U.S. History Mr. Powell

“History is a record of human progress, a record of the struggle of the advancement of the human mind, of the human spirit, toward some known or unknown objective.” -Jawaharlal Nehru

“God cannot alter the past, but historians can.” –Samuel Butler

“Those who don’t remember the past are condemned to repeat the eleventh grade.” –James W. Loewen

Course Description: This course looks at the study of history as an academic and social science, as well as the development of United States society. There will be an emphasis on some of the key political, economic and social decisions and events that have shaped the country. The majority of the course will focus on the 20^th century, and past events will be linked to the current situation.

Student Goals:

· Improve critical thinking skills

· Increase factual knowledge of U.S. History

· Develop awareness and informed opinions on current events

· Improve writing skills

Class Expectations

• Be respectful
• Be honest
• Be prepared:

Required Daily: 1. Spiral Notebook (see handout)

2. Active mind

3. Writing utensil

Attendance and Tardies

• Be on time
• Come to class

If either of these things don’t happen on a regular basis, there will be a problem that will affect your grade. Truancies and tardies will be dealt with according to school policy.

Homework

· Do it. Homework is a significant part of your grade and passing this class depends upon its regular completion.

· Do it well. Quality is important so if you’re going to do it, do it well, with thought and energy. Every homework assignment is designed to provide you with tools to complete future essays and projects.

· Homework is due at the beginning of class every day, any homework not stamped at the beginning of class will not be accepted.

· No late homework will be accepted. However, arrangements can be made in certain situations if I am approached ahead of time.

Absences

• When returning from an absence, students should check the board and the crate for any assignments. Missed work due to an absence must be made up within the same number of days that were missed, unless other arrangements have been made. It is your responsibility to pick up any missed assignments.
• Missed work due to an unexcused absence is lost work. You may not make it up.
• It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up tests. Tests must be made up within one week of returning to school.

Grading

• Grades are based on the total number of points you earn compared with the total number of points possible.
• Grades will be determined by percentage of total points:

100-90%=A, 89-80%=B, 79-70%=C, 69-60%=D, 59% and below= F.

• Grades include participation and attitude.
• A note about cheating: cheating of any kind will dealt with according to school policy and is a serious offense, so do your own work.

In Conclusion

My goal is for every single student to grow according to the above outlined student goals. There is absolutely no reason why every student shouldn’t succeed both academically and personally in this class. If you need any extra help I am available at break and at lunch on most days.

I have read and understood this sheet. In order to make this classroom fair and efficient, I pledge to follow all of the procedures listed above.

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