WELCOME
Welcome to U.S. History I Honors, 2010-2011!
I look forward to spending this year together exploring the path of the United States from the Early Republic (including a brief overview of the Revolutionary Period) through U.S. Imperialism and World War I. I hope that we will make it a very “alive” subject: the story of people and how their challenges, personalities, actions and decisions shaped and reshaped the world.
From this study we will
· Develop a deeper understanding of the political, social, economic and philosophical forces that have shaped our nation
· Become familiar with the leaders who have affected the course our nation has taken
· Gain a better historical perspective from which to understand current events
Expectations of students:
In this American History course you should be able to expand your intellectual curiosity, and be able to demonstrate the ability of careful reading and insightful response, and capable research.
Therefore:
· Be prepared each day with all needed materials
· Be prepared with completed homework, projects etc.
· Be prepared to participate in class
· You must read the New York Times, “Digest" every day, which can be found in my teach folder.
Grades:
You are juniors —soon to be thinking about college. In preparation for this transition, you may or may not receive many grades each quarter. We will operate on a point system. Each assignment carries a point value upon which your grade is based. Students who consistently come prepared to class and add to the quality of class discussion can add one to two points in their quarter grade.
Grades for a Marking Period:
Each Test will be worth double points.
All homework and quizzes will be worth single points.
There may be a Document Based Question /Project each quarter which will be worth double points.
Class Participation = 10% of your quarterly grade
Example: Test 1 – 210 points X 2 = 420
Test 2 – 150 points X 2 = 300
4 Homework Assignments: 20 @ + 80 points.
6-quizzes @ 75 each = 450 points
1- Essay and/or Project @ 500 points X 2 = 1000
There will be no opportunities to engage in extra credit activities/assignments.
Total points earned divide by total points available will be the grade.
Folders:
All tests, quizzes and written assignments will be kept in folders. You will be given time before mid-terms and finals to review this material and take notes in class.
Late assignments:
Your grade will be lowered five points for each calendar weekday the assignment is late. No assignments will be accepted more than one cycle late in which case a “0” will be given. An assignment is late if you do not turn it in when the class meets.
It is your responsibility – I repeat, your responsibility – to keep track of this.
Absences:
· Planned absences: See me before you leave to reach an arrangement about work to be missed
· Absent the day of a quiz: You will be expected to make up the quiz in class the next meeting
· Absent the day of a test: See me the day you return to schedule a make-up
· Extended absences: see me upon your return
· **** If you are absent, check with me for any missed materials. This is very important and your responsibility!!!
Honesty:
This is a Catholic school and I assume that each of us is a person of integrity. In the event, however, that any student submits work that is not her own as if it were her own, the work will receive a “0.” This includes internet information that is not cited as well as work copied from friends, acquaintances or unwilling victims!!!! A good friend should never put anyone in a position of sharing work when not appropriate. If there are extenuating circumstances that genuinely prevent you from turning in work on the due date, SEE ME before class and we will discuss appropriate arrangements. This is the way to go --- DO NOT COPY WORK.
Office hours:
When not teaching, I usually can be found in my class – Room 223- or in the library. Occasionally I am in the faculty room.
I think that’s it! I look forward to getting to know each of you this year!
ONE MORE THING:
It is your responsibility to educate yourself in order to become a knowledgeable, responsible, and thoughtful citizen. Also, if you do participate in some “higher level” discussions about politics etc. it is great not to sound dumb – be able to back up what you think and say with facts.