This course is a critical survey of U.S. history. Students will review the early American narrative (15th-19th century), and then the course will focus mainly on the diverse and changing issues of the late 19th and 20th centuries. By examining the central themes of race, class, gender, war and peace, students will gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s social, political and economic history. Our main texts will be A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. The American People: Creating a Nation and Society, edited by Gary Nash, et al.  And America: Pathways to the Present, edited by Andrew Cayton, et al. Students’ abilities to critically analyze history and relate it to contemporary issues will be encouraged through in-depth research projects, discussions, portfolios, simulations, essays, readings, and lectures.

Grades, Expectations, Etc...

Your grade will be based on the following three general categories:

            1) Participation in class activities  (1/3)

            2) Homework and quizzes(1/3)

            3)  Projects, essays, presentations, and exams  (1/3)   

Participation means being prepared for class (you can't participate if you're not there). You need to do the reading and preparation in order to make the class activities meaningful and exciting. Participation in discussion is crucial to this aspect of your grade. You need to demonstrate that you are a part of the discussion—actively listening and/or speaking. Cuts and tardies will lower your participation grade.

Homework and quizzes are another crucial way to show your understanding. Please complete these assignments in a timely manner because they form the foundation for class activities and discussions. These assignments are meant to help you better understand the material. Students may revise/redo any assignment that was turned in on time to improve a grade (during the quarter it was assigned).  Revisions must be completed within a week of receiving the graded assignment.

Projects, essays, presentations and exams provide an opportunity for you to explore topics in greater detail and share them with the class. These include research papers/projects, debates, multimedia presentations, etc... Expect at least 2 per semester. Exams will be take home or in class, and will be announced well ahead of time.  

Grades:

Letter grades will be used for semester reporting. Assignments, projects etc… will be graded using the homework grading scale, the writing rubric or criteria specific to a given assignment.

"A" means excellent work in all three of the general grading categories. Consistent and positive participation, at least 90% of assignments completed at a high level, and excellent exams/projects are the minimum requirements for an A. Student shows mastery of content. Must complete all major assignments and exams.

"B" means solid, well-done work in all of the general assessment categories. The minimum requirements for a B are 80-90% of assignments completed at a high level, good participation, and good exam/quiz scores (above average). Student must show solid understanding of material. May even include some excellent work.

"C" denotes completion of the coursework and some participation. Quality and quantity of work/ participation shows general understanding of the course material. Student must complete 70-80% of assignments at average level. Quiz and exam scores are average to below average. Some assignments may be late and/or missing.

"D" shows lack of work and/or understanding. Many assignments are missing and student shows little or no participation in class activities. Exams and projects reflect minimal effort and gaps in content understanding. 

No Credit — not enough work to warrant credit.  

Homework Assignment grading 

Late work will receive one mark below the timely equivalent

4  Complete and timely assignment, which may exceed expectations. Shows excellent understanding of the reading, or concept—neat, well-organized, accurate, uses analysis (if appropriate), shows a lot of effort.

3  Meets the expectations of the assignment. Shows good understanding, answers all of the questions, is accurate and complete, and is timely.

2  Meets the most of the requirements of the assignment.  May not show understanding o f material, may be missing some questions or components or be late.

1 Falls short of assignment expectations. Shows some understanding of reading or concepts, but may be incomplete, and/or inaccurate, sloppy, little effort, late.

MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY

Weeks 1-6 syllabus fall 2010

The Early American Narrative in Review

Week 1

8/31            Overview, introductions, expectations and structure of class

• Discuss the study of history. What is “American History”?
• “narrative” define/discuss

 Read Section 2 in Pathways (pp 14-23), take notes (Cornell)

HMK Read Ch 3 in Lies My Teacher Told Me & answer guide questions.

9/2 Discuss “Lies…” Introduction to the Jamestown narrative: history texts, Disney, National Geographic, Hollywood

Week 2

M 9/6 Labor Day

T 9/7 Film; The New World—Compare/contrast essay: Jamestown due: 9/14

TH 9/9 Retreat!

Week 3 HMK: Read Ch 1. A People's History & and answer discussion questions due Thursday 9/16

M 9/13  Zinn intro Ch 1 Work on essay.

T 9/14 Essay writing in computer lab. Essay drafts due at end of class.

TH 9/16 Zinn Chapter 1 discussion & Zinn Project Overview and Chapter Selection

Week 4 HMK read your chapter and begin review questions Due Thursday 9/23

M 9/15  Project Work

T  9/16   Project Work/lecture

TH  9/23 Project work/lecture Review Questions due

Week 5  HMK: Finish Project

M 9/27             Final project work

T 9/28              Project Work

TH 9/30            Project Presentations and Discussion

                        HMK study for quiz

Week 6

M 9/29             Honors Presentation/review

T 9/30             Zinn review Quiz

TH 10/2            Intro: race/westward movement