Syllabus For Mr. Kemp’s US History

(UNITED STATES HISTORY 1865 - Present)

Callisburg High School 2001 - 2002

Spring Semester

Mr. Kemp

A.S. B.A. M.Ed.

Room 16

Conference Period = 7th

kenyon@texoma.net

www.texoma.net/~dawn

The student will gain a good overall perspective of the historical & future role of the United States in the world community. The student will also gain insight of the impact of historical events on the present. Hopefully, students will feel empowered and become participants and students of the American experience.

Required Text: Berkin, Carol: American Voices, Scott Foresman publishing, 1992 (provided)

Suggested Media:

Daily Print: Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gainesville Daily Register

Monthly/Weekly Print: Time Newsweek USA Today Wall Street Journal US News

WWW: (For extensive links visit the class web site)

TV: MSNBC CNBC ABC CBS NBC CNN KERA FOX NEWS CSPAN

Radio: WBAP 820 AM KERA 90.1 FM

Course Outline 1st Semester

Chapter 11 "The New Deal"

Chapter 12 "World War II"

Chapter 13 "Allied Victory"

Chapter 14 "Truman & the Cold War"

Chapter 15 "Eisenhower & Prosperity"

Chapter 16 & 17 "Civil Rights & 1960’s"

Chapter 18 "Vietnam"

Chapter 19 "Nixon & Watergate"

Chapter 20 " Reagan & New Federalism"

Chapter 21 "Bush, Clinton & Gulf War"

Grading Policy

Tests & Projects = 50 %

Class Work = 30 %

Notebook = 10 %

Class Participation = 10 %

The number of the tests in the course may vary but the student is expected to take all tests, as no grades will be dropped. Students are responsible for scheduling with the instructor a time to make up a missed exam or homework assignment. Exams will vary between short answer, multiple choice, true false, essay, and performance based criteria. However, most exams will be essay or mini-essay only. Tests will include information presented in class & text material not covered in class.

A research paper of seven to ten pages is required of every student in the course each semester. The topic must focus on US History and be approved by the instructor. Students are expected to follow the standard format for references and citations, which will be given. In addition, the student should be aware that plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Extra Credit:

Under most circumstances extra credit will not be given. However, if such opportunities are offered it is up to the student to take the initiative in order to receive extra credit.

Student Responsibilities:
  1. You must be seated and ready to begin class when the bell rings.
  2. Bring your notebook, book, library book, and supplies every day.
  3. Only three tardies are allowed per six weeks.
  4. Do not talk over others and raise you hand to be recognized.
  5. Respect yourself, each other, and each other’s property.
  6. Under almost all circumstances, no hall passes will be issued. Please take care of your business on your time.
  7. Disruption of class will result in your removal at my disrection. I will not tolerate inappropriate

    8. behavior of any kind.

  8. All school rules are to be followed at all times.
  9. Students will refrain from racism, sexism, or "picking" on another student.

Consequences

Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" being assigned for that particular test or assignment in addition to disciplinary action.

Inappropriate behavior of any kind will result in disciplinary action.

Important Notice:

This course outline and grading policy is for your information and reference. It does not constitute a binding agreement. The instructor is free to alter it or make adjustments as necessary at any time.

 

Book Reports
  1. Students must read at least one book per six weeks on an individual or topic that is related to US history. Books must be approved by the instructor. A written three-page report will be required every six weeks. Your book must accompany you to class on a daily basis as it is considered a class material.

Current Event

Current events are due every day. The student is responsible for finding a written article about an issue facing the United States. This article will be attached to a piece of notebook paper and a 2-3 paragraph observation will be written on the back. Students should strive to find articles of interest to them by using the Internet, newspaper, or periodicals. The sum of all the current event assignments will count as one test grade. Class time will not be given to work on this assignment. This assignment will be researched & completed outside of class. Students will also be asked to report on their event orally as part of their grade. These presentations will be assessed the value of one test grade per six weeks.

A) Government & Politics Monday

B) Arts & Entertainment Tuesday

C) International Events & The Military Wednesday

D) Science & Technology Thursday

E) Business & The Economy Friday

Notebook
  1. Each student is required to have a hard cover three ring binder (get a big one if you can). All of your work will be kept inside of your notebook. The notebook constitutes 10 % of your grade each six weeks. You need to bring your notebook every day as it is considered a class material. The notebook should be divided into the following sections with tabbed dividers:
    1. Class Notes
    2. Vocabulary
    3. Class Work & Projects
    4. Current Events
    5. Book Reports
    6. Tests

As an incentive students who elect to take the final or who are not exempt may use their notebook on the final exam.

Homework
  1. Homework will be assigned in addition to the above standing assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in work when it is due. I do not take late work under most circumstances.

Make Up Work

Attending class is a vital part of the learning experience. Since simply making up work does not replace the class discussion of important topics, students will be required to complete an outside assignment should they be absent for ANY reason. For every absence or for every three tardies the student will complete a mini research project of 3 to 5 pages. The instructor will assign the topic.