11th Grade United States History and Government Syllabus



11th Grade United States History and Government Syllabus

Reading Between the Red, White and Blue

Mrs. Farley

"If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you are."

- Burke, James

Course Description: This year we will be studying subjects and themes from the beginning of the American colonies until present day using various activities and methods. This class ultimately concludes with a New York State Regents exam; however the class will not be centered on this exam specifically as the course’s goal is for students to gain a better understanding and appreciation of United States History. Students will be able to connect the material covered to current events and their own lives to increase understanding and relevance.

Course Outline: The following units will be covered during the year:

|Colonization and the Revolutionary Era |Imperialism and World War I |

|The Constitutional Period |Roaring 20s, Great Depression & the New Deal |

|The Early Republic |World War II |

|Expansion and Reform |The Cold War (1945-1989) |

|Civil War and Reconstruction |Civil Rights Movement |

|Industrial Development |America Since 1989 |

School Year Goals

• Students will develop an understanding of concepts, ideas and historical themes driven by case studies and the analysis of primary and secondary documents.

• Students will develop and refine their writing skills through expository and argumentative pieces.

• Students will understand the values of individual responsibility and community citizenship necessary to understand and participate in our ever-changing, interdependent and diverse world.

Classroom Expectations:

|Students |Teacher |

|Be prompt – be in your seats ready to go by the bell |I will be prepared and ready to go by the bell |

|Be prepared – bring all necessary materials and assignments to class, ready to be|I will be fair and treat everyone as equals |

|engaged in activities and discussion |I will be there to help, in any way that I can |

|Be respectful – raised hands, follow directions, treat others how you would like |I will make this class as interesting as possible |

|to be treated | |

Materials: Students should have the following materials:

• a 2” binder

• a spiral notebook

• index cards

Texts:

Attendance Policy: In accordance with school policy you are expected to be in class each day on time unless there is a valid, legal excuse. When possible you should notify the teacher of an absence ahead of time so the student can be made aware of what they will be missing. Students who are absent are expected to come to the teacher when they return to school to find out what they have missed and to obtain any material or assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the teacher after an absence to see what they have missed and to get assignments.

Grading Policy

Students’ grades will be based on the following criteria:

• Homework 25%

• Projects 25%

• Quizzes/Essays

/Tests 25%

• Class Participation 25%

Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework will include reading (textbook, article, primary document), writing (worksheets, blog posts, reflections) or completing in class assignments. Homework will be due at the beginning of the next day’s class. Students who are absent will be responsible for getting homework from teacher. Homework due to absences will be due the next day once students return to school.

Projects: Throughout the school year, you will be participating in small group projects during class time. These projects will contribute to part of your class participation grade.

Quizzes, Essays & Tests:

Quizzes will be done on a regular basis and conducted in an informal manner, usually at the end of class periods.

Tests will be announced at least a week ahead of time and will be on a specific unit of study. Tests will be composed of a mix of multiple choice and short answer responses based on New York State Regents tests.

During some units of study, there will be an essay in place of a test. By mid school year, essays will be included on tests.

Class Participation: An average high school student will say history or social studies is the most boring class of their day. The best way to make this class interesting and not boring is by participating. That means you comes into class prepared with materials and prepared to engage with your brain and body language. Your participation grade will be based on how well you contribute to class and small group discussions through teacher observations.

How to Stay Informed: Assignments will always be displayed in the classroom as well as on my teacher website. I can be contacted at school at _______ or by e-mail at _________. You can access my website by _____________.

*By signing this syllabus you are entering into an educational contract

To Be Returned

Student Name (printed) __________________________________________________________

Student Signature ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (printed) ___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________________

*Parent/Guardian Phone # _________________________________________________________

*Parent/Guardian E-mail ___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

**Note to parents/guardians: I feel it is important for parents/guardians to be involved in their child’s education. Please provide me with the contact info I will be able to reach you at and feel free to indicate if there is a way you prefer me to reach you.

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