Course Description Outline

United Sates History and Geography; Continuity and Change in the Twentieth
Century

Instructor: Mr. Partridge
Room: WGHS Main Campus V Wing, Room V205 (Second Floor)
Office Hours: 5
th
Period Prep. Before school, lunch, and after school by appointment.
Please ask in advance so I can block out the time with you.
Textbook: The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21
st
Century: Danzer, de Alva,
Krieger, Wilson and Woloch., McDougal Little

I. General Description of the Class

The State of California Department of Education has identified the as a
required class for high school graduation. The curriculum has been established and
approved by the California Department of Education.
Students in grade eleven will study the major turning points in American
history; from the foundations and philosophies of American political thought
expressed by key documents, to the political economies of modern (post Industrial)
America.
Following a review of the nations beginnings, ethnic and religious
backgrounds of the early settlers, and the major ideas and thinkers of the
Enlightenment that influences the early settlers, the class then builds upon what it is
to be an American and how these ideas are reflected in the key documents such as
the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
The requirements for learning then jump to the post Civil War era and
examine the promise to end slavery and the period known as Reconstruction.
Throughout the class we follow the theme of the commitment of the government to
expand rights to include groups previously excluded; discussing race, gender,
religion, sexual orientation, religion, and other identifying groups. These become
current events that we study throughout the year.
The class examines key historical eras and events. Students consider the role of
government, and the sharing of the powers between the individual, cities, states and
the federal government. We look at changes over time and efforts at reform.
Students learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations
and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are delicate, sometimes fragile, and must
be strengthened through citizen involvement and transparency. Finally , students
learn that change is inevitable, the direction of the country much dependent upon
the preservation of the rights of the minority, and not alone the voice of the
majority.

II. Classroom expectations :
All school and district rules apply in the classroom.. Every student has a right to
learn and achieve excellence in an atmosphere that is that is respectful and civil.
Conversely, no student has the right to disturb another students right to learn,
whether they outwardly defend that right or not,- the teacher is the final word
upholding the tone of respect. This is a class on being part of American society!
We will learn and practice respectful argument . We will agree, we will disagree, we
will form strong opinions, and we will have our views and opinions challenged. We
will learn to formulate opinions based on solid evidence and facts. We are all
entitled to our thoughts and opinions. We will learn how to express ourselves in
civil society with respect and dignity toward all.

III. Discipline Policy

Discipline will hopefully be a non issue. I expect that we will all engage each other
with best intentions and respect this classroom (and all classrooms), and the
process of education, as the one of the great pillars and accomplishments of civil
society. That said, rules must be followed for us all to share the same space with
respect for one another.
Discipline will be harmonized with school and district guidelines and policies. If
issues arise that violate another students right to learn, or disturb your learning, I
will take action.
1
st
offense: When possible, I will have a personal conversation with the student.
We will step outside and I will identify the problem and ask you to agree to a
solution. . I very much will seek to find solutions together.
2
nd
offense: The discipline process on campus will be brought into the matter and
the incident will be written up. Parents may be contacted. Behavior contracts may
be required.
3
rd
: The student will be referred to the principal and parents will be called in for a
conversation including the students.

Classroom work: The only work allowed in the class will be work for the class. Work
for other classes during class time IS NOT permitted.

Special note on electronic devices: : Cell phones, PDAs, audio music players,
headphones must be removed, turned off and put away throughout the class period.
Purses and backpacks must be closed and secured on off the surface of the desk.
Violators will be asked to put the item away. Second offense the student will be
asked to give the item to the teacher for the class period. Third offense, the item will
be given to the AP of Discipline.

IV. Grading Policy
89+=A
79+=B
69+=C
59+=D

Grades will be based on in-class assignments, individual and group projects, home
work, quizzes, tests and bringing your text to class every day. Points will be given
for bringing your text, and deducted for not bringing your text.

Make-up work: Make up work is your responsibility. All assignments are required
whether you have excused absences, sport release, family or work issues. All
assignments must be turned in when they are due. Late work is graded at a
maximum of 75%. No late work will be accepted after a unit of study has been
tested. No late work will be accepted during finals week. Make up tests and
assignments are your responsibility.

V. Copying / Cheating

All work, including homework is assigned to you individually. If you work in a
group, your answers should still be in your own thoughts and words. Copying is
cheating! The school and district Honesty Policy will be followed. Students will
receive a zero on the assignment with no opportunity to make it up. This year the
principal has asked that all incidents are referred to him personally on the first
offense. Second offenses will go in the students permanent file.

VI. Materials
- Three ring binder or spiral notebook with sleeves for storing handouts
- Binder paper
- pens- blue/black only
- pencils (2)
- Textbook- bring it every day to class!
- Planner! Carry a personal organizer.























US History Course Description Outline

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Special note on Internet current events, film and general media content in the
classroom:

Topics in US History and related current issues may include content discussing
violence, sexuality and language use. From time to time, sources are used on such
topics that may be more adult in content.. Some segments from films may have an
R rating. These are all used to specifically advance the learning objectives and
advance critical thinking. These segments are generally not shown in their entirety.
The goal is to expose relevant issue. Every effort is made to avoid unnecessary and
inappropriate content. Some issues in contemporary America provoke sensitivities.
Yet to face certain issues and current events they will soon confront as adults, is to
prepare the students for life in America. Again, I will make every effort to make the
content relevant and appropriate for their age group and as educational content.

Opt out:
If you do not want you child to view material that Hollywood has designated R in
content, and your child is not yet 18 years old, please sign below. Your child will be
given an opportunity to earn full credit on a related subject and placed in another
setting. Please know, this does not come up often.

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Parent / guardian signature to opt out of all R rated film content