Overview: This course will cover developments in United States History from pre-colonization up to recent years. While examining different areas, we will be able to see how the United States (and the world as a whole) has come to be as it is today.

Materials: In addition to your textbook, for this course, you will need a three-ring binder with three sections: 1) class notes and handouts, 2) reading notes and homework, and 3) returned work. You will not need your textbook in class most days; I will let you know when to bring it.Your name should be clearly labeled on your textbook, binder, and all assignments.

Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly, and completion of homework will count toward your grade. Homework assignments sheets will be handed out periodically, and homework will be posted on this website.

Quizzes: Expect pop quizzes, usually covering homework reading assignments. For these quizzes, you will be able to use your notes on the assigned reading.

Projects and Papers: TThroughout the year, you will be writing short papers, participating in projects, and preparing presentations. During the third quarter, you will write a research paper on a topic in 20th century United States History. You will also write an oral history paper in the fourth quarter. Your first assignment, your summer reading paper, will be due on Tuesday, September 4 via email. All papers should be 12 point font, double spaced, with your name clearly indicated.

Tests: Most units will culminate with a test. Tests will vary in format, but you will receive a review sheet and guidelines regarding what to expect before the test. Review sheets will also be posted online. You will also have a review assignment with each review sheet; details to be explained later. Your first test will be Thursday, September 20. You will have both a midterm and a final exam, which will count 20% of your semester grade.

Late/Makeup Work: As indicated in the Student Handbook, you are expected to be in class, participate in class, and complete homework assignments on a regular basis. Your presence in class is a vital part of this course, and you can expect your grade to suffer if you miss class frequently. You should be especially familiar with the sections of the Student Handbook on Academic Dishonesty and Academic Work Missed.

If you miss class, you are responsible for getting the assignment from a classmate or from me. Homework that you do not have prepared for class may be turned in by the end of the day for partial credit. Quizzes cannot be made up; if you miss one for a valid reason, that quiz will not be factored into your quiz average. Late papers and projects will drop 2/3 grade per day, that is A to B+, B+ to B-, B- to C, and so forth (weekends count as two days). If you are absent, catch up with me when you return to school to makeup missed work, including tests. You should be prepared to take a test on your first day back (or 9th period if you are tardy), unless you have made arrangements with me. Frequent absences on test days are not looked upon kindly.

Since I expect you to hand in your work on time, I will make it a priority to return papers, projects, and tests as soon as possible.

Grades: You will earn your grade in this class through several components:

• tests - 100 points
• quizzes - usually 10- 20 points
• papers and projects - usually 100 points
• review assignments 10-20 points
• class participation - based on weekly grades of up to 10 points
• homework - each assignment worth between 5-10 points

Extra Help/Communication: Please seek out extra help! I am free during E and G blocks; look in room 222 or the faculty room. My 9th period availability varies with the weather and the season, since I coach varsity field hockey and varsity sailing. Especially when I am in season, check with me in class regarding 9th period extra help.

In addition, I check my email several times throughout the entire day: . However, should you send me an email which 1) does not carry a tone of respect and professionalism and/or 2) does not show an honest effort at following the rules of grammar, punctuation, and capitalization, I reserve the right not to respond.

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