US History I Honors - 2017-2018
In US History I we will cover the time period beginning in the early 1600s up to the end of the 19th Century (1900). This course focuses on the political, social and economic history of the U.S. in its first three hundred years and how this history affects us today.
Major Assignments/Projects
You should expect at least one major assignment per term. Notice of these assignments and their deadlines will be given at least two weeks in advance. In some cases these assignments will involve required, graded drafts and revisions, which will be a part of the final grade for the assignment. You will receive rubrics for all assignments.
Research Paper
This paper will employ the use of primary and secondary sources and be researched and written over 3 terms. Each part of the process will be graded.
Open Response Essays
At least once per term students will be given a passage of text to analyze in class. Not only is this good practice for MCAS and SAT exams, but continued practice at writing in this manner helps you learn how to think about the material and history in general.
Materials
All students should have a 1 ½-inch, 3-ring binder dedicated only to US History and filled with white lined paper. This binder should be brought to class everyday.
Always bring a writing utensil!
Homework
Prior to the beginning of the research paper, homework will probably be given 2-3 times per week, Once the paper is begun, there will always be something for you to do. I expect you to spend at least 30-45 minutes per night on homework.
When the assignment is reading . . .
No reading assignment should take less than 15 minutes to complete, and most should take more. I expect you to have a dictionary in hand, recording any words you do not know, in an effort to begin to fully understand the text.
Preparation for Class
Being prepared is your responsibility. Doing your homework helps you become an active, engaged participant in the class and in your learning process. Homework is due the day it is assigned unless other arrangements have previously been arranged. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check with me and with your classmates to find out what you missed - it is not my responsibility.
Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any assignment found to have been copied or lacking citations will receive an automatic zero. Plagiarism also will be reported to the Assistant Principal. “Sharing” homework, or doing it together, unless an assignment is specifically assigned as partner or group work, will result in all parties receiving an automatic zero.
Expectations in the Classroom
Participation is a large part of your grade in this class. I expect nothing but honesty, courtesy and respect for one another in this classroom. Repeated instances of rudeness and/or disrespect directed at another student or at me will be grounds for detention and a reduction in your participation grade.
● Please dress appropriately for school - see the Student Handbook for clarification on what is
appropriate dress.
● You are permitted to have drinks in my classroom, as long as they have covers to prevent spills;
food is permitted in limited quantities. Gum chewing is at my discretion and will only be permitted
if it is done discretely and never while speaking or presenting.
● Cell phones may be used with permission in certain circumstances, such as looking up things on
the Internet in the context of our lesson. Otherwise, cell phones will not be available for use during
class.
Extra Help
I will be available most days immediately after school. On the days that I am advising a club, or am attending a meeting, I should be available by 3:00 p.m. After school hours, please feel free to e-mail me with questions about homework, classwork, readings, etc. at [email protected]
Grading Scale
Participation 15%
Writing/Research 25%
Tests 20%
Projects/Presentations/Debates 20%
Homework/Quizzes 15%
RAPs/Journal Entries 5%
In US History I we will cover the time period beginning in the early 1600s up to the end of the 19th Century (1900). This course focuses on the political, social and economic history of the U.S. in its first three hundred years and how this history affects us today.
Major Assignments/Projects
You should expect at least one major assignment per term. Notice of these assignments and their deadlines will be given at least two weeks in advance. In some cases these assignments will involve required, graded drafts and revisions, which will be a part of the final grade for the assignment. You will receive rubrics for all assignments.
Research Paper
This paper will employ the use of primary and secondary sources and be researched and written over 3 terms. Each part of the process will be graded.
Open Response Essays
At least once per term students will be given a passage of text to analyze in class. Not only is this good practice for MCAS and SAT exams, but continued practice at writing in this manner helps you learn how to think about the material and history in general.
Materials
All students should have a 1 ½-inch, 3-ring binder dedicated only to US History and filled with white lined paper. This binder should be brought to class everyday.
Always bring a writing utensil!
Homework
Prior to the beginning of the research paper, homework will probably be given 2-3 times per week, Once the paper is begun, there will always be something for you to do. I expect you to spend at least 30-45 minutes per night on homework.
When the assignment is reading . . .
No reading assignment should take less than 15 minutes to complete, and most should take more. I expect you to have a dictionary in hand, recording any words you do not know, in an effort to begin to fully understand the text.
Preparation for Class
Being prepared is your responsibility. Doing your homework helps you become an active, engaged participant in the class and in your learning process. Homework is due the day it is assigned unless other arrangements have previously been arranged. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check with me and with your classmates to find out what you missed - it is not my responsibility.
Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any assignment found to have been copied or lacking citations will receive an automatic zero. Plagiarism also will be reported to the Assistant Principal. “Sharing” homework, or doing it together, unless an assignment is specifically assigned as partner or group work, will result in all parties receiving an automatic zero.
Expectations in the Classroom
Participation is a large part of your grade in this class. I expect nothing but honesty, courtesy and respect for one another in this classroom. Repeated instances of rudeness and/or disrespect directed at another student or at me will be grounds for detention and a reduction in your participation grade.
● Please dress appropriately for school - see the Student Handbook for clarification on what is
appropriate dress.
● You are permitted to have drinks in my classroom, as long as they have covers to prevent spills;
food is permitted in limited quantities. Gum chewing is at my discretion and will only be permitted
if it is done discretely and never while speaking or presenting.
● Cell phones may be used with permission in certain circumstances, such as looking up things on
the Internet in the context of our lesson. Otherwise, cell phones will not be available for use during
class.
Extra Help
I will be available most days immediately after school. On the days that I am advising a club, or am attending a meeting, I should be available by 3:00 p.m. After school hours, please feel free to e-mail me with questions about homework, classwork, readings, etc. at [email protected]
Grading Scale
Participation 15%
Writing/Research 25%
Tests 20%
Projects/Presentations/Debates 20%
Homework/Quizzes 15%
RAPs/Journal Entries 5%