Ms.

Berrios American History II Syllabus

Course Description:
American History Course II will guide students from the late nineteenth century time period
through the early 21st century. Students will examine the political, economic, social and
cultural development of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to present
times. The essential standards of American History Course II will trace the change in the ethnic
composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and
women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on
the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing
tension between the individual and the state. The desired outcome of this course is for
students to develop an understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between past and
present events, recognize patterns of interactions, and understand the impact of events on in
the United States in an interconnected world.
The essential standards of this course have been designed to provide a framework for
studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these
issues have had on American society over time. Students will continue to build upon previous
studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics,
culture and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight and use skills of historical
analysis as they examine American history. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated
facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make
historical assessments and evaluations.
Course Outline:
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:

The Closing of the Frontier

The Gilded Age
Progressive Era
Imperialism and The Great War
Boom and Bust (1920-1940)

Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit

6:
7:
8:
9:

WWII
The Cold War
Confidence and Crisis (1945-1980)
Modern America (1980-present)

Required Supplies: 1, 3-ring binder (medium size), loose leaf paper,

pens/pencils
Textbooks: Students will have access to a textbook in class. Students may check a textbook out
if they desire. Students will also have access to an online textbook
http://www.ushistory.org/us/index.asp
Course Grading Information
1st 9 weeks: 40% (includes a midterm weighting 20%)
2nd 9 weeks: 40%
Final Exam: 20%
Formal Grades: 70% (tests & projects)
quizzes, etc)

Informal Grades: 30% (classwork assignments,

Late Work Policy: If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an
absence, full credit will be given for the completed work if it is submitted within 5 days. Students
may submit work late for less credit. 10 points will be deducted for each day late.
Participation: Because this is a graduation requirement, it is essential that every student is in
class, on-time, and prepared to learn every day. Together, we will create a community of
responsible and successful individuals.

Absences: CMS has a 10-day attendance policy; if you miss more than 10 days of a course (no
matter whether the absence is excused or unexcused), you will not receive credit for the course.
Attendance recovery can be completed for missed seat time beyond the 10 days. Individual
arrangements will be made. It is the responsibility of the student to provide
documentation for the absence, request make-up work, and submit that work on time.
Discipline: It is expected that every student show respect to all people and property in the
classroom. Each student is guaranteed the right to an education, and disruptive behavior on the
part of any student will not be tolerated. All discipline issues will be addressed according to the
CMS Rights and Responsibilities handbook and enforced by an administrator.
I treat every student with a high level of respect and integrity. I hold students accountable for
their behaviors. I do not accept excuses for unacceptable behavior. That being said, in my role as
a teacher I will encourage, model, and praise positive behavior. It is my responsibility to help
teenagers grow into a productive and successful member of the community.
The Honor Code: Honesty and integrity are two of the most important qualities an individual
can possess. Any dishonest behavior, including but not limited to such acts as copying another
students work, giving someone your work to be copied, attempting to complete homework
during class, forging a signature, or not telling the truth when asked a question are signs of a
lack of integrity and will not be tolerated. The honor code will strictly be enforced and
consequences for violations of the honor code will be applied.
Cell Phone Policy: Upon entering the classroom, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic
devices should be put away unless directed otherwise. Students who fail to comply with the cell
phone policy will be given a warning but continued failure to comply may result in confiscation of
the electronic device.
Parental Permission: Throughout the year, we will be watching clips from several movies in
class to help enhance our understanding of certain aspects of American history. Some of the
movies have a rating of R due to the violent nature of the content (for example, the first 20
minutes of Saving Private Ryan, which is essential to understanding D-Day). By acknowledging
receipt of the syllabus, it is assumed you have given your consent for your student to participate
in class on these days. Please let me know if you have any concerns.
American History II Tutoring: I will be available for tutoring before and after school. Students
need to come speak with me before-hand so that we can arrange a time that works for both
schedules.
Additional Information: I have several resources in place to help students and parents stay up
to date with homework, upcoming tests, and other important class information. See below.

Remind101: Text @emAH2 to 81010 to sign-up for text reminders for homework, test
dates, etc.
Class Website: http://kberriosemhistory.weebly.com
Contact Information:

Email: karlae.berrios@cms.k12.nc.us

Room: 605

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

Student Name: __________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Information
Name: ________________________________

Relationship to Student: ________________________

Preferred Phone Number: __________________________

Best Time to Reach You: _____________

Email Address: ___________________________________

Name: _____________________________

Relationship to Student: ________________________

Preferred Phone Number: ________________________

Best Time to Reach You: _____________

Email Address: ___________________________________

Additional Information:

Does the student have regular access to a computer at home?

Does the student have regular access to internet at home?

Acknowledgement and Signature

27th

_______________
_______________

Please Return by Friday Jan.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the course
syllabus and contact information for American History II. I have read the
syllabus and I understand the classroom policies, teachers expectations, and
rules (eg., cell phone policy, grading system, attendance policy, academic
integrity policy, etc.) as stated in the syllabus for this course. If I have any
questions or concerns, I will contact the teacher for further explanation.

STUDENT SIGNATURE: __________________________________

DATE:

_________________
__

PARENT SIGNATURE: _____________________________________

DATE:

_________________

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

Student Name: __________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Information
Name: ________________________________

Relationship to Student: ________________________

Preferred Phone Number: __________________________

Best Time to Reach You: _____________

Email Address: ___________________________________

Name: _____________________________

Relationship to Student: ________________________

Preferred Phone Number: ________________________

Best Time to Reach You: _____________

Email Address: ___________________________________

Additional Information:

Does the student have regular access to a computer at home?

Does the student have regular access to internet at home?

_______________
_______________

Acknowledgement and Signature

Please Return by Friday Jan.

27th
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the course
syllabus and contact information for American History II. I have read the
syllabus and I understand the classroom policies, teachers expectations, and
rules (eg., cell phone policy, grading system, attendance policy, academic
integrity policy, etc.) as stated in the syllabus for this course. If I have any
questions or concerns, I will contact the teacher for further explanation.

STUDENT SIGNATURE: __________________________________

DATE:

_________________
__

PARENT SIGNATURE: _____________________________________

_________________

DATE: