Burlington High School U.S.

History I - College Prep

Social Studies Department

Teacher: Mr. MacKay

Course Title U.S. History Part One
Tests: The exams are designed for you to display what you have learned. Expect
Course Number: Level 3, College Prep critical thinking and essay questions in addition to multiple-choice questions.
Text: The Americans (McDougal Littell)
Binder: All Social Studies students are required to have a three ring binder. The
Email: [email protected] table of contents in this binder will be given to you on the first day. The purpose
Blog: http://ushistorymackay.blogspot.com of the binder is to keep your notes and class materials organized. Having your
materials organized will give you a better chance to be successful.
I. Course Overview
This course covers early United States History. This spans from about the time of Power Point /Research Skills Projects: Several projects will require you to use
Independence (1750) through the Emergence of Modern America (1890). The the library to gather information on a person or event we have covered in class.
themes of history, geography, economics, civics, and government provide the These assignments will be an opportunity for you to learn the basic steps of
framework for the course, which includes the idea of nation forming, examining the research (gathering information) and presenting it in a formal way. Power point
founding documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution), slavery, projects will be done in groups and will allow students to work collaboratively with
democracy, manifest destiny, the Civil War, and the failure of Reconstruction. their peers. Grading criteria, etc. will be given at the time the projects are
assigned.
II. Successful Learning
To be a successful learner in this class, there are a few simple rules to follow: Attendance and Participation: You are required to be in class, with all materials
 Each member of the class is expected to report on time and prepared to and prepared for discussion. Participation is essential and makes the class much
work. This means having all materials necessary (3 ring binder and a writing more interesting! If you have a major fear of participating in class please see me.
instrument)
C. Grading Policy
 Each member of the class is expected to contribute in a positive manner and
In addition to test grades, quarter grades will be based on the following:
come into class with an open mind
• Class assignments, homework, notebook = 30%
 Each member of the class is expected to be respectful and courteous at all
• Quizzes, Tests, Projects= 50%
times - this respect is extended to me, to your fellow classmates, to the
• Daily Work, Class Participation= 20%
classroom, and any materials I give you.
• Power Point/Research Skills Projects = varies depending on the project
 Each member of the class is expected to do the work to the best of his or
her ability BE AWARE, this is an outline of the quarterly grading structure for this course
• STUDENTS WITH A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE USUALLY and is, therefore, subject to change and/or modification, at any time at the
SUCCEED discretion of the teacher.
III. Expected Outcomes V. Classroom Expectations
By the completion of this course, successful students will: In additions to the rules explained in the Student Handbook, the following rules
 Have a better understanding of the world around them apply:
 Have a better understanding of the evolution of our government
• NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN CLASS – they
 Learn to think critically about the past and present
will be confiscated and turned over to an administrator unless I
 Examine what exactly is America’s role is in the world today
 Improve writing, speaking, listening, and note-taking skills have given you permission to use the device in class. Refusal to
 Analyze primary source documents surrender an electronic device will result in 2 days of In-School
 Learn to discriminate internet sources Suspension in accordance with the Student handbook.
 Gain confidence in his/her learning capabilities • Frequent and inappropriate requests to leave the room will not be allowed.
 Obtain a level of knowledge appropriate for this course level  Attendance: Attendance in this class is essential to your success. Frequent
absences, dismissals, or tardiness will result in a reduction of your quarter
IV. Assessing Progress grade.
A. Course Requirements  Make-Up Policy: YOU are responsible for all work missed due to absences.
The following are minimum course requirements for completing this
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GET ALL MISSED WORK. All of
course and receiving a grade. Please note that each teacher maintains
discretion for work beyond these minimum requirements.
the work will be on my blog. Therefore all work should be turned in
 1 oral presentations the day a student returns from being absent. I am not going to chase
 Individual notebook after you. For absences of one or two days, all assignments are due the day
 Midterm and Final Exam after your return. If you are absent the day a research project or paper is
due, that project is due on the day of your return. For extended absences,
B. Class Requirements you should make arrangements with me; however, in accordance with school
Everything we learn is a building block so it is necessary to have assignments done policy, all assignments must be made up within one week of the absence or the
on time and to the best of your ability in order to get the most out of your learning grade is a zero. Notes missed can be obtained through my blog. If an
experience. Most importantly always be respectful of each other. absence is anticipated, as in the case of a family obligation or field trip,
please make arrangements ahead of time. Again it is your responsibility to
Cheating and Plagiarism: Cheating or plagiarism of any kind will be taken very make all arrangements. If you ever have any questions about this policy
seriously. All incidents will be reported immediately to the administration and please ask me.
parents, and will result in the loss of credit for the assignment.
VI. Additional Information
Homework and Assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of the class Communication is essential between the two of us. Don’t be afraid to come to
period for full credit. Late homework will NOT be accepted. If you are absent me with any question or concern. My door is always open. I want you to enjoy your
check the blog for the homework. If worksheets are not on the blog they can be learning experience this year. The biggest things I expect from my students are
picked up the next day in class and will be due the day after your return. effort and enthusiasm. If you feel you need extra help let me know and we will
make the appropriate accommodations. Please also know that your parents can
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given an average of 1-2 times per week. The purpose of
contact me via email - (that is usually the quickest way) or phone if they have any
these quizzes is to ensure that you are keeping up with the assigned readings and
concerns and we can schedule a conference as needed.
also to ensure me that you understand the concepts necessary for the course. The
quizzes will either be multiple choice, fill in the blank, or matching. Each quiz will
also have a short answer question. I will specify the day before on what type of
quiz you will be having.