Syllabus

US Cultures

 * Room Number || 200 ||
 * After school hours || 2:35-300 ||
 * Room Phone || 717-866-7447 Ext. 5200 ||
 * E-Mail Address || bconners@elcosd.org ||
 * Web/Wiki Space || mrconnersgrade9.wikispaces.com ||

Course Introduction
U.S. Cultures is a survey course of the period following Reconstruction to World War II. Emphasis is placed upon the expansion of the nation’s boundaries, cultural conflict and struggle, industrialization, development of labor unions, immigrant contributions, reforming American society, participation in global conflicts, and America’s rise as a global power. Success in this course is not purely based on memorization, rather students will need to develop an appreciation for our history and utilize the material studied to develop a personal perspective on history.


 * Applied**: Students are expected to consistently complete class work, homework, activities, supplemental readings, well-developed written responses, and projects.


 * College Prep**: The course is open to college preparatory students. Students will be expected to complete well-developed formal essay responses and written reports. They will also be expected to utilize supplemental readings, cross-curricular knowledge, and historical analysis responses will be required throughout the course in addition to the aforementioned requirements.


 * Honors**: Students will be expected to complete essay tests, read supplemental materials, and complete extensive writing assignments and research projects as well as the aforementioned requirements. The course is reserved for high achieving and gifted students who plan to follow an honors track with advanced placement their senior year. Self-motivation, time management skills and a strong work ethic are needed to be successful in this course. Enrollment is limited to those students who earned a B average in the eighth grade and a teacher recommendation.


 * Course Objectives**

1. To introduce students to US History dating from Reconstruction to World War II. 2. To provide students with opportunities to think and write critically about past, present, and future events. 3. To provide students with opportunities to work with their peers and discuss historical events. 4. To introduce or reinforce technological skills associated with the 21st Century. 5. To provide students with opportunities to connect with the past.


 * Course Topics**
 * The Union if Peril || First World War ||
 * Changes on the Frontier || Politics of the Roaring Twenties ||
 * New Industrial Age || Roaring Life of the 1920s ||
 * Immigration and Urbanization || Great Depression ||
 * Life at the Turn of the 20th Century || New Deal ||
 * Progressive Era || World War Looms ||
 * America Claims an Empire || US in World War II ||


 * Text and Required Supplies**

1. Text: Danzer, G.A., Klor de Alva, J.J., Woloch, N., Wilson, L.E., Krieger, L. S. (2007). The Americans, Reconstruction to the 21st Century. Evanston, Illinois; McDougal Littell. 2. Supplies: Notebook, Colored Pencils 3. Memory Stick/Flash Drive?


 * Grading Plan**

Coursework will be weighted as follows
 * = Homework: 10 ||= Tests: 30 ||
 * = Quizzes: 10 ||= Mid-Terms and Finals: 20 ||
 * = Projects: 25 ||= Participation: 5 ||


 * Homework**

Homework will be assigned almost everyday. Each assignment will be collected and graded daily. Unless you are absent from class when homework is assigned or collected, there will be no late exceptions. If absent when assigned, you are expected to ask for the assignment when you return and submit it immediately the following day. If absent when collected, you are expected to submit it immediately upon your return to class.


 * Quizzes**

There will be many quizzes based upon readings and homework assignments. Make-up quizzes need to be made up immediately. See me at the beginning of class.


 * Projects**

There will be projects assigned throughout each marking period. Make sure you meet the deadline. I will accept late projects but at a cost. You can lose up to 10% of your project grade per day. We will use class time to work on our projects so use your time wisely. If at any time there are questions or concerns, see me during class and refer to the grading rubric.


 * Tests**

There will be Chapter Tests following each chapter of study. These tests are made up of multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and essays. Each test, no matter how many questions is weighted equally to all other Chapter Tests.


 * Mid-Terms and Final Exams**

Both tests will be summative. These exams are constructed to test your retention of any and all learned material.


 * Classroom Rules of Conduct**

1. Be in seat when bell rings 2. Bell does not dismiss 3. Use Lavatory before and after class 4. Respect yourselves and each other 5. Clean up after yourself


 * General**

Your grades are available on-line (PowerSchool)

**__Tentative Schedule__**


 * Date || Topic/Activity ||
 * Week 1 || Reconstruction and its Effects ||
 * Weeks 2 and 3 || Changes on the Western Frontier ||
 * Week 4 || New Industrial Age ||
 * Weeks 5 and 6 || Immigrants and Urbanization ||
 * Week 7 || Life at Turn of Century ||
 * Week 8 || Progressive Era ||
 * Week 9 || America Claims an Empire ||
 * || Mid-term Review ||
 * Weeks 10 and 11 || World War I ||
 * Weeks 12 and 13 || Roaring 20s ||
 * Week 14 || Great Depression ||
 * Week 15 || New Deal ||
 * Week 16 || War Looms ||
 * Weeks 17 and 18 || US in World War II ||
 * || Final Review ||