Course Syllabus

Ms. Schraw                                                     Blended American History II                           August 29, 2016

 

Course Overview

The study of American History II is designed as a survey course and a continuation of the Civics and Economics and American History I curriculums. After the study of American History I, this survey course will begin with Post Civil War/Reconstruction Era up and end with the modern day. Throughout the competency goals, there will be some overlap of time periods to allow for teacher flexibility and to address the complexity of the issues and events. The focus of this course provides students with a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these issues have had on American society and the world. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments, evaluations and discoveries.

 

What’s Blended Learning?   The blended model of American history means students are in the physical classroom 50% of the time. A day students do not need to report during 1st or 4th block on B days and B day students do not need to report during 1st or 4th block on A days (unless a preplanned exception/change is made by me). Students are responsible for completing assignments online when not in the classroom. The curriculum is paced over 90 days for the semester, we will simply be in the classroom for 45 days. Students are required to complete online modules through Canvas on days we do not meet as a class. If students have issues with the online assignments I’m available by email during the school day and until 9pm. I also have time after school most days for extra help if needed. It is of the utmost importance that students complete online modules prior to attending class so that students are prepared to complete in class assignments. Example: students complete a module defining and explaining the causes of westward expansion and then report to class the following day to analyze primary sources related to westward expansion. If a student does not complete the module his or her grade suffers twice. Once for not completing the module in a timely manner and then in class work suffers because a student isn’t prepared, combined this prevents a student from maximizing his or her potential in the blended learning class.   If you have further questions or concerns regarding the blended learning model, please contact me at jennifer.schraw@cabarrus.k12.va.us as soon as possible.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand key themes in post-1865 American history
2. Analyze and interpret historical evidence 
3. Express historical understanding in writing

General Approach

Each day will be different.  I plan to use a multitude of instructional strategies (activities, lecture, projects, etc); the learning will be student centered.  Expect to work in groups, create class presentations, and use various types of media and primary sources to make history interesting!

Course Materials

Students will be responsible for a binder with dividers for storage and writing utensils.  Highlighters, index cards, and headphones will also be used. I do have some in the classroom for student use if needed.

Course Requirements

Students are required to:

1. Participate in class activities and discussions
2. Complete assignments on time and thoughtfully
3. Come to class on time
4. Ask questions!

Absences

All module work is expected to be completed on time unless I have received a contact about special or extraneous circumstances preventing a student from completing module work. If a student misses class, it is his or her responsibility to collect missed work.  If a student misses an interactive lesson (debate, Socratic discussion, group project) he or she will be assigned an alternative assignment.  I WILL NOT FIND YOU AND ASK FOR MISSED WORK!  There will be an absent folder in the classroom where you will find handouts, assignments, etc that you missed.  If you miss 1 day you have 1 day to submit the work, absent on Tuesday means the work is due on Thursday.  Absent 2 days gives you two days to complete assignments.  IF you are absent on a day when an assignment is due, it is expected that the assignment will be turned in the day you return to class.

Late Work

Work submitted late MAY NOT receive full credit.

Evaluation

Grading Policy: Each quarter is worth 37.5% of the course grade with the Final Exam making up the final 25%. 

All assignments will be assigned a point value.  For many homework, in class, and project assignments, students will receive a rubric outlining the expectations of the assignment.  Grades are determined by calculating the total number of points earned by the total number of points available.  An assignment’s point value will be based on effort and difficulty of the assignment. All assessments may be retaken to improve the grade. Students that wish to retake an assessment must attend a review session before school, during Bull Time, or after school prior to retaking the assessment.

Grade breakdown:

Assessments (quizzes and tests)	60%
Modules	25%
Projects and essays	15%

Expectations

1. Students will respect themselves, each other, the instructor(s), and classroom property.
2. Students will use academic language. In this context, academic language is defined as appropriate, thoughtful, and kind language. Students may not use offensive, profane, or disparaging language.
3. Students will report to class on time, ready to engage in the learning process.
4. Students will only consume beverages with a cap in the classroom.

Failure to meet any of the above expectations will result in the following actions: disrespect in any form and use of non-academic language will result in a referral to the Control Room. (See student handbook for further consequences). If a student is sent to the control room he or she must meet with Ms. Schraw before returning to class the following day. This meeting may take place after school, before school, or during lunch. It is important to discuss the behavior that resulted in removal from class and how to prevent the behavior in the future; nothing is more important than being in the classroom.

Cell Phones

Students may not use cell phones between 7:15 am and 2:15 pm except when permissible during Bull Time. A student that has his or her cell phone visible during class time must surrender his or her phone to Ms. Schraw. Ms. Schraw will place the phone in a plastic baggie with the student’s name and time of confiscation. The phone will be stored in a locked drawer. Ms. Schraw will turn the phone over to the office with a referral at the earliest opportunity. Per the student handbook “visible, activated electronic equipment once students enter the building until 2:15 pm (first offense)” will result in Saturday School Detention.

Hall Passes

Students receive 6 passes each quarter. Students must sign in and out of the classroom. No student may leave the classroom during the first or last 10 minutes.

Internet Policy

Students will use assigned websites and online activities only. Inacceptable use of technology will be recorded and submitted as a referral. This includes visiting websites that were not assigned without the teacher’s permission.

Bull Time

Bull Time will be assigned each week for students that need to make up work, need extra help, or require remediation. Bull Time sessions will be designated based upon periodic individual student data and/or teacher discretion.

Academic Integrity

Students are required to submit their own work. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If a student submits work he or she copied from a classmate or plagiarized the assignment/quiz/project/test will receive a grade of “0” with the opportunity to resubmit for up to 50%.  For each incident an office referral will be submitted. 

Contact

This is a challenging class that will require consistent work and preparation in order to perform well. American History II (as the fourth social studies credit) is a graduation requirement in North Carolina and will conclude with a state administered end of course exam. There is no secret to success in this class. Hard work, dedication and perseverance are the keys to performing at a high level.

If you have any questions or concerns at anytime during the semester about the syllabus, course materials, assignments, just about anything American History related do not hesitate to contact me.  jennifer.schraw@cabarrus.k12.nc.us or between 8:45 and 10:00 at 704.454.7300.

I’m looking forward to our semester together!