UNITED STATES HISTORY HONORS MR. SELVIDGE Spring 2012

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United States History Honors
Spring 2012
Mr. Selvidge
Course Syllabus

Course Overview:
Welcome to Honors American History. The objective of this course is to increase the student’s understanding of American History from the Civil War to the post-Cold War era and America’s entry into the 21st century. The course is a half-year in length, which means we will be covering a vast amount of material in a rather short period. Areas of concentration will include historical, political and economic history related to the United States. Students will use a variety of means to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of course content. As a result of this, a variety of tools will be used to instruct students i.e. movies, interactive activities, projects, tests, quizzes, essays, etc.

This class will probably be much different from previous social studies courses, as no textbook will be assigned. An online source will be provided and accessible via the Internet. The name of this source is ABC-Clio; it can be accessed via the following web address, www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com. The login name is cypressbayhigh and the password is student1. Also the course materials for this class are all accessible via the Internet as well through a course website. As a result of this students are responsible for retrieving their work for which they are not in attendance.

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of American History students will display a greater knowledge and understanding of events and the evolution of United States history from the Civil War era through the post Cold War era and into the 21st century. In the end students will improve their study skills and as a consequence be better able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information as it pertains to events, themes, or topics in United States history.

Class Requirements:
1. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to participate in discussions, debates, and other activities. Simply sitting back and waiting for me to tell you what will be on the test will not allow you to perform at an optimum level! If this is a problem you should not take Honors United States History. If you do not come prepared you will receive a “0” for assignments that day!!! No late work will be accepted!!!
2. Students must maintain a notebook. The notebook must be a large spiral bound type (College Ruled—120 pages). Notebooks will be checked and evaluated at the instructor’s discretion. Students are also required to acquire colored pencils, a glue stick, ruler, and USB device.
3. Tests will culminate in the completion of a unit of study, i.e. The Age of Industrialism and will usually be given in two parts, an objective test followed with a free response essay.

Course Sequence:

Grades and Values:

Semester Assessment:
Throughout the course studentw will partake in cumulative evaluations of course material. Students can also anticipate a semester examination in this class. The Midterm Exam will cover material from the pre-Civil War era though the New Deal, while the Final Exam will cover the period from World War II to the present.

Class Rules:
1. Students are expected to give and show respect at all times. A failure to abide by this rule will not be tolerated!
2. Students must participate. If you do not come to this class prepared and ready to participate you will have a very difficult time.
3. Students causing distractions affecting their progress as well others will not be tolerated. Causing distractions and drawing attention to yourself in a negative manner should be avoided!

Lastly, I am here to help you. If you need help or are having problems please come see me and I will see what I can do.