Syllabus



**Northwood High School** US History Syllabus 2013-2014

Teacher: Ms. Keever Room: 508 Phone: (919) 542-4181 Email: skeever@chatham.k12.nc.us Northwood High School Website

__I. Course Description:__ Building on the knowledge and skills learned in World History and Civics & Economics, students taking US History will (1) develop the ability to read, discuss, and write about academic texts, (2) engage in a rigorous and relevant curriculum that prepares them for post-secondary education and the world of work, and (3) develop the content knowledge and literacy skills needed to perform well in the class. In addition to teaching the Common Core standards, this course aims to improve student’s academic, cultural, and technological capabilities.

This course examines American history, from the emergence of our national political institutions to the current global era. By studying our national history, we open great opportunities to understand and improve the world we live in. We use history to help create a vision of a better world, and our studies will increase students’ ability to make their vision a reality. During the semester you will…
 * read a wide range of texts to include speeches, diaries, newspaper articles, biographies, photographs, charts, and various other primary sources;
 * develop your ability to read and comprehend challenging texts and ideas;
 * participate in academic discussions;
 * write a variety of academic responses to primary and secondary sources;
 * develop your ability to consider various points of view for their merits, as well as detecting bias or fallacy;
 * engage in independent research on a historical topic relevant to the curriculum with the goal of drafting, revising, and publishing a final paper;
 * work collaboratively on assignments and projects;
 * participate in short presentations;
 * learn hundreds of new history terms and practice academic vocabulary; and
 * participate in technology-based lessons and activities.

__II. Grading:__ Grades are divided into the following categories:
 * Reading checks: 20%
 * Class assignments: 20%
 * Discussion skills: 20%
 * Exams: 20%
 * Independent Research: 20%

**Reading checks** Each night, you will have a reading assignment from the US History textbook. Please be sure to check out a textbook from the library today. We will have a class set, so you will have the option to leave your book at home. Your success in this class will depend on the time and attention you give to these readings. Students are required to take reading notes in the form of a chapter outline. We will go over the specific requirements for the outlines in class. These outlines will be collected and graded periodically. If you struggle with retaining information from the readings, it will be your responsibility as the student to use multiple study techniques at home to increase your retention. It will also be your responsibility to ask focused questions in class to help clear up any confusions you may have about specific topics in the readings. We will not be reading the textbook in class or going over all of the information provided in it. Visual notes and lists of terms are provided on the course website to assist you with the information, but they do not replace the level of detail in the textbook. "Pop" quizzes will often be given, so be prepared to relay the historical detail you are learning outside of class. A lack of attention to your nightly readings will also affect the quality of your assignments, discussion skills, and exam performance.

**Class Assignments** This category encompasses a variety of assignments we will be working on in class, including but not limited to: note-taking activities, graphic organizers, readings, writing prompts, research, document analysis, debate preparation, and more. Students should not expect that every assignment will be graded, although feedback will be provided as much as possible to help students improve retention and skills.

**Discussion Skills** Students will be expected to participate in formal and informal class discussions. Paying careful attention to readings and notes will help students contribute to discussion. All students (with the exception of IEP or 504 accommodations) are expected to contribute to class discussions, regardless of personal preference. Students will build the skills necessary to negotiate the outside world only through practice. Through practice speaking in front of people, students will learn to give voice to their thoughts in a logical, persuasive way. Students are expected to improve their discussion skills over time, with a focus on reasoning and critical thinking. Students who are shy will be expected to contribute in a meaningful way, and students who tend to dominate conversations will be expected to make space for the voices of others. Personal respect of one's self, teacher, and classmates is essential to success.

**Exams** An exam will be administered at the end of each six-week term, with a cumulative final exam at the end of the semester. Expect some cumulative questions from previous material on each of your exams. All material from the readings and notes will be tested, even if we have not mentioned specific details in class. Exams must be made up after school within one week or will be recorded as a zero. Retests or test corrections will not be offered, except in compliance with an IEP or 504 plan. Any evidence of cheating will result in a zero and administrative consequences. Zeros recorded for academic dishonesty cannot be made up in any way, including extra credit assignments.

**Independent Research** Students will select a topic from US History to research independently. Students will identify a topic of interest and begin researching within the first week of school. Small amounts of class time will be used to provide feedback and help students build research skills. At the end of each six-week period, a segment of the research project will be assessed for a grade. The final grade will include a presentation element with a question-and-answer period. The goal for this project will be for students to build college-level research skills they can use in their future studies. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in a zero and administrative consequences. Zeros recorded for academic dishonesty cannot be made up in any way, including extra credit assignments.

//Extra credit assignments or extra time will only be offered in a case of extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from completing normal requirements on time. These options will not be offered to students who simply did not complete or prepare for the requirements of the course. If you are struggling with the course material or requirements, be certain you are making time to see me outside of class for tutoring.//
 * Extra Credit (?)**

**Grades will be available on the Northwood High School website for you to keep track of your progress, attendance, and assignments. Grades are always subject to change so check your grades often. __Parents are strongly encouraged to obtain login information from your student or by emailing the teacher.__**

__III. Expectations for the Course:__

**Organization** One who is organized forgets to do things less often, turns in assignments more regularly, and ultimately lives with less stress.

**Planners** Write it down daily or use the iCal program on your laptop. Look at it again when you go home. A successful student uses his or her planner to record homework assignments, daily agendas, important due dates, and school events. Use your month-at-a glance for planning future events and your week-at-a-glance for planning homework and other important daily activities.

**Notebooks** Organization is key to success. Maintain an organized notebook for each class. Use folders to organize class handouts, graded papers, and current assignments. Part of your grade and success in this class will depend on your willingness and persistence in keeping your resources organized.

**Materials** For this class you will need the following supplies: __Textbook, notebook, laptop/charger, blue or black pens, pencils, and highlighters__. These materials are essential to class participation and learning. If you come to class without your materials, you will be subject to disciplinary action (i.e., phone call home, detention, or administrative intervention). This includes laptop chargers! Work submitted in unapproved colors will not be graded.

__IV.__ __Policies and Procedures:__ We follow rules in society to maintain a sense of order, safety, and security. Rules, expectations, and procedures at school are no exception. We may not always agree with the laws or rules, but we must do our best to live by them. In this class, we follow all **__school rules__** at all times: you may not listen to personal music devices, use your cell phones, or eat food in class. Fast-food drinks should be consumed and disposed of before entering class. Students in violation of the dress code will be referred to the office for administrative intervention. See your student handbook for other policies you are responsible for //whether you have read the handbook or not//. In addition to school rules, our **__class rules__** include the following:
 * **Focus Your Mind.** When the bell rings, you must be quietly in your seat with materials ready.
 * **Do Your Work.** You must be working on approved materials at all times in the classroom. Unapproved materials include other classwork, websites, computer games, etc.
 * **Be Nice.** At all times, respect yourself, other people, and our space.

In general, be kind to others and support each other. Students who put others down for doing well make it painfully obvious that they do not believe in themselves or have hope for their future. Be positive, smile often, and work hard and good things will be drawn to you.

**Consequences for Disregarding the Rules** 1. Student-Teacher discussion. 2. After-School Detention (ASD) is assigned and parent contacted. 3. If student continues to disrupt learning, administrative action will be taken. 4. Major disruptions will be met immediately with a referral to In-School Suspension.

**Attendance and Tardies** Come to school everyday! Be on time! Remember, everyone contributes to the classroom environment, so your presence is important. Being late also causes unnecessary disruptions, so make it your goal to arrive on time. __I do not mess around with “free” tardies. Students will receive ASD with me for their first two tardies. Students who do not fulfill their ASD with the teacher within one week will be referred to the office__. Additional tardies after the first two will result in administrative action, eventually leading to suspension.

Students who are absent and late do not do as well in the end. Work is missed, tests become difficult to make up, zeros are recorded, and confusion abounds in the classroom. More than nine absences results in loss of credit for the course.

**Bathroom/Hall Passes** When you leave the classroom, you cause a disruption for others and lose valuable class time for yourself. Take care of your responsibilities on your own time, not ours. You will be granted the occasional emergency trip to the restroom or locker, but abuse of this privilege will result in ASD and parent contact. Bathroom requests within 15 minutes of a bell or during teacher instruction will not be honored.

**Note on Professionalism** Take pride in what you do! The work you produce is a direct reflection of who you are. All work must be complete, legible, neat, and organized. Assignments that have been folded, crumpled, or destroyed in some other way will not be accepted. Any work submitted should apply the following format and guidelines:

Student Name Page 1 Course Teacher (Ms. Keever) Date

A Title Describing the Topic and Assignment

Begin work here...

**Note on Academic Integrity** Plagiarism is illegal and cheating is immoral. If you copy someone’s work or ideas and give the impression they are your own, or neglect to give proper credit to the true author, you will receive a zero for the assignment, and you will not be given the opportunity to re-do the assignment. The same applies if you have allowed someone else to copy your work. In addition, the office and parents will be alerted of any offense of plagiarism or cheating, including first offenses.