US History Syllabus
US History
I. Course Description:
This US History class is offered only to those students with individualized educational plans. This class focuses on meeting the needs of each student as determined by the I.E.P. The content area being covered and pacing of the class is secondary to the students’ individual needs. The class will cover US history from the 1700’s to the present. This two-semester course focuses on the development of American political, social, and economic institutions. First semester will cover history through the Reconstructive period, while Second semester will continue in to the modern era.
II. Grading Policy:
100 % – 90 % = A
89 % – 80 % = B
79 % – 70 % = C
69 % – 60 % = D
59 % and below = F
Incomplete = Must be completed by the first four weeks of the
next semester
Students will be graded on the following:
25% of the grade = Participation Points
25% of the grade = Class work/ Homework
25% of the grade = Tests and Quizzes
25 % of the grade = Final Project/ Exam
Students will earn a possible of 10 participation points toward their grade daily. This 10-point scale is based on punctuality, preparedness, on task behavior, cooperation, and the completion of daily tasks.
III. Homework:
Homework will be assigned on an as needed basis. Students may have the opportunity to start their homework during class. If students don’t complete assignments in class then the assignment will need to be finished at home as homework. Incomplete homework assignments will prohibit students from earning all of their participation points. Students are unable to fully participate if their work is incomplete. Late work is accepted for partial credit only (60% possible). When a student is absent it is their responsibility to check with the teacher and get the work in within the number of days they were absent.
IV. Absences:
The Grossmont High School attendance/tardy policy will be in effect. Unexcused absences will result in no participation points for the day. Punctual students earn one participation point automatically as they arrive on time each day. Students are tardy if they are not in their seats with their binders out ready to work when the second bell rings.
V. Behavior Expectations:
Students are expected to be to class on time with materials ready to work. If students finish early they can work on homework from another class however, students are not allowed to disrupt others who are working. Extra credit work will be provided for those who finish early. Disruptive students will be asked to leave the room. Students will not be earning participation points if this happens. ELECTRONIC DEVICES WILL BE CONFISCATED AS PER SCHOOL POLICY. PLEASE SEE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
VI. Classroom Procedures:
Students need to get their folders as they enter the room and begin the warm up activity. At the end of the period the students need to put their folders away on the shelf. It is the students’ responsibility to check to see they have all participation points. If the student forgets to get the points signed for the day then they will need to make them up after school or at a different time. To make up absent day points the student must bring in a note from parents or from the office stating they are excused. Blank or empty points will result in a zero for that day.
VII. Behavior Toward Substitutes:
Students need to treat substitute with complete respect. The substitute will record earned participation points. Any reports of behavior issues with a substitute will automatically result in loss of points for that day and a detention and/or call home to parents.
VIII. Materials Needed:
All students are expected to have a three ring binder for this class. The binder is part of the final project grade. All papers will need to be organized into sections. It is essential that students keep all work during the semester since it will be impossible to reproduce this at the end. Organization is a key point to success.
IX. Parent –Teacher Contact:
My conference hours are from 7:30 – 8:00 every morning. To ensure availability please make an appointment. My voice mail number is: 619-668-6176. My email address is ldietrich@guhsd.net. Please contact me if you have any concerns or questions.
X. Additional Information: Movies:
In our study of US History we will take advantage of Movies to enhance our understanding of history. These will include G, PG, PG13 and R rated movies. None of the R rated movies are so rated for sexual content, but rather for violence and graphic language. (Examples; Saving Private Ryan or Mississippi Burning) As an Educator and Professional I am very sensitive as to what my students watch. Movies listed might be shown in 1-10 minute clips, but a few will be shown in entirety. Please review the list and contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Arrangement will be made if you have objections or concerns.
Columbus * 1492* Last of the Mohicans * Patriot * Cortez * 1776* Franklin Barbary Cost * Seminole * Lewis & Clark* Amistad * Alamo * Glory * Sgt Rutledge * Last Samurai * Rough Riders * Buffalo Soldiers * Wind and the Lion * The Jungle * Great Gatsby * PT109 * Untouchables * All Quiet on the Western Front * Sergeant York * The Lost Battalion *Grapes of Wrath * Ruth * To Kill a Mocking Bird* Schindler’s List*
Tuskegee Airman * Big Red One* The Pianist * Saving Private Ryan*Band of Brothers* Pearl Harbor * Windtalkers *Tora Tora Tora *Pork Chop Hill * Chosin * Dr. Strangle Love *Guess who is comingTo Dinner* Go tell the Spartan* We were Soldiers * Thirteen Days* Platoon Manchurian Candidate* JFK *Nixon * Killing Fields * Black Hawk Down*Bravo Two Zero * Courage Under Fire * No Man’s Land* Wag the Dog*
Primary Colors * All the Presidents Men * Apollo 13
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Student’s Signature: ______________________________________________________
I have read and reviewed the attached classroom procedures with my student/son/daughter.
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