American History Syllabus

American History

Mr. Schonhardt

Room 707

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class surveys the political, economic, and social history of the United States from the Industrial Revolution (1880s) to the present. You must pass this class as a requirement for graduation.

COURSE CONTENT: The following is a list of broad topics we will cover this year:

1. Rise of Industrialism

2. Monopolies

3. Progressivism

4. Imperialism

5. World War I

6. World War II

7. Modern America

General Rules

1. Never interrupt someone when he or she is speaking.

2. Be in your seats when the bell rings. If you are not, you will receive a tardy.

3. You should use the restroom before or after class time.

4. No food/drink is allowed. Gum is ok so long as it is not seen or heard and is disposed of properly.

Things to bring everyday:

1. Notebook 3. Homework

2. Textbook 4. Pen or pencil

Specific Classroom Information

Homework – Homework may be in the form of handouts, reading a section in the book, outlining, take-home quizzes, among others. All homework is due the next day unless I state otherwise. Homework is due when I collect it or it will be considered late (see below). Turning in partially completed work is unacceptable and results in it being returned ungraded. Do not ask to go to your locker to get your homework.

Late work – I expect you to do all work that is assigned and turn it in on time. Carpools, computer malfunctions, fires, floods, and famine are not reasons not to turn in work when it is due. If you wish to turn in late work, you may do so but do not expect full credit. Only under the most extreme circumstances will late work be accepted after the work has already been graded and returned.

Grades / Progress Reports – YOUR grade is a reflection of YOUR work and participation in class.

Tests/Quizzes – We will have tests about every two to three weeks. With most tests, you will receive a study guide that is to be completed for a grade. Pop quizzes will be given when necessary.

Cheating–Don’t. Consequences: zero for entire assignment/test and discipline referral.

Participation – Part of your grade is your participation in class. This includes taking notes, actively watching a video, staying on task during activities, and asking/answering questions. This class is our time to learn about American History—not for anything else. Once every quarter, I may grade your notes for completeness to help me determine your participation grade.

Skills Work – On most Fridays (and some other days), we will spend time improving our social studies skills (map work, vocabulary, graphing, charting, etc.).

Extra Credit – No extra credit will be given to individual students. Bonus points may occasionally be earned during class.

Absences –If you miss a test/homework the day you are absent, you are expected to make arrangements with me on when you are going to take the test. If homework was assigned that day, you need to see me to get the homework. It is your responsibility, not mine, to make these arrangements. Refer to the student handbook for unexcused absences. For tests, you have until the next grading cycle to complete your test (as few as 2 days, as many as 4 weeks). For all other assignments, you have however many days you were absent to make up the work (absent 1 day, get 1 extra day to turn in work). For work that was assigned prior to your absence, the work is due the day you return, or it will be considered late.

Class Disruptions –You are young adults in high school and will be treated as such. Cell phones that are seen or heard are considered a disruption, and I will follow school policy regarding cell phones in class.

Plagiarism/Copying – All work turned into me should be your own work. Plagiarism/copying is unacceptable. In any situation in which I have reason to believe the work is not your own, I will do the following: assign a zero and write a discipline referral.

Videos – When you are watching a video, you are not permitted to sit on the floor, put your head down, talk to your neighbor, or do work for another class.

Weather – If we do not have school on the day a test is scheduled, the test will be taken the day we come back. If homework was due, it will be collected the day we return as well.