Name of School: Davenport Central High School

Name of Course: U.S. History

Expectations for Students: To be an active and engaged learner who is willing to work hard at
developing and eventually mastering specific skills which will benefit you for the rest of your educational
career and adult life. Actively contribute, listen, and work your tail off and you will excel in this
classroom, creating great habits in the process for your future!
Instructor Information
Name: Mr. Harkness
E-mail address: harknessr@davenportschools.org
School phone number: TBD
Best times to be reached: 7:35 AM 8:10 AM and 3rd Block
Course Description
A two term continuation of U.S. History that follows the eighth grade course broken into 6 Units: 1.
Industrial America and Its Emerging Role in International Affairs (1870-1920), 2. Expanding American
Global Influence (1898-1919), 3. The Roaring 20s and the Great Depression/New Deal (1920-1941), 4.
World War II and the Early Cold War (1931-1961), 5. The Fabulous 50s and the Turbulent 60s, 6.
Vietnam and the End of the Cold War
Priority Iowa and/or Common Core Standards
1. Understand the role of individuals and groups within a society as promoters of change and status quo.
2. Understand the effect of economic needs and wants on individual and group decisions.
3. Understand cause and effect relationships and other historical thinking skills in order to interpret events
and issues.
4. Understand the effects of geographic factors on historical events.
5. Understand historical patterns, periods of time, and the relationships among these elements.
6. Understand the role of culture and cultural diffusion on the development and maintenance of society.
7. Understand how and why people create, maintain, or change systems of power, authority, and
governance.
8. Understand the effects of geographic factors on historical events.
Course Outline
Term 1:
Unit 1: Chapters 12-18: Making of Modern America & Progressivism (1870-1920)
Unit 2: Chapters 20-25: Imperialism & World War I (1898-1919)
Unit 3: Chapters 26-33: Roaring Twenties & the Great Depression (1920-1941)
Term 2:
Unit 4: Chapters 34-40, 47: WWII & the Early Cold War (1939-1961)
Unit 5: Chapters 41-48: Fabulous 50s & the Turbulent 60s (1950-1969)
Unit 6: Chapters 49-56: Vietnam & the End of the Cold War (1964-1989)
Text/Other Required Materials/Resources

Textbook History Alive! Pursuing American Ideals, Publisher TCI

U.S. History Specific Notebook
Pencil and/or Black/Blue Pen
Instructional Procedures & Support
Types of Instruction:
Google Classroom: Most assignments, discussions, bell-ringers, and announcements will be
posted in our Google Classroom.
Homework and In-Class Assignments: Due dates will be announced when homework is given.
Turn in work by the bell on the due date.
Late Work: 40% off if turned in before the end of the unit.
Make-Up Work: Please come speak to me during work time or after class. Do not ask me what
you missed at the beginning of class. You will have two days to make-up the work for every
excused absence day that you are gone.
Discussions/Debates, DBQs, Projects, Writing Assignment Expectations: Active learning and
meaningful participation is expected by every student for each of these activities. They are each
meant to challenge your problem solving and analysis skills in order to further develop critical
reading and writing.
Unit Tests: Will be given to assess the students development of important skills and their
understanding of the themes and content from each of the six units. Each Unit Test marks the
end of that particular unit. All Unit Tests consist of 25 multiple-choice questions and an essay.
Other Instructional Strategies: RAFTs, Word Wall, Political Cartoons, Journals, etc. will all be
explained at the time of assignment and will progressively get tougher in order to challenge
students.
Classroom Management Procedures
ALL school rules will apply.
1. Showing respect to your peers, other staff members, yourself, and me is expected at all times.
Follow this rule and you can prevent most of your troubles.
a. This includes, then, no talking while others are talking and always participating.
2. Start of Class Procedures: Be in your assigned seat by the time the bell rings, otherwise you will
be counted tardy.
a. 1st tardy is a warning, afterwards all tardies will come with a detention served that day after
school with me
i. If you are 15+ minutes late you must get a pass from the office
ii. If you are 45+ minutes late then you cannot enter the classroom
b. Immediately get to work on the Journal or Bell Work activity on the board.
c. Bring all materials you need with you to class (Book, Journal, Pen/Pencil).
3. Leaving the Classroom: Do not interrupt instruction to use the bathroom or to retrieve an item
from your locker during instruction. Find an appropriate time to ask.
a. You MUST have a pass signed and dated by me to leave the classroom.
b. The more time you spend in the classroom the better your grade will be, guaranteed!
4. Sleeping or refusing to participate in class can result in a referral.
5. No food and only water is allowed in class (School Rule not mine).

6. Always pick up after yourself and PLEASE RECYCLE!

7. Keep the aisles clear of book bags, feet, legs, food, etc. Book bags should always remain
underneath the desks.
8. No cell phones, iPods, or any other electronic devices should be used unless permission is
specifically given.
9. Every day is an opportunity for you to grow and better yourself. Take advantage of the fact that
you are at one of the best schools in the Quad Cities and get the most out of it in the time that
youre here!
Assessment Plan
Weekly Notebook Checks
Cornell Notes
Bell-Ringers
Homework
Activities
Visual Vocabulary
Participation
In-Class Assignments +
------------------------40% of Final Grade
Writing Assignments (DBQs, Essential Questions, etc.)
Discussions/Debates
Projects +
-----------30% of Final Grade
Unit Tests 20% of Final Grade
Final Exam 10% of Final Grade
Grading System
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 0-59%