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US
History I
Honors
Course Syllabus 2007-08
Mr. John D. Goniatis
goniatis@norwellschools.org
781-659-8810 x-4209
http://teacher.classwebs.net/home.php?id=1141
The mission of Norwell High School is to provide an engaging,
supportive environment where students strive for excellence,
practice respect and contribute to society.
Integrity Learning Respect
Responsibility
Student work will focus on the following NHS expectation for
student learning:
·
Effective researchers
Description:
The
Honors United States history course is designed to introduce
students to the analytical skills and historical knowledge
necessary to deal critically with the issues and eras of
American history. Students will learn to assess historical
documents and weigh the evidence and interpretations presented
in historical scholarship. Students are expected to complete a
research paper, as well as start to prepare for the US History
MCAS exam (May 2009). The Honors US history course is designed
to prepare students to enter AP US History in their junior year,
or continue with the Honors level class. The textbook is a
respected and widely used college level textbook. The course
begins with an overview of the Age of Discovery and the
settlement of North America and culminates with a focus on the
era of Reconstruction following the Civil War. In addition to
studying the specific “history”, we will also examine important
themes that run throughout the course of America
history…diversity, American identity, culture, demographic
changes, economic transformations, environment, globalization,
politics, citizenship, reform, religion, the legacy of slavery
and war and diplomacy.
Course of Study:
I.
Pre-Columbian Societies
II.
Transatlantic Encounters and Colonial Beginnings, 1492 – 1690
III.
Colonial
North America, 1690 – 1754
IV.
The
American Revolutionary Era, 1754 – 1789 (and US Constitution)
V.
The Early
Republic, 1789 – 1815
VI.
Transformation of the Economy and Society in Antebellum America
VII.
The
Transformation of Politics in Antebellum America
VIII.
Religion,
Reform and Renaissance in Antebellum America
IX.
Territorial Expansion and Manifest Destiny
X.
The Crisis
of Union
XI.
Civil War
XII.
Reconstruction
Four
Simple Rules:
1.
Act with INTEGRITY.
2.
LEARNING
is the goal of everyone in this class.
3.
Show RESPECT at all times.
4.
Take
RESPONSIBILITY for yourself.
Course Requirements/ Materials:
1.
You will be required to maintain a three-ring binder for
this class (plan on a 2” binder). Come to class every day with
this binder. Failure to maintain a three-ring binder will
result in a loss of class participation points.
The
binder needs to be divided into the 12 sections listed in the
“Course of Study”.
2.
There will be several projects assigned during the year.
Some will be individual and some will involve collaboration.
3.
The course will end with a comprehensive final exam in
June. Your three-ring binder will be an invaluable tool for
studying for this exam.
4.
I will have at least one “late day” each week.
Grading Policy:
The
grading system for the course is based on accumulated points.
Points will be earned in the following categories:
·
HOMEWORK – Homework is an integral part of the course, and will
be assigned regularly. The bulk of HW assignments will be
readings/questions from the textbook. Late homework is
accepted, but at reduced credit. The total possible points
earned from HOMEWORK is approximately 25% of the term grade.
·
QUIZZES/ TESTS / PROJECTS – Frequent quizzes will be given to
assess understanding of the textbook reading as well as the
concepts and information covered in class. At the end of each
major unit of study there will be an exam. The total possible
points earned from this category is approximately 65% of your
grade.
·
CLASS
PARTICIPATION – This course involves discussion, debate, student
role-playing, presentations, etc. and, therefore, student
involvement is very important. Class attendance is important,
as is coming to class prepared ( HW complete, notebook, pen
etc.). The total possible points earned in this category is
approximately 10% of your grade. You can gain points by
participating and contributing to a positive atmosphere and you
WILL lose points for disruptive behavior, being unprepared and
chronic lateness.
Textbook / Useful sites:
Henretta, James L. et al. America’s History 6th
Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008
goniatishistory.blogspot.com
= my “blog”, where I post random thoughts, past highlights and
upcoming events, in addition to useful links for
research/additional reading
bedfordstmartins.com/Henretta
= this is the official textbook site, which has an Online Study
Guide. We will use this frequently for HW, research and exam
review.
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