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UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

Mrs. Ward--Grade 11--Regents

This course is aimed at providing you with a firm basis for understanding the various social, political, and economic patterns that have emerged throughout our history. The subject matter is offered in an effort to explain our past history and to shed light on our recent problems.  Emphasis is placed on the learning of basic concepts that will direct your thinking and research.  A major theme is that of recognizing and studying basic Constitutional issues, and the application of Constitutional principles to both historical and contemporary lives. 

COURSE GOALS

 

The goal of this course is to provide students with the necessary skills to:

1)  understand how the United States government is set up and how it works

2)  know the history of the United States

3)  improve skills such as analyzing cartoons, interpreting charts and graphs, developing a sense of chronology, conducting research and analyzing information

4)  improve essay writing

5)  relate what is learned in this course to the present world conditions and one’s own life

6)  become a more educated and involved citizen.

COURSE OUTLINE

The first part of this course will focus on the structure of the American government.  Students will learn how our government actually works and their role in a democratic society.  The second part of the course will survey American History from the period 1865 (end of the Civil War) to the present.

Each student will take the Regents examination based upon the New York State syllabus for this course.  It is not possible for all content specifics to be included in this syllabus and test questions on the exam may include information derived from a broader scope of data which an eleventh year student ordinarily is expected to encounter.  This exam will include items which test both skill and content objectives.  The Regents exam also serves as the final exam for this course.

TEXTBOOKS

Magruder’s American Government by William A. McClenaghan

United States History by Lapansky-Werner, Levy, Roberts, Taylor, and Wiggins

LEARNING ACTIVITIES  

Learning activities include a variety of approaches such as group activities and cooperative learning, lectures and note-taking, research projects, library work, group discussions, BOCES media, oral presentations, guest speakers, student-taught lessons, etc.  A series of thought provoking questions is offered and the student is required to respond to these orally and in writing.

EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR AND PARTICIPATION

 

Students are expected to follow policies as stated in the student handbook.  When the bell rings to signal the start of the period, students should be seated and quiet, ready to begin class.  Materials should remain ready for use until the teacher dismisses the class.

Participation is required.  Preparation for class, cooperation during group work, as well as participation during class discussions, will be considered in figuring your quarterly marks.  Courtesy and respect of others is expected.  No student will be allowed to interfere with the instructor’s right to teach or interfere with the learning of other students in the classroom. 

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES AND ABSENCES

Be in class on time as tardiness will be noted.  Attendance will be taken daily.  It is important for you to be in class since class participation and group cooperation will be considered for your grade.  If you miss class, it is your responsibility to take the initiative in making up the work.  Arrangements should be made no later than the second day after you return to school.  If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz, you will be expected to make it up during a “free” period on the day you return.  Set up an appointment with Mrs. Ward.  If you arrive in school after your scheduled class, or leave school before your scheduled class, you are expected to turn in to Mrs. Ward any assignment which may be due or make arrangements regarding any quiz or test you may miss.

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

 

You are expected to bring the following to class EVERY day--paper, pen, textbook, notebook and any assignment we may be working on.  No one will be allowed to go to his/her locker for these materials. 

For the duration of the school year, all textbooks must have an acceptable cover on them.

You will need a notebook that is used exclusively for Social Studies class.  Materials needed for the notebook include a two-inch hard cover three ring binder, notebook dividers (minimum of four) and loose-leaf paper.  You will also need a highlighter and paper reinforcements.  You are responsible for taking notes in class.  Save all your notes and other written work.  Notebooks will be checked and evaluated at the instructor’s discretion.

HOMEWORK

There will be homework most days.  Every assignment is to be handed in at the beginning of the period on the day it is due.  You will have two days after the assignment is due to turn in late work, however, you will not receive full credit (same day late minus five, one day late minus ten, two days late minus twenty).  Some assignments will be given as “no lates” and must be turned in at the beginning of the period on the day it is due.  Assignments will be graded with checks and/or numerical grades.  Homework quizzes (based primarily on reading assignments) will also be graded as homework grades.  These grades will be averaged at the end of the marking period as your homework grade.

All assignments must be completed in ink to be accepted.  (No red or pink ink, no pencils.)  Typed work should be double-spaced in Times New Roman font size 12 and printed in black ink.

Different class periods may anticipate receiving different (but similar) homework assignments, quizzes, or tests.

Unless otherwise instructed, homework should be an individual effort.  It is Mrs. Ward’s responsibility to help you.  Students are encouraged to seek help.

QUIZZES AND TESTS

Generally, students can expect to have either one quiz or test per week.  On occasion, quizzes may be given more frequently to check on the reading of homework assignments or class activities.  There may be unannounced quizzes.  Students may be asked to demonstrate their learning of material by developing the quiz or test.  Students may be required to complete a project or writing assignment, rather than a more traditional exam or quiz.

QUARTERLY MARKS

Quarterly marks will be given on the basis of homework, quizzes, and tests.  Each will count as approximately one-third of the grade.  The instructor reserves the right to adjust these percentages as the unit and the material may merit.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades.  Such standards are founded on the basic concepts of honesty and integrity.

EXTRA HELP

Students are encouraged to see Mrs. Ward for extra help.  Appointments should be set up in advance.  Extra credit is also a possibility for those students who express a sincere interest to Mrs. Ward.

Appointments may be scheduled for periods__________________________________

KEEP THIS SHEET IN YOUR NOTEBOOK FOR THE DURATION OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.