Course Title:  American History II  American History II Syllabus.docx     American History II Syllabus.pdf

Teachers:  Patrick Minges

email:  patrick.minges@stokes.k12.nc.us 

Grade Level: 10th  Grade

Prerequisites: none

Course Description:  American History II will guide students from the late nineteenth century time period through the early 21st century. Students will examine the political, economic, social and cultural development of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to present times. The essential standards of American History II will trace the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. The desired outcome of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between past and present events, recognize patterns of interactions, and understand the impact of events on in the United States in an interconnected world. 

American History has been designed to provide a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these issues have had on American society over time. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, culture and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight and use skills of historical analysis as they examine American history. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations.  Written conceptually, the standards for this course have been developed with an historical approach and identify the most critical knowledge and skills that students need to learn in this course. 

The essential standards of this course have been designed to provide a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these issues have had on American society over time. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, culture and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight and use skills of historical analysis as they examine American history. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations. For example, students will study key turning points that helped shape the United States.

 

Textbook: United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination, Amsco.

Teaching Resources: Textbooks, workbooks, NCDPI, AP Central, United Streaming, SAS Curriculum Pathways, audio recordings, music, primary sources, online resources, and Khan Academy.

Assessments (Formative, Benchmarks, Summative): Unit tests (given every 2-3 weeks), quizzes, presentations, group projects, investigation and analysis of primary documents, answering essential questions, research, DBQs, and Khan Academy.

 

Pacing:

Period 6: 1865 - 1898; Chapter 16, 17, 18, 19

Period 7: 1890 - 1945; Chapters 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Period 8: 1945 - 1980; Chapters 26, 27, 28, 29

Period 9: 1980 - Present; Chapters 30, 31

Students will need to read a chapter from the textbook and answer questions each week.  Reading and questions are due the Monday of the posted week.  For example: Chapter 1 is listed for the week of January 11.  Students need to read this chapter and answer the questions to turn in Monday January 11.

August 7 (Syllabus, Mini Project)

August 14 (Chapter 16: Rise of Industrial America) 

August 21 (Chapter 17: The Last West and the New South) 

August 28 (Chapter 18: The Growth of Cities and American Culture) 

Sept. 4 (Chapter 19: National Politics in the Gilded Age) 

Unit 6 Test

September 11 (Chapter 20: Foreign Policy)

September 18 (Chapter 21: The Progressive Era) 

September 25 (Chapter 22: World War I) 

September 29 (Chapter 23: A New Era) 

October 2   (Chapter 24: The Great Depression and the New Deal) 

October 9 (Chapter 25: Diplomacy and the World War) 

Unit 7 Test

October 16 (Chapter 26: Truman and the Cold War) 

October 23 (Chapter 27: The Eisenhower Years) 

October 30 (Chapter 28: Promises and Turmoil) 

November 6 (Chapter 29: Limits of a Superpower) 

Unit 8 Test

November 13 (Chapter 30: The Conservative Resurgence) 

November 20 (Chapter 31: Present Day Issues)

November 27 (Recover and Review) 

Unit 9 Test

December 4: Honors Projects Presentations

December 11-15 Review

December 18-19 Tentative Exam 

Competency:

AH2.H.1; AH2.H.2; AH2.H.3; AH2.H.4 ; AH2.H.5; AH2.H.6; AH2.H.7; AH2.H. 8

Concepts: Historical Thinking, Change, Continuity, Perspective, Turning Points, Historical Thinking, Cause and Effect, Exploration, Settlement, Movement, Expansion, Imperialism, Diversity, Discrimination, Conflict, Compromise, Change, Policy, Economy, Civil Rights, Reform, Culture, Freedom, Equality, Power, Ideology, Authority, International Affairs , Foreign Policy, War, Impacts, Sacrifice, Protest, Patriotism, Progress, Crisis, “the American Dream”, Perspective, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Progress, Migration, 

Directives:

•         Strive for Academic Excellence.
•         Show Respect for Others and Yourself.
•         Exhibit Appropriate Behavior.
•         Use Time Wisely.
•         Bring Proper Materials/Supplies to Class.
•         Be On Time.
•         Complete All Assignments.

Grading: Quarter grades are based on the point system. Quarter grades are 40% each and the NC Final Exam is 20% of the final grade.

Make up Work: It is the student’s responsibility to make up all tests and assignments. Each unit’s schedule and work is made available on the syllabus as well as during and after class.  Students can check to see what they have missed and return the work within 3 days. Students can make up work doing before school, during lunch or after school (if they need additional help). *If a student misses a test, he or she will need to make arrangements to come before or after school.  Making up a test over several lunch periods compromises the integrity of the test, and it is not fair to the rest of the class.

Tutoring:  Students need to be responsible.  If a student does not understand the material or would like additional help with a project, he or she may come to tutoring. We are available before and after school by scheduling an appointment.  Students who are unable to come before or after school may seek help during lunch (if we do not have a club meeting).

Missing Class: Attendance of class will impact student ability to learn material.  Attendance is not directly graded but will affect grades.  I expect students to get their missing work the day they return.  Students have three days to submit falcon all work that was missed.  After this three day period the grade entered for the assignment will be a zero. If a student knows that he/she will be absent, they should make arrangements for taking assessments and making up work.

Teacher Expectations: I expect students to follow directions and instructions and complete all assignments.  By following this plan of action, students will be successful in in class.

Parent Contact: The best way to reach me is by email: 

patrick.minges@stokes.k12.nc.us 

or by phone 336-593-5402.

I will post student grades regularly in power school, and parents/students will be able to view all grades, missing assignments, and attendance.

Student Name:____________________ Student Signature:____________________________

Parent Name:_____________________ Parent Signature:______________________________