United States History Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Kram

Room: A42
Contact: emile.kram@schooldistrict.com
School Number: 555-6273 ext. 4359

ABOUT MS. KRAM

I am an Arizona State University graduate. I have a passion for history that I want to
pass on to my students. I believe that all students are capable of doing great things
in life. Everyone has something important to contribute to the world and I want to
help them in any way that I can. The knowledge and skills I will teach students can
help them in their everyday lives and in their futures. I want to teach them how to
think and explore history not just to memorize dates. All students can succeed in
my class if they work hard and do their best.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this class we will learn about the history of the United States from early
colonization to modern times. The purpose of this class is to not only give the
students a thorough background on our countrys history but to also develop
analytical and critical thinking skills. Students will learn how to look at the facts of
history but more importantly the significance of past events, and how these events
shaped our world today.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal for this class is for students to have a comprehensive knowledge of
American history from the founding of our country to today. It is also the goal that
students will be able to conduct higher levels of thinking and research. One of the
most important aspects of history is knowing how to research well. The first step to
this is knowing what sources are credible as well as the difference between
secondary and primary sources. This class will help students learn these important
tools which will help them in their futures and in all aspects of their lives.

TEXTBOOK
The required textbook for this class is The Americans published by McDougal Little.
It is provided by the school.

COURSE OUTLINE
Semester 1
Unit 1:
Research skills for History and Early
Civilization
Unit 2:
Exploration and Colonization and
Revolution and a New Nation
Unit 3:
Westward Expansion and Causes of
the Civil War
Unit 4:
The Civil War and Reconstruction

Semester 2
Unit 6:
Industrial Revolution and World War I
Unit 7:
The Roaring 20s and the Great
Depression
Unit 8:
World War II
Unit 9:
The Cold War
Unit 10:
Contemporary United States

Unit 5:
Emergence of the Modern United
States
*Disclaimer*
Because there is no way to predict exactly how the semester will go, I
reserve the right to make changes to the above course outline as needed.
SUPPLIES

College ruled spiral notebook

Pencils and pens
Highlighters in blue, pink, yellow, and orange

ATTENDANCE
Students will be expected to be in class everyday as per school rules. Attending
class is very important not just because of protocol, but also because it gives
students the chance to participate in classroom discussions and activities. This will
help them gain a deeper knowledge of history that cannot be learned through a
book alone.

LATE WORK
If a student misses any classes, they must come to me as soon as possible either
before or after class and get any missing work. They will have two (2) days after
meeting with me to turn it in for credit.

GRADING POLICY
All work is to be submitted on time. Any work that is turned in late will automatically
lose half credit and I will not accept any work three (3) days after it is due. For
exceptions see the above section on late work. Grades will be given based on the
following rubric:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 0-59%
I will be grading students on completion of work, participation, bell work, tests and
quizzes, and their interactive notebook.

PLAGIARISM
There is zero tolerance policy for plagiarism. Any work that is submitted that has
been plagiarized will get an automatic zero and disciplinary action will be taken.

DIVERSITY
It is my goal to foster a safe learning environment, therefore I will not tolerate
discrimination of any kind in my classroom. Students are entitled to their opinions
and are often encouraged to share those opinions. However, I will not allow for any
derogatory comments directed at another student or idea. My classroom is meant to
be a place of learning, not ignorance.

CELLPHONE USE AND PROFESSIONALISM

Cellphones are not to be used in the classroom unless otherwise directed by me. At
the beginning of each class I expect all phones to be in students backpacks and
backpacks placed in the designated area. I expect students to have respect for me
and for fellow students while in class. This requires them to give their full attention
to the activity or lecture of the day and to participate as much as possible.

C LASSROOM R ULES
In addition to the expectations laid out in this syllabus, students will also be
expected to adhere to the following rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Students are to remain seated unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

Only the teacher dismisses class.
Problems unrelated to class will be left outside the classroom.
Limbs and objects will be kept to yourself.
Students will raise hands before saying anything.

C ONSEQUENCES
The following procedures will be enacted in the event of any rule violation:

First Offense Warning/Conference

Second Offense Call/e-mail home

Third Offense Administrative Referral

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Because this is a higher level history class we will cover some controversial issues.
This is the nature of history and it is important that it is still taught. If for any reason
you or your student is not comfortable with any of the topics in this course, please
feel free to contact me so that we can figure out a solution together.

Syllabus Agreement
I have read the syllabus and acknowledge that the
teacher reserves the right to make changes as needed. I
further understand the goals, policies, rules, and code of
conduct expected for Ms. Krams American History
classroom.
Please sign and date this page to be returned to Ms. Kram
by the assigned date.

Sign name here

Print name here

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