Mrs. Sheldon AP United States History
Course Expectations
Course Description
This course is designed to give students a grounding in the chronology of American history and in major interpretive questions and schools of thought that derive from the study of selected themes. Students will learn to assess historical materials--their relevance to a given problem of interpretation, their reliability, and their significance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in outstanding historical scholarship.
Goals
This course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal thoughtfully with the problems and materials of American history. The course prepares students to critically study and understand American civilization. Students will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment, and to present ideas clearly and persuasively in essay form.
Class Expectations
Students are expected to arrive in class on time with materials needed for each class meeting (i.e. notebook, pen/pencil, worksheets). You are to actively participate in each class meeting by raising your hand, joining in class discussions, taking notes, etc. You are also expected to treat everyone in the class with respect, the same respect you would ask for yourself. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the missed assignments. There is absolutely no food or drink in the classroom. Cutting class not only results in disciplinary action, but more importantly results in lost instruction time. According to Board policy every student in the class must take the Advanced Placement exam in May. It is the responsibility of the student to pay the fees for the exam. Students are also required to take the New York States Regents exam in United States History and Government in June.
Text/Materials
The American Pageant Howard Bailey, David Kennedy, and Elizabeth Cohen
People’s History of the United States 1492-Present Howard Zinn
A variety of supplemental readings (primary and secondary sources), worksheets, and films will be used throughout the year.
Supplies
Three inch binder with four dividers and loose-leaf
Three-hole punch
Folder for AP U.S. History ONLY
Pen/pencil
Highlighter
Attendance Policy
As per the Student Handbook, a student who has eighteen (18) unexcused absences will NOT be given credit for the class, but will be expected to audit the course. Three lates count as one absence. Also, as a reminder, it is YOUR responsibility to see me for all assignments missed during your absence. You will have 5 days to complete any assignments /homework/ tests/quizzes missed during your absence. If the assignments/homework/tests/quizzes are not made up within those 5 days, you will receive a zero.
Homework
Homework will be assigned each night and will be checked the following class. Homework is to be answered in complete sentences. Homework will periodically be collected and graded. Homework must be handed in on the day it is due; work not handed in on the date it is due will be accepted the next day for half credit. Assignments handed in more than one day late will not be accepted for credit. Parents will be called after three missed assignments.
Testing
At the completion of each unit a 100 point test will be given. In addition to unit tests, quizzes varying from 20 to 50 points will be given. Essays and DBQ’s will also be assigned and graded on a regular basis. If a test is missed due to absence, a make-up test should be scheduled for the day after returning to school. All make-up exams will be given during the activity period.
Grading
Tests and quizzes: 70%
Motivation/Participation: 10%
Homework: 20%
Projects
Projects will be assigned throughout the year and will be evaluated on historical content, research, creativity, industry, timeliness, appropriateness and presentation all delineated clearly on a rubric provided at the time the project is assigned. Projects will be assigned and explained well in advance of the due date. Projects not handed in on the due date will NOT be accepted.
Progress Reports
A report of your progress will be sent home after the first five weeks of each quarter. Additional reports will be sent when necessary.
Extra Help
Extra help will be available Monday through Friday from 7:50 to 8:15 and after school by appointment. Please be sure to schedule extra help sessions one day in advance.
I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year with all of you!!
HAVE A GREAT YEAR!!!!
GOOD LUCKJ