Honors United States History

Mrs. Bates
Lindsey.Bates@merrimack.k12.nh.us
Telephone: 424-6204 Ext. 2364
Course Description:
United States History will examine major events and issues from the late 19 th century to the
present. The concept of American federalism and the role of the United States as a world
power will be emphasized. The first semester will focus of the emergence of the United States
in world affairs to the end of World War II. The second semester will explore events from the
post-World War II era to the present.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will understand that various events and ideas in history have impacted the
development of Americas political structures.
2. Students will understand that various events, actions and policies of the United States
have impacted the global community throughout history.
3. Students will understand that various concepts of reality, guidelines of behavior and forms
of expression unite Americans within the context of a pluralist society.
4. Students will understand that Americans have expressed their greatest intellectual and
artistic concepts in various ways.
5. Students will understand that the American economy has been impacted throughout
history by changing forms of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.
Competencies:
All Social Studies courses are framed around the skill-based competencies of research,
comprehension, analysis, and evaluation. Research is the foundation of life-long learning.
Students will demonstrate the ability to locate content specific information utilizing varied
sources. Comprehension refers to the basic understanding of content knowledge throughout
the continuum of the course. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge to the higher
order thinking skills of analysis and evaluation. Analysis is the ability to make connections,
recognize relationships, and relate content knowledge to larger concepts and themes.
Evaluation enables students to become independent thinkers. Students will develop
informed opinions, make predictions, form conclusions, and generate inquiry for further
reflection.
Course Topics and Pacing:

Number of Days: 75 (approximate)

Semester 1

Emergence of the US in the World; Imperialism

Progressive Era
World War I
Decade of Prosperity and Problems (1920-1929)
Great Depression and New Deal (1929-1941)
World War II
Semester 2
The Cold War (1945-1989)
Civil Rights and Social Change
Post-Vietnam America (1975-1990)
Post-Cold War America (1990-Present)

10
10
10

10
20

15

Number of Days: 75 (approximate)

20
20
15

20

Textbook: Appleby, Brinkley, Broussard, McPherson, Ritchie The American Republic Since 1877. New York,
NY: Glencoe, 2007. ISBN 13:978-0-07-874359-7
(Cost: $75.00)

Classroom Policies
Building a Classroom Community
In order to create a comfortable classroom environment we must treat everyone with
respect. What does this mean? Respect is: being a good listener, practicing
tolerance, and accepting everyones self-worth. Throughout the school year, you will
be expected to work with different groups and partners. If you are unable to respect
other students and adults in the classroom -- you will be asked to leave.

Assignments:

You are responsible for knowing when work is due. For every day your assignment is late
your grade will go down by 20%. After five school days (not class days) the assignment
no longer has point value.

Sometimes things outside of class might get in the way of you completing your work (i.e.
family issues, health, etc.). If this is the case you must talk to me well before the due date
to discuss a possible change in the deadline. Do not wait until the day before or on the
day of the deadline.

Major assessments (i.e. projects, essays, posters etc.) are to be handed in on the day of
the deadline. Major assignments are not to be worked on or printed out in class. If you do
not have the assignment because of outside circumstances at home, your parent or
guardian must contact me in advance to discuss your progress on the assignment.

You will use your own words on written assignments. We will discuss the definition of
plagiarism further in class. Without proper citation, copying text from a website and
slightly changing the words IS plagiarism. On major assignments (i.e. essays, projects,
etc.) you must write I have abided by MHS policy and sign your name. By doing this you
recognize that you have not plagiarized.

All work must be completed individually unless stated otherwise by the teacher.

Attendance and Punctuality:

Arrive on time before the bell. Arrive after the bell with a teacher pass.

If you come into class tardy more than once you will be asked to stay after school with
me. If you fail to meet with me your name will be reported to the office.

Sign out to leave the classroom. Record your name, where you are going, and the time. If
you must use the restroom during a quiz or test, leave your cellphone on the desk.
Otherwise, you will not be able to revisit the test questions you already answered or left
blank.

Productivity:

During class time you are expected to be prepared, alert, and active. Throughout the
semester I will be keeping track of your productivity and class participation.

Grading:

Your grade is based on the average of total points earned on all assignments and tests.
Unless otherwise stated, homework assignments are generally worth 5 - 10 points,
quizzes are worth 20 points, and tests are worth 50 to 100 points. The Final Grade is
based on 40% for each quarter and 20% on the final exam. The National History Day
project will count for 50% of the final exam grade.
Cell Phones and iPods

Nowadays, digital devices have become a necessary part of our daily routine. I bring my
cellphone into school every day. There are times that I need to use it during lunch or
between class periods. But when Im working, its out of sight out of mind. There will be
times in class that I ask you to use your phone to look up information, locate maps, or use
a calculator. However, for most of our time together, you will be asked to discuss,
listen, and think. Your cell phone disrupts the learning process.

Please refrain from the

duckface selfie