Syllabus

Burlington High SchoolCourse Expectations
Social Studies Department

Ms. Stephanie Fishel
fishel@bpsk12.org

United States History I
116-005 & 117-001

Welcome to Burlington High School and to your 9th grade history class!  In this class we will continue your education of US history, starting with the Revolutionary War and ending before the Spanish-American War of 1898.  In addition to learning the history of our country, we will be connecting ideas of government, social issues, and individual rights of the past to the events we see on the news today.  We will also learn about the Constitution of the United States and American government.  

I.  Themes of USI - We will see that the following themes continuously impact American society over the time period we will be studying.  

• Change and Continuity in American Democracy - How has democracy developed in America?  How have specific groups influenced change?  Why do ideas of ‘freedom’ change?  What has stayed the same?
• Interactions in American Society - How have countries, races, and religious traditions contributed to American heritage? How have the roles of men/women/minority groups/immigrants changed?
• The American Economy - How does geography influence business?  What ideas/practices/values have contributed to the American economic system?
• American’s Foreign Interactions - How have American interests, institutions, individuals, and power etc. affected other countries?  How do events in other countries affect the United States?  

II.  Goals of the Class - Students will be able to:

• Develop and understanding of cause and effect relationships.  

• Analyze different primary and secondary documents and artifacts and discuss their importance to history.
• Recognise the value of the government system.  
• Evaluate the changing roles of technology in society and its effects on past and present culture.
• Read, write, and communicate ideas individually, in small groups, and as a class in order to encourage abstract thinking, strengthen writing abilities, and gain confidence in one’s self.

III.  Class Expectations - In my classroom, you will be expected to:

• Be present in class (physically and mentally!) and ready to learn each class day.  
• Think, ask questions, and participate in class and in online forums.  
• Complete homework and assignments on time!
• Respect viewpoints that are different from your own.  

You must come to class each day with the required materials for that lesson.  Please have your iPads charged, writing utensils, and paper.  

IV.  Materials for Class

• Textbook - Danzer, Gerald A. The Americans. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2005.
• You will using this book primarily at home.  Please keep it in a safe place - you will be charged a lost book fee if it is not returned.  
• Notebooks - I recommend getting a small binder or 1 subject notebook for this class.  Many students find it difficult to take digital notes and scientifically, most students’ memories benefit from the act of actually writing things down.
• Folder - While a lot of the materials will also be provided in digital format, many students benefit from hard copies as well.
• iPad - Your iPad should be with you (AND CHARGED) in class each day.  Students may be responsible for making up assignment they cannot complete in class because of a missing or faulty iPad.  
• iPad Applications we will use:
• Canvas for iOS
• Constitution for iPad
• A Notetaking app - I recommend Notability ($2.99) but Evernote and many others are free, too!
• Socrative Student App
• Interactive Whiteboard - Educreations (free) or Showme
• We will be adding others to the list as the year progresses!

V.  Classroom Policies

Absences

One of the best ways to do well in my classroom is to simply be there!  If/When absences occur, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to make up missed assignments.  If you are absent, please check the class blog for information about what you missed that day and pass it in as soon as possible. 

Student Handbook  (pg. 15), if you have missed 6 or more classes during a term, you may not receive credit for that term.  

• For unexcused absences, you will have one day to make up work for everyday that you were absent from class.  For example, if you are absent on a Monday, you have until Wednesday to pass in the assignment for full credit.  For excused absences, see policy in Student Handbook (pg 25).  

Make-up work/late work will be accepted for half-credit for one week after the due date has passed.  After one week, no credit will be given. 

VI.  Technology

As a school we have been given a wonderful opportunity to use technology in the classrooms.  While the technology is a great tool, it can often be a distraction.  You are expected to use your technology at appropriate times and for relevant activities only.  Using paper and pens is always an alternative if you cannot monitor your iPad use.

VII.  Grading Policies

I will post graded assignments within one week after the date it was due.   Assignments will be worth a percentage of your total grade, and the breakdown is as follows:

• Tests and Projects 30%
• Essays 20%
• Quizzes - D.I.R.T (did I read this?) and Content Quizzes 20%
• Homework 15%
• Participation 15% - will be evaluated by student self-assessments and teacher assessments

**I reserve the right this breakdown as needed, as no two classes are alike and a different approach will be applied if needed**

VIII.  Extra Credit

Students should expect one/two extra credit opportunities, which will be discussed in class at a later date.

IX.  Extra Help

I will make myself available for extra help every week on Mondays for USI students.  If there is no one for extra help by 2:30 I will leave for the day.  Please let me know ahead of time if you will be coming for extra help! If you cannot make it on a Monday, please let me know and we will discuss a time that works better for you to stay and get the help you need.

Additionally, students will receive one in-class review session, as well as an after school extra help session before every test.  AFTER SCHOOL TEST HELP SESSIONS ARE MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED A 69 OR BELOW ON THE PREVIOUS TEST!

X.  How to Contact Me

Email - fishel@bpsk12.org  -  Email is the easiest way to contact me.  I check email several times a day, and you should expect a response after school hours.

Phone - 781-270-1870