Course Syllabus

American History I Honors

Parkwood High School

Mr. Funderburk

Fall 2019

This syllabus is to stay in the front of your notebook for the remainder of the semester.  When checking your notebook, this will be the first item I will look for and check.

Course Description:  The focus of this course provides students with a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing how these issues have impacted American society. Students will develop higher-level thinking skills and make historical assessments and evaluations.

Curriculum

Unit 1: Three Worlds Meet (1200-1500)

Unit 2: The American Colonies Emerge (1492-1681)

Unit 3: The Colonies Come of Age (1650-1760)

Unit 4: The War for Independence (1768-1783)

Unit 5: Shaping a New Nation (1781-1783)

Unit 6: Launching the New Nation (1789-1816)

Unit 7: Balancing Nationalism and Sectionalism (1815-1840)

Unit 8: Reforming American Society (1820-1850)

Unit 9: Expanding Markets and Moving West (1825-1847)

Unit 10: The Union in Peril (1850-1861)

Unit 11: The Civil War (1861-1865)

Unit 12: Reconstruction and Its Effects (1865-1877)

 

Pacing Guide:

  • 1st 6 Weeks: Exploration & Colonization, Rebellion, The War for Independence
  • 2nd 6 Weeks: Shaping/Launching the Nation, Nationalism & Sectionalism, Reform Movements
  • 3rd 6 Weeks: Westward Expansion, The Union in Peril, Civil War & Reconstruction

 

Materials Required for Course: 

  • A three-ring binder with five tab dividers
  • College ruled notebook paper
  • 2 Composition notebooks
  • Pens and pencils
  • Colored Pencils (12 or 24 pack)
  • Textbook/Laptop
  • A positive attitude!

 

 Grading Policy:

  • The grading policy for this class will be based on a 100 points system. Homework and classwork will count once, Current Events will count 1.5 times, Quizzes will count 2 times, Presidents Notebooks will count 2.5 times & Projects and Tests will count 3 times.

 

Classroom Expectations:

  • Follow all Parkwood High School policies.
  • Be respectful of others at all times! Always treat others the way you would like them to treat you!
  • Be prepared for class each day by having your laptop, 3 ring binder, notebook and a pen/pencil. Always be prepared to engage in the daily lesson.
  • Be in your assigned seat when the tardy bell rings.
  • Remain in your assigned seat unless you have the teacher's permission to move. The teacher will dismiss the class, not the bell.
  • Do what’s right and always do your best!

 

Failure to meet these expectations will result in one of the following: a verbal warning, an individual conference, detention, parent contact/conference, or disciplinary referral.  The level of discipline is left up to the discretion of Mr. Funderburk and the rules of PWHS.

Classroom Procedures:

  • Entering the Class: Upon arrival to class, please come in the classroom and prepare yourself for the day’s lesson.  You will find your warm-up assignment posted.  You are expected to begin working on this assignment quietly when the tardy bell rings. 
  • Entering the Class Tardy: Come into class and quietly get yourself prepared.  If you have a written excuse, give it to me as long as I am not speaking or engaged with other students.  If I am in the middle of instruction or attending to other matters, place the written excuse on my desk.  We will adhere to the PWHS tardy policy at all times.
  • Leaving the Classroom: You will not be allowed to leave class to go to your locker, another teacher’s class, the cafeteria, the office, etc. unless it is an emergency as determined by the teacher.  If an emergency does arise, raise your hand until I am able to acknowledge you.
  • Using the Restroom: You may not go to the restroom during direct instruction time.  This is distracting to the rest of the class.  You may use the restroom at any other time during class.  You will have 3 bathroom passes per Six Weeks period.  You must first ask for permission to leave the classroom, sign yourself out and then quietly dismiss yourself. Remember to sign back in when you return to class. 
  • Teacher Interaction: When you need to speak with me about missed work, grading questions or other such concerns, please do so before or after class as to not take away from instructional time.  You are not to be near or touching anything from the teacher’s desk/office area without prior approval.
  • Student Interaction: In our class, there will be many opportunities to have classroom discussions, debates, and cooperative group work.  It is natural to not always agree with one another, but we must always be respectful when engaging with our peers.  Please refrain from disrespect and disruptions when others have the floor.  You will have your turn, merely raise your hand and be patient.
  • Assignments: Work is due on the assigned due date at the beginning of the class period. Work should be turned in when you enter the classroom. I will take off points for work that is handed in late according to the following rubric: 1 day = 15% off, 2 days = 30% off, 3 days or later = 60% off. 
  • Absences: We will follow the PWHS and Union County policies in regards to absences.  In our classroom, you are responsible for the work you have missed due to an absence.  Plan to turn in all work that was due on the day missed at the time you return and prepare to ask the teacher for the work that was missed.  You will be given two days to turn in the work from the day(s) you were absent.  It is your responsibility to get your make up work from Mr. Funderburk.
  • Notebooks: Each student will be expected to keep a well-organized notebook.  Your notebook is to be a three-ring binder that is divided into five sections.  You should label your sections as follows: Warm-ups, Essential Questions, Class Handouts, Current Events, and Quizzes/Tests.  Your notebook will be checked randomly to be sure that you are keeping up with the pace of the course.
  • Class Notes: Your notes for this class should be taken down, and kept in your composition book. This will help to ensure that all of your notes remain together and are readily accessible for review and study when needed. You may not use your laptop to take notes for this class!
  • Announcements: Listen attentively to announcements. You are not to talk at any time during an announcement.
  • Emergency Procedures: Silently line up to leave the classroom.  Listen to and follow directions carefully. Please do not talk at any time during the procedure.
  • Exiting the Classroom: Make sure that you have all of your materials as you exit the classroom.  No trash should be left near your area, if you see any lying around, please pick it up and place it in the trash can on your way out of the classroom.  Remember, the teacher will dismiss the class, not the bell! 
  • Head covering: Hats may be worn except during test or quizzes. Hooded sweatshirts with the hood up will not be allowed in my classroom.
  • Tutoring: Students are encouraged to attend tutoring as they need it in order to maximize your chance for success in this class.  I welcome the opportunity to help students on an individual basis.  Tutoring will be available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:00 or by appointment.
  • Honors Component: By taking this honors course, the student will further their writing and analytical skills.  This course will also give the student an opportunity to complete a historical project every six weeks, furthering his/her understanding of the course material.   

 

Contact Information

  • The easiest way to contact me is through email – kevin.fundeburk@ucps.k12.nc.us I check my email often and I will respond as promptly as possible. If you wish to speak with me on the phone the best way is to send me an email with your phone number included and I will call you as soon as possible. You may contact me by phone at (704) 764-2900. I  will return your call as soon as possible. I look forward to working with you to make this a successful and rewarding semester!

Course Summary:

Date Details Due