9th Grade US History Syllabus

United States History Syllabus 2020-2021

 

Introduction: Welcome to United States History & Government class! We are excited about working with all of you throughout the school year. In this course, we will be exploring the main events and people associated with United States history from multiple perspectives. There will be a strong focus on the historical thinking skills of sourcing, contextualization, and corroboration. There will also be a strong emphasis on group work and learning from each other. The ultimate goal of this course is to determine how and why we got to where we are in the United States today. Through this process, we hope that we all gain some perspective on how we can better our community and society as a whole. We look forward to having a fun, interesting, and rewarding year!

 

Schedule (Subject to Change)

 

Unit of Study                                                                                                 Approximate Timeframe

 

Unit 1: Colonies to Independence                                                                         September

 

Unit 2: Constitutional Foundations                                                                       September-October

 

Unit 3: Expanding America (1790-1850)                                                                 October-November

 

Unit 4: Slavery, Sectionalism, & Civil War (1820-1865)                                      November-December

 

Unit 5: Reconstruction & Redemption(1863-1877)                                             December

           

Unit 6: Gilded Age, Pt. 1: The Rise of Industry, Business, & Labor                  January

                  

Unit 7: Gilded Age Pt. 2: The American People in a Changing Society           February

           

Unit 8: The Progressive Era (1900-1917)                                                                  February

 

Unit 9: Imperialism & American Global Power (1890-1915)                               March

 

Unit 10: War & Prosperity (1914-1929)                                                                    March-April

 

Unit 11: The Great Depression (1929-1941)                                                           April

 

Unit 12: WWII & Cold War (1941-1960)                                                                    April

 

Unit 13: Postwar American Society (1945-1960)                                                April-May

           

Unit 14: A Decade of Change (1960-1972)                                                           May

           

Unit 15: The Late 20^th Century & A New Century                                           June

 

Classroom Expectations

 

1. Be respectful to EVERYONE!
2. Listen when others are talking
3. Arrive to class ON TIME/EVERYDAY
4. Complete class work/homework when it is assigned
5. Have fun while learning!

 

Ladder of Consequences

The following are consequences for not living up to the classroom expectations. They go from least severe to most severe.

1. Non-verbal warning
2. Verbal warning
3. One-on-one/hallway conversation
4. Removal from class/detention
5. Parent phone call

 

***A note about the bathroom- Bathroom use is up to the discretion of the teacher.  Abusing  bathroom privileges include wandering the hallways or wasting time.

 

Policies and Procedures

1. Community- Our classroom will work best if we all try and work well together are respectful of each other.  Treating others the way we would like to be treated is the easiest way to ensure success on creating an inviting classroom community.  Disrespectful attitudes will not be tolerated and will lead to consequences.
2. Attendance: It is important that you come to class everyday on time. Excused absences (a note from a parent or guardian) will grant you a one-day extension on homework. All work must be made up. You are responsible for getting the work you missed and make it up.
3. Notes: Every day you will be expected to write down notes. It is expected that you take notes in class no matter what.  That means, you’ll need something to take notes with! (Be Prepared!)
4. Lateness: I keep records of lateness and repeated lateness will not be accepted and will be treated as a breach of rule #1.  If you don’t have a pass, you will not be excused, and you will not be permitted to leave to go get a pass.
5. Bathrooms:  Bathroom use is not permitted during the first and last 10 minutes of class. Do not ask me to go to the bathroom while I am speaking to the entire class. If you need to go to the bathroom you will give me a visual cue (holding up just your index finger) so you don’t even have to ask. You will be given a certain number of times during the marking period to go, so use them wisely)
6. Homework: You will have homework most every day. It is due the following class day. Late homework will not receive full credit.  With an excused absence, you may turn in homework one class day later. If you don’t do any homework, you will get behind and there will be consequences of detention or missing lunch out if you repeatedly do not bring in homework. 
7. Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating will result in a zero for that assignment. If cheating on a test or quiz further disciplinary action will be taken based on the Conduct Code of New York City Public Schools.
8. Seating: Seating will be assigned. You must sit in your assigned seat. (trust me, I want you to sit where you will learn best)
9. Extra Help: I will make myself available for extra help after school, or by appointment during the day.  Also, of course, you can get help during class. It is important you use your voice and ask me if you need help. The most successful students are the ones not afraid to help themselves!  Speak up!

 

Grading

 

80% Scholarship

Homework

Classwork

Exams

Quizzes

Projects

Interim Assessments

 

 

20% Effort

Do-Now’s

Exit Tickets

Participation

 

***The total amount of points must add up to 100 points.

 

***Warning against Plagiarism/copying: If you plagiarize or copy anything from the Internet without citing the source properly, you will receive a zero for the assignment. You will also receive a zero if you copy anything from a classmate or other student in the school. Please make sure that all of your work is original and produced by you.