American History I
Harding University High School
Mr. Coleman Flinchum
Class Location: MC 16 E-Mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: (8:54 AM-10:27AM) Website: flinchumamericanhistory.weebly.com Twitter: @FlinchumHistory
Course outline
American History I will begin with the European exploration of the new world through Reconstruction. Students will examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States from European exploration and colonial settlement to the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. Students will learn about the important political and economic factors that contributed to the development of colonial America and the outbreak of the American Revolution as well as the consequences of the Revolution, including the writing and key ideas of the U.S. Constitution. American History I will guide students as they study the establishment of political parties, America’s westward expansion, the growth of sectional conflict, how that sectional conflict led to the Civil War, and the consequences of the Civil War, including Reconstruction.
The essential standards of American History I have been designed to provide a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these issues have had on American society over time. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations. The essential standards can be found here: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/social-studies/american-history-1.pdf
Students will be expected to complete a variety of assignments and tasks, including but not limited to:
- Reading, analyzing, and applying assigned texts
- Writing often
- Taking notes
- Creating independent projects and products
- Participating in class activities and group discussions
Notes, assignments, announcements, and additional course information can be found on my Canvas page. Save this link to your bookmarks or memorize this website… it is used often. Also, reminders for due dates, tests, quizzes, class location changes, etc can be received via Remind. Subscribing to Remind is not required, but strongly suggested. Text_____________.
I will be available before and after school for questions or extra help, however it is best to request at least a day beforehand to make sure that I can meet at a desired time. Parents and students need not hesitate to email or contact me should there be any questions or concerns at any point during the semester.
[email protected] – general communication (comments/questions from students or parents) assignments, attachments
@FlinchumHistory – follow me on Twitter for announcements and other fun stuff (not required)
Essential Materials for American History I
- 3-Ring Binder (Must have 5 Dividers with required sections)
- Notebook and/or loose leaf paper
- Pencil
- Blue and Black pen
Announcements will be made in advance if any special materials are needed for class
A Basic Survival Guide for Mr. Flinchum’s Class
Rules and Regulations
- At all times, treat other members of the class with courtesy and respect. We may discuss sensitive topics and it is imperative that students are mature and respectful, as well as willing to hear and consider varying perspectives.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Please do not touch items or materials in the classroom unless asked. Pick up all trash and personal items and straighten your personal area before leaving the room.
- Pay attention in class, including taking adequate notes, completing class work assignments thoughtfully, and participating in classroom activities and discussions.
- All electronics will be kept out of sight. Cellphones should be turned off or silenced. We will be following the school-wide policy for technology use.
- Presence in class is the first step to success. Further, students are expected to remain working until dismissed by the teacher.
- Tardiness will not be tolerated. If tardiness is chronic problem, referral to administration may be necessary.
Assignments
- Keep all of your materials for this class in one place (notebook, binder, portfolio, etc). You may use pencil or blue/black ink to complete work. Should you need assistance meeting these requirements, let me know. I will not check up on students to ensure the maintenance of a notebook, however, lost or misplaced assignments will not be tolerated.
- You must keep up with the assigned reading and other assignments. Ask about what you do not understand. I would rather answer questions all day than continue teaching material that is unclear.
- Work neatly. Unreadable, sloppy, torn, or crumpled papers will be returned without credit.
- Use complete sentences on all assignments unless told otherwise. Use a proper and coherent paragraph format, if paragraphs are needed. Reasonable grammar, penmanship, and spelling are expected.
Due Dates, Late Work, and Make-up Work
- Complete assignments on time. Note that assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Late classwork and homework can be turned in only during that current unit, for a 5 point deduction per late day. In all cases, it is best to complete work late rather than not complete it.
- In the event of an absence, you are responsible for making up your work. I will NOT keep track of missing work for students who miss class. Work due during an absence is expected to be turned in on the day of your return. Work missed will be assigned the day of your return and due on a day that I specify, depending on the amount of work missed. Students have 5 instructional days to make up missed tests/quizzes, beginning on the day of return.
- Requests for extensions on work may be given but must be arranged in advance of the due date.
Attendance/recovery policy
If students accrue more than 10 absences then they are required to complete recovery. Can be done with me, extended day, or with Saturday School
Grading
· Semester grading breakdown:
o 40% - 1st Quarter
o 40% - 2nd Quarter
o 20% - Final Exam
· Quarter grading breakdown:
o 70% - Formal Grades (Tests & Projects)
Harding Grading Policy
90-100-A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60-69 - D
59 and Below - F
3 extra credit opportunities are available during the semester. Students can complete 2 of the 3, at any time during the semester.
______________________________________ (up to 25 points on lowest test in that quarter)
_____________________________________ ( up to 25 points on lowest test in that quarter)
Historical Movie Analysis (35 points on lowest test in that quarter)
- Students have the option to complete test corrections on any test on which a 70 is scored. The highest score received for test corrections is a 70. Test corrections must be completed before the date of the next test.
Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is required. The school policies stated in the HUHS Student Handbook will be followed regarding cheating and plagiarism.
You will electronically sign your name on the Student Information Form to acknowledge your adherence to the American History I Honor Code below:
“I understand that academic integrity is an integral part of learning and the process of obtaining an education. I vow not to jeopardize my own or my classmates’ learning opportunities by cheating in any fashion. I acknowledge that any violation of this Honor Code could result in serious punitive action including but not limited to failure of the assignment, the class, or suspension.”
Keys to Success
Good attendance. Be in class and focus on your work
Complete assignments on time. Not only will you receive credit for your assignments, you will be better prepared to understand our class work.
Do not cheat. Any form of academic dishonesty will be punished to the fullest extent. Your written honor code and signature will be kept on file for the duration of the semester. You are accountable to the honor code.
Studying makes a difference. Be prepared for tests and quizzes.
Ask questions when you do not understand or if topics are unclear.
Have an open mind and be willing to consider new and unfamiliar concepts and theories.
These are not all the rules and expectations. I reserve the right to change the rules depending on the class’s level of cooperation and maturity. Failure to meet these requirements will result in detentions or other sanctions. Continuation of failure to meet these requirements will result in a referral to administration. This course is fast-paced and we cannot afford to waste instructional time.