. Points will vary depending on the project and amount of work.  __ Availability: __ Before school between 7:20-7:50 Period 3 Days 1, 3, 5 Period 8 Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Activity Period After school (Please arrange in advance)  ** __ Homework Hotline: __ Go to [] Click on homework hotline (left side of screen) Scroll down to Grade 8 Assignments listed under Mr. Shirey ** Check homework hotline frequently. In addition to homework, other resources such as teacher notes, graphic organizers, and study guides are posted for you to use. 
 * 1) If a student is absent for an extended period of time, they should arrange to meet with me when they return so we can create deadlines for missed work.
 * 2) If a student is absent due to a vacation, an appointment, or leaving early for sports, you should see me ahead of time to get your work**.**
 * I am always available at the following times for extra help:
 * Assignments are always listed on homework hotline on our school’s website:

__ Movie Use in History __
Movies are used in history in order for students to get a better grasp on what life was really like during certain time periods we are studying. Most movies are not shown in their entirety, due to taking away from so much class time. The following is a list of movies that might be shown this year. The Crossing, Glory, Gettysburg, Roots, Ken Burn’s The Civil War, PBS Liberty Series, History Channel’s The Underground Railroad, The Founding Father’s Series, The Real West Series, A&E American Revolution Series, Unchained Memories, Gods and Generals