Syllabus
UNITED STATES HISTORY: COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: UNITED STATES HISTORY: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Grade Level: 11th
Teacher: Elena Hynes
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Teacher’s Message: Welcome back everyone! What follows is a detailed description of the course outline (including topics and pacing), and a list of updated policies for this class. I’m looking forward to working with each of you throughout this semester to help you achieve your goals and get the most out of your history class. Please don’t hesitate to come and see me for extra help.
-Ms. Hynes
Course Description
United States History focuses on the study of modern American history, in accordance with the California state framework. This is an 11th grade social science course which offers an in-depth investigation of historical events and periods, the fostering of multicultural awareness, the recognition of ethical, civic, and democratic values present in American history, and the development of a historical perspective in relation to contemporary events. Literature, music art, primary readings, videos, simulations and other activities will be used to enhance the subject.
Historical Inquiry
Historians investigate how and why things happen in society. Drawing from primary and secondary sources, historians try to explain why certain events took place, how the law impacts people and how the past influences the present. Students in grade eleven will learn how to research, reason and communicate like a historian. They collect evidence from multiple sources to try to develop a better understanding of the world. After reviewing the quality and credibility of their sources, they develop an overarching story about people and events. This class will emphasize the importance of critical thinking, reading with a purpose, selecting credible information, weighing multiple perspectives, debate and discussion, writing effectively, and constructing an argument. Students will be expected to perform individual work and participate in group work.
Course Standards
11.1 Students analyze the significant events in the founding of the nation and its attempts to realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Independence.
11.2 Students analyze the relationship among the rise of industrialization, large-scale rural-to-urban migration, and massive immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.
11.3 Students analyze the role religion played in the founding of America, its lasting moral, social, and political impacts, and issues regarding religious liberty.
11.4 Students trace the rise of the United States to its role as a world power in the twentieth century.
11.5 Students analyze the major political, social, economic, technological, and cultural developments of the 1920s.
11.6 Students analyze the different explanations for the Great Depression and how the New Deal fundamentally changed the role of the federal government.
11.7 Students analyze America’s participation in World War II.
11.8 Students analyze the economic boom and social transformation of post–World War II America.
11.9 Students analyze U.S. foreign policy since World War II.
11.10 Students analyze the development of federal civil rights and voting rights.
11.11 Students analyze the major social problems and domestic policy issues in contemporary American society.
Course Structure:
U.S. History Notebook is required. Each student is required to bring a spiral bound notebook to class EVERY DAY! Notebooks will be collected and graded at random, 2-3 times during each semester. The notebook should include daily Agenda, Objective, Questions (With correct answers), and any notes taken during class. Notebooks will make up about 10% of the course grade (5% of Reading grade and 5% of Writing grade)
Quizzes and Tests will be given with as much notice as possible. If a student is absent for a test or quiz, he or she must first submit administrator-approved documentation demonstrating a medically-related absence or other conflict. Then, he or she will have two days to schedule and take a make-up test or quiz. A missed test or quiz will be recorded as zero points until a make-up has been taken, graded, and recorded.
Weekly Assignment Packets will be turned in at the end of each week. They will contain all reading, homework and in-class assignments for the week. Please make sure your parent or guardian signs the cover sheet, demonstrating that you have shown them your completed homework for the week.
Other Assignments: Some assignments (most of which will not be in your weekly assignment packets) such as projects, debates, presentations and research papers will be turned in separately on their given due date.
Final Exam will be given during the last week of class according to the Final Exam schedule. If missed due to absence, the final exam may not be made up after the end of the term unless a student has a valid medical excuse and school administrative approval. If a student knows he or she will absent the day of the final, he or she may arrange to take it before the last week of the class.
Extra Credit enrichment assignments will be given at various times throughout the semester.
Class Website: Daily classroom topics, objectives, materials such as Powerpoint presentations, handouts, videos, photos, and homework assignments will be posted on the class page.
Office Hours will be held Tuesday during lunch period, or after school by appointment. Parents and students should feel free to contact the teacher to schedule a meeting when needed. Please email: [email protected].
Course Sequence:
Note: The pacing and schedule of weekly topics below may vary slightly, depending on class progress and needs.
Course Outline:
World War I (Jan 5 – 18)
The Roaring 20’s (Jan 19 – 30)
The Great Depression and New Deal (Jan 31 – Feb 10)
World War II (Feb 13 – 23)
Post War Booms and Cold War Conflicts (Feb 24 – March 8)
New Frontiers (Mar 9 – 17)
The Vietnam Years: Turmoil and Social Change (Mar 20 – 29)
The 70s (March 30 – April 18)
The Conservative Tide (April 19 – May 1)
The 90s and the New Millennium (May 2 – 12)
America in the early 2000s (May 15 – 26)
Looking Ahead (May 30 – June 2)
Preparation and Finals (June 5 – 9)
Course Title: UNITED STATES HISTORY: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Grade Level: 11th
Teacher: Elena Hynes
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Teacher’s Message: Welcome back everyone! What follows is a detailed description of the course outline (including topics and pacing), and a list of updated policies for this class. I’m looking forward to working with each of you throughout this semester to help you achieve your goals and get the most out of your history class. Please don’t hesitate to come and see me for extra help.
-Ms. Hynes
Course Description
United States History focuses on the study of modern American history, in accordance with the California state framework. This is an 11th grade social science course which offers an in-depth investigation of historical events and periods, the fostering of multicultural awareness, the recognition of ethical, civic, and democratic values present in American history, and the development of a historical perspective in relation to contemporary events. Literature, music art, primary readings, videos, simulations and other activities will be used to enhance the subject.
Historical Inquiry
Historians investigate how and why things happen in society. Drawing from primary and secondary sources, historians try to explain why certain events took place, how the law impacts people and how the past influences the present. Students in grade eleven will learn how to research, reason and communicate like a historian. They collect evidence from multiple sources to try to develop a better understanding of the world. After reviewing the quality and credibility of their sources, they develop an overarching story about people and events. This class will emphasize the importance of critical thinking, reading with a purpose, selecting credible information, weighing multiple perspectives, debate and discussion, writing effectively, and constructing an argument. Students will be expected to perform individual work and participate in group work.
Course Standards
11.1 Students analyze the significant events in the founding of the nation and its attempts to realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Independence.
11.2 Students analyze the relationship among the rise of industrialization, large-scale rural-to-urban migration, and massive immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.
11.3 Students analyze the role religion played in the founding of America, its lasting moral, social, and political impacts, and issues regarding religious liberty.
11.4 Students trace the rise of the United States to its role as a world power in the twentieth century.
11.5 Students analyze the major political, social, economic, technological, and cultural developments of the 1920s.
11.6 Students analyze the different explanations for the Great Depression and how the New Deal fundamentally changed the role of the federal government.
11.7 Students analyze America’s participation in World War II.
11.8 Students analyze the economic boom and social transformation of post–World War II America.
11.9 Students analyze U.S. foreign policy since World War II.
11.10 Students analyze the development of federal civil rights and voting rights.
11.11 Students analyze the major social problems and domestic policy issues in contemporary American society.
Course Structure:
U.S. History Notebook is required. Each student is required to bring a spiral bound notebook to class EVERY DAY! Notebooks will be collected and graded at random, 2-3 times during each semester. The notebook should include daily Agenda, Objective, Questions (With correct answers), and any notes taken during class. Notebooks will make up about 10% of the course grade (5% of Reading grade and 5% of Writing grade)
Quizzes and Tests will be given with as much notice as possible. If a student is absent for a test or quiz, he or she must first submit administrator-approved documentation demonstrating a medically-related absence or other conflict. Then, he or she will have two days to schedule and take a make-up test or quiz. A missed test or quiz will be recorded as zero points until a make-up has been taken, graded, and recorded.
Weekly Assignment Packets will be turned in at the end of each week. They will contain all reading, homework and in-class assignments for the week. Please make sure your parent or guardian signs the cover sheet, demonstrating that you have shown them your completed homework for the week.
Other Assignments: Some assignments (most of which will not be in your weekly assignment packets) such as projects, debates, presentations and research papers will be turned in separately on their given due date.
Final Exam will be given during the last week of class according to the Final Exam schedule. If missed due to absence, the final exam may not be made up after the end of the term unless a student has a valid medical excuse and school administrative approval. If a student knows he or she will absent the day of the final, he or she may arrange to take it before the last week of the class.
Extra Credit enrichment assignments will be given at various times throughout the semester.
Class Website: Daily classroom topics, objectives, materials such as Powerpoint presentations, handouts, videos, photos, and homework assignments will be posted on the class page.
Office Hours will be held Tuesday during lunch period, or after school by appointment. Parents and students should feel free to contact the teacher to schedule a meeting when needed. Please email: [email protected].
Course Sequence:
Note: The pacing and schedule of weekly topics below may vary slightly, depending on class progress and needs.
Course Outline:
World War I (Jan 5 – 18)
- American power tips the balance
- The war at home
- Wilson’s 14 points
- Spanish flu and Post-War Issues
The Roaring 20’s (Jan 19 – 30)
- Economic development
- Changing ways of life
- Pop Culture
- The Harlem Renaissance
- 20s Women
The Great Depression and New Deal (Jan 31 – Feb 10)
- Economic problems and national effects
- Impact of the New Deal
- Culture of the 1930s
World War II (Feb 13 – 23)
- Rise of dictators and war in Europe
- The Holocaust
- America joins the war
- Europe, North Africa and Pacific
- The Home Front
Post War Booms and Cold War Conflicts (Feb 24 – March 8)
- Origins of the Cold War
- Conflicts and their effect on public consciousness
- Two nations on the edge
- Pop Culture
- American Dream in the 50’s
- The Other America
New Frontiers (Mar 9 – 17)
- Kennedy and the Cold War
- The Great Society
- Civil Rights Movement
The Vietnam Years: Turmoil and Social Change (Mar 20 – 29)
- War in Vietnam
- A nation divided
- Legacy of Vietnam
- Latino and Native American rights
- Second-wave feminism
- Culture and counterculture
The 70s (March 30 – April 18)
- Renewed push toward conservatism
- The Nixon Administration and Watergate
- Ford and Carter years
- Environmental activism
The Conservative Tide (April 19 – May 1)
- Neo-conservatism
- Reagan and Bush
- Social concerns in the 80s
- Pop culture
- Foreign policy after the Cold War
The 90s and the New Millennium (May 2 – 12)
- New global economy
- The Clinton years
- Technology and modern life
- Changing face of America
America in the early 2000s (May 15 – 26)
- Communications and global mobility
- The George W. Bush years
- 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan
- The 2008 Recession
- The Obama years
Looking Ahead (May 30 – June 2)
- A new generation
- Unity and divisions in America
- The fate of a globalized world
- Independent study project
Preparation and Finals (June 5 – 9)
- Exam review
- Finals
- Have a great summer!!!