Thursday, September 15, 2011

Course Syllabus

HISTORY  – United States History I      2011-2012
Instructor: Mrs. Patrick 856-769-0101, ext. 251. E-mail = dpatrick@scvts.org

Description: United States History I studies the history and the development of government in the United States. The course analyzes political, economic and social factors that led to the creation of modern democracy and the struggle to keep the democratic ideals alive. Specific topics will include; development of Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, the writing of the United States Constitution and the development of American Government. To achieve this goal the additional following topics will be covered: political heritage, the growth and operation of the federal government, the Supreme Court and individual rights, the function of state and local government and the voter’s role in political campaigns. Students will use eyewitness accounts, narratives, primary source materials, literature and art to understand the issues of U.S. history.

Classroom Setup and Rules:
  1. Be prepared for class.  Bring proper materials to class-pens, pencils, textbook, etc.. Students will need the following:
v   three-ring binder with dividers
v  Separate notebook 
Students must follow the school’s uniform policy found in the Student/Parent Handbook. 
2. Be respectful to your instructor(s) and to your fellow students.

3. Disciplinary actions:  An offense is any behavior that constitutes being disrespectful to other students and instructor(s).
    vFirst and second offense in the same day - verbal warning.
            vThird offense in the same day - student will be referred to the office.
    vIf disruptive behavior continues a call to parents or parent-teacher conference will be scheduled.
Students are required to adhere to and follow the student code of conduct found in the Student/Parent handbook.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
·        The CTHS administration understands that the use of cell phones have become a normal part of life in today’s society. However the administration requires that all students put their cell phones on silent during the school day in order to keep class disruptions to a minimum. Students are not to use their cell phones in class (phone calls or text/ instant messages) without approval.
·        At no time are students allowed to use the cell phones (or any other electronic devices) built in camera or microphone to record audio/video or take pictures on campus or school events held off campus. Additionally, any student found using the cell phone inappropriately (sexting, bullying/harassment, illegal activities etc.) will have the phone confiscated and face additional disciplinary consequences.
·        Continual use/abuse of cellular phones and/or electronic devices during school hours may result in confiscation of the cellular phone and/or electronic device. (A parent must pick up the confiscated item)


4.  Attendance:  Students are required to adhere to and follow the school attendance policy found in Student/Parent handbook.  
Any work that is missed must be made up. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed.
    vYou will be given 1 day each day absent to make up your work. Failure to do so will  result in no credit for the work missed.
    vIf you are absent the day before a test (usually the review day), you will be required to take the test with the rest of the class.  If you are absent the day of a test or quiz, you  must take it the day you return to school.

5. Out of class assignments (OOCA) or In-class assignments will be given and checked daily. All assignments must be completed and turned in on time.   There will be a penalty for any late assignments. Failure to turn in an assignment will constitute a zero and will affect your overall grade.       
   
6.  Vocabulary:
               vVocabulary words will be given for each chapter. They will be broken down by   section. (Vocabulary continues on page 2)
     vThe words will be given during the lecture portion of class and should be copied down at that point. This will be checked. STUDENTS ARE TO KEEP A VOCABULARY LIST IN THE BACK OF THEIR NOTEBOOK FOR THE WHOLE SEMESTER.
    v Students will be given separate quizzes for their Vocabulary

7.  Quizzes:
            vQuizzes will be announced or unannounced at the discretion of the instructor.
vThe quizzes may cover: notebook material, class work, OOCA,  and vocabulary.
    vAny communication with other students during a quiz will be construed as cheating         and will jeopardize your grade. See Academic Dishonesty policy in Student/Parent Handbook

8.   Tests:
              vAll tests will be announced ahead of time. The tests will cover: notebook        material, class work, OOCA, and vocabulary.
vAny communication with other students during a test will be construed as cheating and will jeopardize your grade. See Academic Dishonesty policy in Student/Parent Handbook.

9.  Grading System
    vTests =         50%
v Quizzes =    30%                              
    vOut of Class Assignment/In-class Assignments= 20% 
    vProjects = Test Grade
Grading Scale-            A=93-100
                                    B=86-92
                                    C=76-85
                                    D=69-75
                                          F=Below 69
                                               I = Incomplete


Student Signature


Parent/Guardian Signature