Points of Emphasis:

1.     The study of American History concentrates on understanding cause and effect relationships. 

2.     Analyze movements and events, to develop a time-line in history.

3.     To create individual presentations on assigned topics.

4.     To learn through using primary sources.

5.     Making insightful entries into a History Writing Journal.

6.     Purchase Jason Adams Notes ASAP for $10.00 DUE: Wednesday, September 5th.

7.     Work collaboratively solve problems.

8.     Keep a 3 ring binder divided into  6 sections

9.     Read novels and short stories to enhance our learning of history.

10.   Complete all assigned readings. 

Absentee Policy

All students who are absent from school are responsible for making up all work including taking tests, doing projects and getting the notes the student missed.  A test must be taken within one week from the date of their return to school or it will result in a zero.  Students should talk to me BEFORE class begins to get all missed assignments and papers   Do not wait until class begins to get these missed assignments.    DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET BEHIND!!

TESTS Multiple choice testing, essay questions, short answer questions based on ID terms, and classroom projects/presentations will assess students in Honors American History.  Students must give high quality work by demonstrating knowledgeable of historical details.  Essays should be well organized. 

These essays should fully answer the essay topic.  I will also give some essays with primary sources where you will have to explain the primary source and its relationship to what we have learned.

NOTEBOOK!

All students will keep a three-ring binder divided into six sections/units. Those sections are:

1.     Obedient Servants

2.     Rebellion to Revolution

3.     The American Experience

4.     Division, Expansion, and Reform

5.     A House Divided

6.     Reconstructing America

Also included in the notebook is the ongoing timeline created during each lesson/unit.  

Each section should have all appropriate Jason Adams notes, handouts, and completed work within it.  This notebook counts as a TEST GRADE each time it is collected and checked.  It will be graded according to neatness, organization, and quantity.  This notebook will be checked at a one-day notice.

Homework

Homework will appear on the board.  The student should make every effort to write down any assignment.  Also, be prepared to complete reading assignments on a daily basis.  You can expect a POP QUIZ at least 2 times a week.  Throughout the semester, there will be blogs and quizzes given based on the readings.  These assignments will be completed at JCHS EDU 2.0.  The website for this is: http://jchs.edu20.org

More information TBA.

Key Vocabulary

All students will be given Key Vocabulary terms.  These will be given before each unit.  These terms are given so that the student may use them to prepare for a test, and check for understanding of the main ideas during or after reading.

Topic Presentation

In this class you will be assigned a topic/time period to present.  This will introduce the next Unit.  Everyone’s topic and presentation is different and I will allow you to choose your topic on the first day of school.  The presentation can be in any format you choose such as PowerPoint or posters but I encourage you to use some form of technology.  Your topic must include no more than two main ideas in each of the following areas:  Social, Political, Economic, Diplomatic,  and Cultural.  You must also include at least 3 pieces of  primary source documentation to help you in supporting your topic presentation.  This can include letters, newspaper articles, maps, advertisements, artwork, quotes from period books or novels, speeches, graphs, etc.   Each of the 3 documents or primary sources should address a different aspect (social, political, etc). The documents should be the framework around your description of your assigned topic/time period.  Simple pictures of people, and things may not count as a document.  You should ask for help if you are questioning whether it will work or not.  Don’t hesitate to ask for help!  Presentations should last no longer than 15 minutes. 

Tardy Policy

Tardiness will not be tolerated.  Students must be in their assigned seats working on the question of the day, ID’s, or other assigned activities.  I will strictly follow the schools policy regarding a student who is tardy.

Be Prepared EVERYDAY!!

Students should bring all needed paper, sharpened pencils, pens, notebook, and book to class EVERYDAY!!!

**All test may be RE-TAKEN within two weeks of first taking the test for a new grade.  The highest possible re-take grade will be an 85.  All re-taken tests must be taken before or after school.  Talk to me!!!!!!!!!

 Grading Scale

Tests/Notebook.……….…………..…two times      

Essays…………………………….….one time

Collaborative assignments/Projects….one time

Homework Grades ………………....1/2 time

Quiz Grades…………….………….1/2 time

**You may contact me by using the following e-mail address:  walterlc@rss.k12.nc.us

**You may also keep up with important dates for our class and access resources at http://jchs.edu20.org