Harrells Christian Academy Course Syllabus
Course Title: Honors United States History
Credit Hours: 1 unit
Grade Level: 11 th grade
Description:
The study of United States History in the eleventh grade is designed as a survey course and a continuation of the Civics and Economics curriculum. This survey course will focus on the Federalist Period to the present. There will be some overlapping of time periods to allow for teacher flexibility and to address the complexity of the issues and events. An Honors course is taught at an accelerated pace and the course material is taught in more depth. The development of analytical thinking and writing skills is also a core component of the course. The course proceeds chronologically in the following basic eras that are listed below:
- The New Nation (1789-1820)
- Expansion and Reform (1801-1850)
- Crisis, Civil War and Reconstruction (1848-1877)
- The Great West and the Rise of the Debtor (1880-1896)
- Becoming an Industrial Society (1877-1900)
- The Emergence of the U.S in World Affairs (1890-1914)
- The Progressive Movement (1890-1914)
- The Great War and Its Aftermath (1914-1930)
- Prosperity and Depression (1919-1939)
- World War II and the Beginning of the Cold War (1930-1963)
- Recovery, Prosperity and Turmoil (1945-1980)
- The United States since the Vietnam War (1973-present)
Textbook: Appleby, Brinkley, Broussard, McPherson, Ritchie. The American Vision, 2008
Instructor: Mrs. Linda C. Carr
School: (910) 532-4575
Home: (910) 532-4387
Required Materials:
Pens and pencils
3-ring binder
Loose-leaf paper
Spiral composition book
Colored pencils
Access to a computer/word processor and Internet
Access to a daily newspaper that addresses local, state, national,
and international events
Major Course Objectives:
Students will develop and enhance their skills in the following areas:
- Reading for content understanding
- Taking notes
- Analyzing the impact of political, social, economic, and cultural issues on the development of the United States society
- Going beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills
- Making historical assessments and evaluations
- Analyzing current events and the ever changing role of the United States in world affairs
Additional Honors U.S. History Requirements:
- Interpreting and analyzing primary source documents regularly
- Writing essays that demonstrate a thorough understanding of an issue or events
- Accelerating the pace of instruction
- Additional reading to include fiction or nonfiction works
One of the most important skills a student can develop is the ability to read a textbook or any academic material and to be able to ascertain the most important ideas expressed by the author. In order to develop this skill, students will learn the Cornell Note Taking Method. This method has been proven very effective in helping students retain the information they have read. Students will be expected to take notes on all assigned reading in their notebooks. Students will be expected to develop a sense of chronology of history which will require some memorization of dates that are key to a thorough understanding of U.S. History. This course will rely on reading and interpreting primary source documents. Being able to express oneself effectively in writing is a very important skill. Historical writing requires that the writer support his/her opinions with facts. Using proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure is also a must. Points will be deducted from writings that do not display the skills and practices that students are taught in their English classes.
Grading:
Final Grade: The course grade will be calculated by the following formula:
Marking period averages (50%) + midterm (25%) + final exam (25%) = 100%.
Marking Period Grade: The six-week’s grade will be based on tests(goal & cumulative), chapter quizzes, homework assignments, class work, group projects, research projects, newspaper readings, notebook checks, and writing/essay assignments. Goal and cumulative tests will be counted three times, chapter quizzes and essays two times, and all other assignments (daily grades) one time. I will drop one daily assignment at the end of the grading period.
Policies and Procedures:
The class rules are simple: (1) Be on time. (2) Be productive. (3) Be polite.
You should be in the classroom in your assigned seat and ready to begin the lesson when the tardy bell rings. A productive student brings his/her materials (textbook, paper, pencil/pen, and notebook) to class each day. A productive student participates in all class activities, pays attention in class, and avoids disruptive behavior. Being polite involves respecting the rights of others and treating others as you would like to be treated. Needless to say, you are expected to abide by the rules established in the student handbook. Consequences of rule infractions are stated in the handbook.
Make-up work after an absence: If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and to make up the assignments. You will have 5 days to make up missed work. After that time, you will receive a zero. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances which will require that we discuss a situation on an individual basis.
Bathroom procedure: Students will be allowed to go to the bathroom during class only in cases of emergency. Emergencies do not occur several times a week or even once a week. If you have a medical condition that might require you to have frequent bathroom visits, please bring me a note from your parents.
Final thoughts:
I am very excited about the upcoming school year. I truly love learning and teaching about history. My main objective for you this year is to increase your knowledge and appreciation of history. I also want you to become more confident in expressing your thoughts in a well organized essay.
