Coach D’s U.S. History Course Syllabus
Coach R. Dolgener
U.S. History Part 1
Semesters 1&2
Phone: 254-642-3011
Email: [email protected]
School Year 2012-2013
I.
Course Description
A. In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial
period through Reconstruction. The knowledge and skills in subsection (b) of this section
comprise the first part of a two-year study of U.S. history. The second part, comprising U.S.
history since Reconstruction to the present, is provided in §113.32 of this title (relating to
United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (One Credit)). The content builds upon
that from Grade 5 but provides more depth and breadth. Historical content focuses on the
political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary
eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic,
westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students describe the
physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and
settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that
influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic and
identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and
principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of
powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical
documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform
movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the
United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society.
Students evaluate the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the
development of the United States. Students use critical-thinking skills, including the
identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material.
II.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
III.
Course Goals
The students will gain a better understanding of the people and events in our
nation’s history.
The students will learn to analyze decisions of the past and their effect on the
future.
The students will expand their vocabulary through exercises requiring them to
discover the meanings of words previously unused by them.
The students will learn and practice effective study skills.
The students will begin to develop higher-level thinking skills and apply them to
real-world situations.
Instructional Philosophy- I expect all students to have a positive attitude about
learning. No student has the right to interfere with the learning of others;
therefore, I expect all students to be respectful of the teacher and students so that
a positive learning environment exists.
IV.
Course Outline- U.S History and Geography will be intertwined through out the
year.
A.
B.
C.
D.
First Nine Weeks: Exploration through The Constitution
Second Nine Weeks: American Union through Andrew Jackson
Third Nine Weeks: Manifest Destiny, Industrialism, Age of Reform
Fourth Nine Weeks: A Nation Divided – The Civil War and Reconstruction
V.
Grading Scale/Assessment Plan
A. Grading Scale
Tests/Quizzes/Projects – 40%
Daily/Participation/Homework- 60%
B. Assessment Plan
If during the grading period, the student’s grade drops below 70, or the student
shows a drastic change in performance, parents will be contacted.
VI.
Student Expectations
A. Students will work both independently and in cooperative groups throughout the
year.
B. Students will participate in all activities and exhibit the behavior of a positive
group member when working cooperatively.
C. Students will allow others the opportunity to learn and be successful.
D. Students will arrive each day with the necessary tools for success in U.S. History
such as all materials, and a positive attitude.
VII. Make-up Work/ Late Work/Re-Testing
A. Students will have the opportunity to make up work missed during absences and
suspensions. It is the responsibility of the student to request and complete any
assignments or tests missed because of an absence. Students will be permitted
five days for make-up work beginning the day they return to school.
B. The student may be required to turn in an assignment the day he/she returns to
class if the assignment was made prior to the absence.
C. All homework is due at the beginning of class on the due date. If the assignment
is class work, it must be turned in at the end of that class period. All work not
turned in by the time it is due is considered late.
D. Late work may be made up for up to 70% of the original assignment as long as it is
turned in at least one week before the end of the grading period.
E. Any student who makes below a 70% on any test has the opportunity to re-test to
raise that grade to a 70. A re-test must be requested within 3 days of the failing
grade.
VIII.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available to students during our Tutorial Period and before or after
school by request.
IX.
Benchmark Testing - Students will be evaluated periodically on materials covered
in the course. The questions will be structured to reflect the language used on the
TAKS test so that the students will be more likely to grasp the concepts and
wording used on the state assessment.
PARENT RECIEPT
By signing I agree that I have read through this syllabus with my student and understand all
policies for Coach Dolgener’s class.
Student Name:_________________________________________________
Parent Name: __________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
Date : ________________________________________________________