Course Syllabus
EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY
MR. MIKE CLEMENTS
(s)871-9663
(c)283-1679
Available 8:40-9:35
3:00-330pm
Welcome to Early American History (Beginning to 1900). I am looking forward to an exciting school year for both you and me. Your positive attitude and good work habits will ensure your success in this class. Described in the following paragraphs are my requirements and expectations of you for the year. Please read each section carefully and ask any questions you may have during the next few days.
GOALS (ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY)
The goals for this class are for students to:
· Understand the quest for freedom, justice, opportunity, and democracy in the U.S.
· Analyze the establishment of representative democracy in America.
· Relate the significance of the past to your own lives, both private and public, and to your society.
TOPICS COVERED (ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY)
· Three Worlds and Their Encounters in America: Beginnings to 1607
· The Colonial Era: An Emerging American Identify: 1607-1763
· Creating a Nation: 1763-1815
· Expansion and Reform: 1801-1860
· The Civil War and Reconstruction: 1860-1877
· The Development of the Industrial United States: 1877-1900
BRING TO CLASS:
· Textbook: The American Vision (provided, if lost $25.00)
REQUIRED ADDITIONAL READINGS:
· The Crucible by Arthur Miller (September)
· Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave (February)
· Geronimo, His Own Story" (April)
· You may purchase these books from the school or on your own.
Your first responsibility is to read the text. Everything that is assigned and tested is based on the textbook. Reading the book is the most important key to your success in this class.
Online Class:
All material and test will be done online at 
If you should have a problem with your internet service or connecting with Canvas, you will be required to do your assignment on paper from the book. This should be a very rare situation.
* If you have limitations (no computer or internet service at home) I will be in contact with your parents to plan on how we will deal with these limitations.
BYOD:
Bring your own device(your own computer) is highly recommended. The Wyse computers are capable computers of doing the work online. They are required to logon onto Citrix which can be slow at different times of the day. They are also falling behind in the technology curve. The New Chromebooks are outstanding and inexpensive ($200.00 to 300.00) compared to Mac and Window machines.
*IPads and other tablets have a few limitations when it comes to typing and navigating on Canvas.
*Smart phones will not be used while on Canvas. Use of smart phones is considered a privilege. Use of phones is restricted to listening to music at a level that does interfere with the learning process in the classroom. Any other use of your phone must have permission first from me.
Assignments:
You will have some time in class to do assignments online. What is not completed will be considered homework and will be due at midnight of the date assigned. There are no extension on due dates except for inclement weather dismissal days.
Assignments include reading articles, bookwork, internet activities, group work, online discussions, quizzes and projects.
*Reading articles, discussions and projects are 80% grades.
*All other assignments and quizzes will be 20% grades.
All assignments are set up in the Modules(left column) section of Canvas.
All work is setup in sequential order. (Must be done in order that they appear)
All assignments not completed by due date will be a zero.
Make-up Work:
(for excused absences only)
All work will be assigned a due date, if you were absent, it is still due on the day that you return. If you know that you will be absent, check with me beforehand and we will make arrangements.
It is your responsibility to check the CANVAS website.
@ Canvas( https:canvas.instructure.com) and with me concerning work or notes you missed when you are absent.
Test:
All Unit test are based on the textbook. Questions on the test are previewed on the section quizzes. Unit test are 80% grades.
Retakes and Make up Test:
Retakes -You can retake a test within 2 weeks of the test date. Your last attempt will be recorded as the graded for that test.
Retakes does not apply to FINAL EXAMS.
All make up test and retakes will be given after school in the social Studies Pod at 3:30pm or in my room at 3:00pm with permission.
Grading:
MAJOR 80% - Within each nine weeks period, you will have unit tests, book test, projects, articles and discussions that are equal to 80% of your grade.
Any test that you retake, your last score will be recorded.
MINOR 20% - Homework, quizzes, and class work equals 20% of your nine week grade.
Each nine week grade equals 80% and the final exam grade is 20% of final grade.
Conduct will not be used to determine your grade.
Classroom Expectations:
There are a few rules I feel are necessary in order to develop and maintain a classroom environment that will lead to learning:
*Please show the utmost respect to each of your peers, as well as myself, each day. This involves everything from casual conversation to individual behavior during class. To show respect is to earn respect!
*Show up to class on time, with your materials, and be prepared to learn each day. Tardiness to class will not be tolerated.
*Do not bring food i.e.(in other words) chips, cookies, sandwiches, snacks, food from the lunchroom and any fast food to class. Fresh vegetables and fruits are Ok to eat.
*Drinks in containers(spill proof) are allowed. No cups, cans or open containers are allowed.
*Restroom breaks are for emergency use only. Please plan ahead.
Help:
If you have a problem, please see me and I will be happy to address the situation. I will also be available for extra help at a time that is convenient. See me and we will set up an appointment.
I am available in After School Academic Boosters(ASAB) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday.
I am looking forward to working with each of you this year and it is my goal for you to be successful in this class this year.
Mr. Clements
Course Summary:
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