Course Syllabus

American History 2011-2012

Expectation Sheet

Mr. Ackerman, Instructor

            American History is an overview of the major events, people and ideas from 1865 to the present.  The course will be divided into 12 units, emphasizing the impact of that period on the development of the United States then and today.  The course will utilize a variety of teaching/learning methods and activities that incorporate both individual and collaborative effort. Instruction will emphasize the new Iowa Core Curriculum standards in History, Political Science, Geography and Economics.

    American History 2

    Unit 7   Cold War and the ‘50s   Test Fri. March 2            

    Unit 8   The 1960s                       Test Fri. March 16             

    Unit 9    Vietnam and Watergate Test Fri. March 30

    Unit 10  The Reagan Revolution  Test Fri. Apr. 13

    Unit 11   Changing World (80’s & 90’s) Test Fri. Apr. 27

    Unit 12   Modern American History  Test Mon. May 21                                                                             Course Final Wed. May 23

Grading:     A percentage based on total points accumulated on tests, projects, reports, daily assignments, quizzes, and employability skills of attendance, productivity and accountability.

100-94%                               A

93-90                                    A-

89-87                                    B+

86-84                                    B

83-80                                    B-

79-77                                    C+

76-74                                    C

73-70                                    C-

below 70%                           F

Students with academic grades which fall below the 70% mark, will be given ample opportunity to raise their grade to the C level, through test re-takes, additional review, oral and/or written presentations or other means determined by the instructor.  Students who fall below the 70% mark will be graded as an F until the 70% mark is attained.  Students with an F at the end of the three-week grading period will be academically ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities till the end of the next three-week grading period.  Late or missing assignments must be turned in during the current three-week grading period or no credit will be given. Students who fail to attain the 70% mark by the end of the trimester will be given no credit for course completion.

Expectations:

1.      Always come to class on time ready to go with materials necessary for class.

2.      Listen and participate appropriately in activities and discussions.

3.      Any behavior that distracts from the learning environment of the class will not be tolerated.

Attendance and Make-ups:

                  Attendance and active participation in class is vital to successful completion of the class.  It is the student’s responsibility to acquire any make up assignments or notes while absent. Assignments or tests missed due to an absence must be made up the next day back in class, or as arranged by the instructor, or no credit may be given.  In accordance with school policy, a student shall be dropped from the class with six unexcused absences.  Three unexcused tardies shall equal one unexcused absence.