Course Syllabus

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Course Design

U.S History traces the history of our country focusing on the time period of 1877 to the present day.  My class uses a combination of activities to try to address the different learning styles of my students.  Student will be expected to take notes, keep up with assigned reading, write short and long essays and create major presentations. 

 

Course Goals

Our primary goal is to create a responsible, questioning, informed and engaged citizen.  History is the ruler against which the present should be measured.  It is vital to know the major events and actors in U.S. History to be able to intelligently evaluate current situations and choices we face as American voters and citizens.  Our country demands our input but if we can’t make informed decisions we will squander this right and privilege.  You may find the detailed Scope and Sequence of the course at this link.

 

Secondly, as juniors more and more of the responsibility falls on you.  It is also part of my job to teach you how to be good employees at your job.  With this in mind you will be accountable for coming ready to work, with your proper supplies and attitude.  Tasks will be completed in assigned times and there are district mandated consequences for work being late.  The real world cares about results not excuses and so do I.

 

Course Materials

Danzer, Gerald A. et al. The Americans. USA: McDougal Littell 2003

  Supplies

3 Ring binder with dividers                assignment notebook 

pens/ pencils                                                    notebook paper

 

Classroom Rules

  1. Be respectful of me, other students, and yourself.
  2. Be responsible for your work, preparation and supplies.
  3. Be safe.

 

Seating

You have been given a seating assignment.  This will change as I see fit.  Begging, pleading or bribery do not help, well maybe bribery (Just kidding)

 

Extra Help

If you feel you need extra help before I recognize that you do please ask for it.  Come by during my conference time, tutorials, before school, after school, during school, during lunch, over vacation, on my birthday, on your birthday, on Marvin the Martian’s Birthday (Are you getting the general idea?) and I will be happy to help you.  But please try to give me some advanced notice so I will know to be in my room. 

 

Absences

All lesson plans, worksheets and lectures are posted to my website. http://classroom.lagovistaisd.net/webs/scottie_johnson/   It is a good idea to check this site even when  you are not absent to know what is coming up in class and to print off the PowerPoint note page before the lecture.

 

Homework:

   I write the homework assignments on the small board.  You are responsible for making up work. Check the website and the lesson plan folder in the room.   I will not remind you.  I lose my keys on a regular basis, do you think I am going to remember what you missed last Thursday?

 

Grades

The break down is as follows

  • Daily = 20% 

  • Formative Assessment = 35% 

  • Major Grades = 45% 

Major Grades

Major grades include authentic assessments of learning objectives, examinations/tests, projects, labs, research papers, compositions, and other similar assignments. Major grades may not be dropped.

Formative Assessments

Formative assessments are short assessments, intended to take no more than 20 minutes to complete, that are designed to evaluate a student’s level of understanding and progress towards instructional objectives. These types of assessments do not have to be scheduled in advance.  

Daily Grades

Daily grades include class work, homework and other similar assignments. 

 

You can also check your grades on line.  I will be calling home for any cumulative grade lower than a 75%. 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due