Instructor: Mrs. Geiken E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 293-4040
Website: http://geikenhistory.weebly.com Twitter: @SarahGeiken
Course Description
The focus of this American History course is on the development of the United States from 1900 to the present. We will specifically focus on the development of the United States’ role in the world and our relationships to our global society.
American History is full of unique and exciting events, all of which have shaped the world as we now know it. All course material will be standards-based and focused on the Essential Objective. However, some material we will cover in this class will be sensitive (such as war, ethnic/racial tensions, and political decisions). Students will be expected to handle such material with maturity and keep an open mind. In addition, some units will incorporate the use of film clips and internet research. Depending on the time period we are studying, some of these may contain strong images or language. Students will be aware of the activity beforehand and will always have the option to complete an alternate assignment if they wish to be excused.
Above all else, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have! Email is the best way to contact me, and I will answer any emails within 24 hours. I’m really looking forward to a great year!
Classroom Rules:
1. Stay on task
2. Respect property and space
3. Be prepared!
4. No talking without permission
5. Follow instructions
Students will be expected to follow all of the above rules and treat their classmates and their teacher with respect. Repetitive breaking of rules will result in a possible dean referral, phone call home, or detention with me. In order to create a structured, focused learning environment, no cell phones or personal music devices will be allowed to be used in the classroom without explicit instruction. If a student is caught using an electronic device, the device will be confiscated and given to the Dean.
Units for the Year
Unit 1: The Progressive Era, Imperialism, and World War I: 1900-1920
Unit 2: America in the 1920s and 1930s
Unit 3: World War II Era
Unit 4: Cold War Era: 1946-1975
Unit 5: America in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: Politics and Social Change
Unit 6: America today: 1980-Present
Geography Expectations: Students in American History will be expected to correctly identify and label each of the 50 states, and will be given an exam the second week of school. Students who do not pass the first time can re-take the exam in GPS until they are able to get a 100%.
Current Events: American History is a course that allows students to connect material learned in class to real-world examples through current events. Therefore, it is expected that students read, listen to, or watch the news for at least 30 minutes per week outside of class time. Students may take opportunities within the school day (SSR and GPS time) to read the newspapers to meet this expectation.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Students in freshman core classes are participating in a Bring Your Own Device program (BYOD). Students can use any device they have with Internet access (Phone, mp3 player, tablet, etc) to complete assigned classwork. We will discuss the expectations and guidelines of this more as the year progresses.
Grading: Late work can be turned in for 60% credit until the end of the unit.
Grade Break Down: Summative Assessments: 70% (Unit Exams/Chapter Tests/Projects)
Formative Assessments: 30% (Homework, Daily Warm-Up, Projects, etc.)
Grading Scale: 100 – 89.5 (A) 89.4 -79.5 (B) 79.4 -69.5 (C) 69.4 -59.5 (D) Below 59.5 (F)
Make-up work: We will follow the expectations set forth in the student handbook. All makeup work will be completed within two days after the student returns to school.
Final Exam: There will be a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester. This grade will be Summative, and the exam will cover all material from the first day of school up until the exam is given. Thus, you will be expected to KEEP all of your notes organized in your binder.
Free Time: Please do not plan on having free time in class. There will be time during each class period where you will be working independently on your assignment. It is only during this time that you may use the restroom, and this is for emergencies only. If you do not have your planner, you will not leave. Please come to class prepared!
Website: http://geikenhistory.weebly.com Twitter: @SarahGeiken
Course Description
The focus of this American History course is on the development of the United States from 1900 to the present. We will specifically focus on the development of the United States’ role in the world and our relationships to our global society.
American History is full of unique and exciting events, all of which have shaped the world as we now know it. All course material will be standards-based and focused on the Essential Objective. However, some material we will cover in this class will be sensitive (such as war, ethnic/racial tensions, and political decisions). Students will be expected to handle such material with maturity and keep an open mind. In addition, some units will incorporate the use of film clips and internet research. Depending on the time period we are studying, some of these may contain strong images or language. Students will be aware of the activity beforehand and will always have the option to complete an alternate assignment if they wish to be excused.
Above all else, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have! Email is the best way to contact me, and I will answer any emails within 24 hours. I’m really looking forward to a great year!
Classroom Rules:
1. Stay on task
2. Respect property and space
3. Be prepared!
4. No talking without permission
5. Follow instructions
Students will be expected to follow all of the above rules and treat their classmates and their teacher with respect. Repetitive breaking of rules will result in a possible dean referral, phone call home, or detention with me. In order to create a structured, focused learning environment, no cell phones or personal music devices will be allowed to be used in the classroom without explicit instruction. If a student is caught using an electronic device, the device will be confiscated and given to the Dean.
Units for the Year
Unit 1: The Progressive Era, Imperialism, and World War I: 1900-1920
Unit 2: America in the 1920s and 1930s
Unit 3: World War II Era
Unit 4: Cold War Era: 1946-1975
Unit 5: America in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: Politics and Social Change
Unit 6: America today: 1980-Present
Geography Expectations: Students in American History will be expected to correctly identify and label each of the 50 states, and will be given an exam the second week of school. Students who do not pass the first time can re-take the exam in GPS until they are able to get a 100%.
Current Events: American History is a course that allows students to connect material learned in class to real-world examples through current events. Therefore, it is expected that students read, listen to, or watch the news for at least 30 minutes per week outside of class time. Students may take opportunities within the school day (SSR and GPS time) to read the newspapers to meet this expectation.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Students in freshman core classes are participating in a Bring Your Own Device program (BYOD). Students can use any device they have with Internet access (Phone, mp3 player, tablet, etc) to complete assigned classwork. We will discuss the expectations and guidelines of this more as the year progresses.
Grading: Late work can be turned in for 60% credit until the end of the unit.
Grade Break Down: Summative Assessments: 70% (Unit Exams/Chapter Tests/Projects)
Formative Assessments: 30% (Homework, Daily Warm-Up, Projects, etc.)
Grading Scale: 100 – 89.5 (A) 89.4 -79.5 (B) 79.4 -69.5 (C) 69.4 -59.5 (D) Below 59.5 (F)
Make-up work: We will follow the expectations set forth in the student handbook. All makeup work will be completed within two days after the student returns to school.
Final Exam: There will be a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester. This grade will be Summative, and the exam will cover all material from the first day of school up until the exam is given. Thus, you will be expected to KEEP all of your notes organized in your binder.
Free Time: Please do not plan on having free time in class. There will be time during each class period where you will be working independently on your assignment. It is only during this time that you may use the restroom, and this is for emergencies only. If you do not have your planner, you will not leave. Please come to class prepared!