SYLLABUS

 

OVERVIEW

 

This course is designed to provide a college-level experience and preparation for the AP Exam in May 2009. It is a two-semester course that examines U.S. history from discovery to the present.  An emphasis is placed on interpreting documents, mastering a significant body of factual information, and writing critical essays.  This course satisfies both the requirements established by the College Board for Advanced Placement United States History in high schools throughout the United States, as well as the California State Standards for 11^th grade U.S. History.

 

MATERIALS NEEDED:

 

Pen/Pencil                           

 

Lined Paper or Spiral Notebook (3 ring)

 

3 Ring Binder for notebook with tabs (16 total, one for each unit)

 

 

BUDDY:

 

Find a friend or/buddy that you can call/text/email if you miss class.

 

 

STUDY GROUP:

 

See the attached handout – this is STRONGLY suggested – especially before Finals and most importantly – to help you do your best at the big AP Test. 

 

 

GRADING BREAKDOWN:                                 GRADES:

 

Daily Work                      30%                        A’s    90.00% on up

 

Essays (3 per semester)  20%                         B’s    80.00%-89.99%

 

Unit Tests                       30%                         C’s    70.00%-79.99%

 

Final                               20%                        D’s    60.00%-69.99%

 

                                                                     Fail     59.99% or less

 

DAILY WORK:

 

Your daily work will consist of daily quizzes (DQ’s), notes on lectures, class discussions and readings, worksheets, activities, small projects, etc.  Participation is also important!  All students will be expected to participate in class discussions and other in-class activities.

 

 

NOTES:

 

It is to your advantage to take notes on key ideas and information learned in lectures, class discussions and the readings.  You will receive some suggestions for successful note-taking.  The Cornell Notes format is excellent, as are other methods.

 

 

NOTEBOOK:

 

You need to keep a 3 ring binder, or notebook, of all your work in this class.  You should organize your binder by unit.  This will help you to study and find the information.  Your notebook will be turned in from time to time for a grade.  Unless otherwise noted, please keep all daily work, class notes, and reading notes in your notebook.  You should also keep your DQ’s, Unit Tests and Essays as they are returned to you at the end of each unit’s work.

 

 

HOMEWORK/READING:

 

You will be assigned reading on a daily basis; and from time to time other homework.  Be sure to read the assigned selections when given, as this will better prepare you for class discussions and/or activities.  We are covering a vast amount of material - if you get behind – you will be hating it come tests and finals.  Keep up – Trust me! 

 

 

DQ’S (Daily Quizzes):

 

There will be Daily Quizzes (DQ’s) on the readings. 

 

 

DQ PASS:

 

From time to time, as a reward or incentive, I may give out a DQ Pass.  Use this whenever you want – to excuse yourself from the Daily Quiz.

 

 

ESSAYS:

 

Each semester you will have 3 take home essay assignments (starting with the summer assignment).  These will consist of both Free Response and DBQ, or Document Based Question, essays.  These essays will be graded using the AP 9 point scale.  See Agenda for unit topics and due dates.  Due Dates are firm.  If you are absent or ill, use email.

 

Summer Reading/Essay:

 

If you added this class after the assignment was given OR did not obtain the text book prior to the summer – you have one week to complete this assignment.

 

UNIT TESTS:

 

There will be one test at the end of every unit that will be both objective (multiple choice, matching, etc.) and subjective (short answer/essay). 

 

 

FINAL:

 

The Fall Final is during Finals Week and will follow the same format as the Unit Tests.  The Spring Final will be given one week prior to the AP test. 

 

 

LATE WORK:

 

Late work is not accepted.

 

 

 

MAKEUP TESTS:

 

You are responsible for scheduling makeup tests during office hours or by appointment.  Unit Tests must be made up within one week.

 

 

EXTRA CREDIT (XC):     

 

Although this is a college level class – you are still in high school - therefore there will be opportunities to obtain extra credit in order to boost your grade.  Keep in mind that EXTRA is not REPLACEMENT credit – that means that XC will ONLY help your grade if all other work is completed. 

 

* Earn the XC throughout the semester

 

* Only if all work is completed will it be applied to your final grade

 

* Maximum allowable XC is 10% -= 1000 points

 

 

         Community Service - 100 pts ++

 

 

ABSENCES:

 

1.  You will have 2 class periods grace time to turn in anything that was due. (except the Essays and Tests – see above for those)

 

2.  Find out (from buddy or website) class work that was done – get notes if appropriate from buddy.  Copies of all worksheets, handouts, etc. are located in designated area in classroom.

 

3.  DQ makeup’s are not required if missed – your choice

 

4.  Unit Tests & DQ’s are still required to be taken, even if you were absent the class prior.

 

 

WEBSITE:

 

As you notice above – I have put together a wiki website for our class.  Access this at any time for detailed info on the agenda, work, due dates, and other info.

 

 

OTHER STUFF:

 

* Electronics:  Not allowed in class. 

 

[If authorized, the last few minutes of class are excepted for those using electronics for class purposes – i.e. calendar entries, photo of assignments on board, etc.]

 

* Cheating/Copying:Any paper, or work, copied from another person, or a web site, will result in a grade of zero. In short, cheating on any assignment will result in a zero and possible disciplinary action. 

 

 

* Movies:  We may watch clips from various movies and/or shows to highlight a unit we will be studying.  If we have time, we may be able to show one entirely – probably at the end of Spring Semester after all the tests are done…..but no promises & no “R” movies.  Some of the movies we might use include John Adams (HBO miniseries), Glory (edited version), Good Night/Good Luck, Cinderella Man, the Great Debaters, All the President’s Men, etc..

 

 

*Office Hours:  Occasionally I may not be in my classroom due to meetings, appointments, etc.   If it’s important - make an appointment or email/call me.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. J’s

 

RULES TO LIVE BY

 

 

#1 – Respect yourself, your peers and Mrs. J

 

#2 – Come to class prepared

 

#3 – Do your Best!

 

 

If you follow these – we’re good!

 

 

Misbehavior – Don’t

 

But on those days you feel compelled to waste everyone’s time - increasing consequences will apply: verbal warning, time out of class, owe time after class, extra work assigned (I WILL do this), sent to office, detention, in-house and so forth.  Please refer to your student handbook for the more drastic consequences.  [By the way – foul language is NOT allowed – watch your manners – it shows good character]

 

 

Mrs. J’s

 

COMMUNICATION TO PARENTS

 

As you know -- your involvement is an important part of your child’s success in school.   I’m a big believer in communication.  I will keep the Aeries Gradebook and my class website current.  I will also contact you with any concerns or outstanding comments.  Please email, call or come by to see me with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

 

You’re always welcome to drop by the class at any time.  Just be sure to sign in at the front office first.  [Of course I may put you to work in some way  :)]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Book Reports - 250 pts ++