WINDSOR LOCKS HIGH SCHOOL                                MR. ONDERDONK

Social Studies Department                                                     (ronderdonk@wlps.org)     

                                                                            (860) 292-5824

AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE SYLLABUS

Vision

My vision is for our students to find pathways to enlightenment and in becoming more aware of the wide world all around them so they can grow into happy, successful and contributing adults.

Mission

My mission is to motivate and guide our students to improve their skills in reading and writing, receiving and giving communication, and in working constructively together to create meaning as they explore the social studies curriculum and other topics of interest.

Course Objectives:  Students will be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of the major events, trends, people, and places in United States history from Antebellum America through World War I.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major events, trends, people, and branches of government within the historical development of American government
• Analyze historical sources from multiple perspectives and generate questions and logical hypotheses.
• Demonstrate how culture, technology, science and economics have influenced American development, often serving as turning points in American history and American government.
• Describe relationships between events, trends, people, and places in United States history and the development of American government.
• Interpret and discuss major ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.
• Analyze and be able to explain major legal rulings of the last 200 years, and what impact those rulings have on us today.
• Summarize the rights, responsibilities and powers of both the United States government and its citizens.
• Decide what personal qualities American citizens should possess, and then demonstrate those qualities on a consistent basis.
• Read critically, extract important information, and demonstrate expository writing skills.

Course content and structure:

Civics Unit One: Political Philosophy/History and Experience, Sept.

Civics Unit Two: United States Constitution/Establishment of Government, Oct./Nov.

Civics Unit Three: Fundamental Rights and Responsibilities, Nov./Dec.

Civics Unit Four: Modern Political and Economic Systems, Dec./Jan.

History Unit One: The Civil War and Reconstruction, Jan./Feb.

History Unit Two: Industrialism and Expansion, March

History Unit Three:  Immigration and Imperialism, April

History Unit Four:   Progressivism and World War I,  May/June

Assessments:  Text based essay questions, tests, quizzes, research papers, oral and written discussions and debates, maps, collaborative assessment of information, public presentation and discussion of information (overhead notes, power point, other visual projects), and oral and written responses to information given and positions taken by others.

Text:  America:  Pathways to the Present, Andrew Cayton, Elisabeth Israels Perry, Linda Reed and Allen M. Winkler - ancillary reading assignments include articles from various sources and excerpts from specialized academic texts.

Preparation for class and general guidelines:   “Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail” - John Wooden.  Be prepared for class every day!  Students will respect and tolerate all people and viewpoints in the classroom.  We will work together in creating a wonderful learning experience.  Your absolute best effort and attitude is expected every day!

Policy for late/makeup work:  All assignments are to be handed in on time.  Late penalties vary according to assignment.  It is the student’s responsibility to get missed assignments, and make arrangements to make up work in a timely fashion.

Student Average: Summative Assessments – 100%                                             

            Formal papers                        

            Quizzes/Tests

            Projects                                  

Habits of Work: Exceeding Standards (ES), Meeting Standards (MS), Progressing toward Standards (PS), Limited Progress (LP)

            Completes Work

Participates in class

Conducts self appropriately

Prepares for class

I have read and understand the course expectations and grading policy as stated above.  Place this signed sheet in the front of your notebook.

___________________________________  Student _______________________Date

_________________________________  Parent (guardian)________________Date