Course Syllabus

American History II

Parkwood High School

Mrs. Gordon

Spring 2020

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 2:  Changes on the Western Frontier (1877-1917)

Unit 3:  Modern American Emerges (1890-1920)

Unit 4:  The 1920’s and the Great Depression (1919-1940)

Unit 5:  World War II and Its Aftermath (1931-1960)

Unit 6:  Living with Great Turmoil (1954-1975)

Unit 7:  Passage to a New Century (1968-present)

Materials Required for Course: 

• Folder for notes, handouts, etc.
• Notebook paper
• Pens and pencils
• Colored Pencils (12 or 24 pack)
• Chromebook & charger

Grading Policy:

• The grading policy for this class will be based on a point system. Homework and classwork will count once, quizzes, President activities, and Current Events will count twice, and projects 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 supplies. Also 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, parent contact/conference, or disciplinary referral.  The level of discipline is left up to the discretion of Mrs. Gordon and the administration 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 on Canvas.  You are expected to be working on the 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.  I 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 go to the restroom, just quietly dismiss yourself and sign out.  You must also use the restrooms closest to the classroom.  If you use the restroom before class and are not back before the bell, you will be counted tardy.
• 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. 
• 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 = 10 points, 2 days = 20 points, 3 days = 30 points, 4 days = 40 points off.  I will not accept work after four days.
• Cheating and Plagiarism: It WILL NOT be tolerated and possible consequences include being asked to redo the assignment, losing partial credit, and/or receiving a zero. I will dedicate significant class time to educating you regarding what academic honesty is and how you can avoid being dishonest, but please keep in mind that it is ultimately your responsibility to act with integrity.
• 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 Mrs. Gordon.  Each student will receive a 100% participation grade when the entire class is present.
• Class Notes: Your notes for this class should be taken and kept in your notebook/folder. 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!  Notes may be randomly checked for a grade.
• 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 anyone 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.  However, the teacher will respect the fact that you need to go to your next class once the bell has sounded.  
• Cell Phones: No phones allowed!
• Chromebooks: You must have your charged Chromebook each day. They are to only be used in class when listed under materials needed for the day and they are for instructional purposes only. 
• Food and Drink: Only water is permitted.  No food. 

Availability & Contact Information:  If you would like extra help, have a specific question, or need to make up work due to an absence, I am available before and after school most days (just schedule a time).  I can always find time for a student who demonstrates that he/she is willing to put forth a little extra effort. Email is a great way for both parents and students to contact me; my e-mail address is shelley.gordon@ucps.k12.nc.us. My phone number at PWHS is 704-764-2900.  I will respond within 24 hours.