• MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY I (1946-1969): COURSE SYLLABUS

       

       

      TEACHER:                                           Mr. Potter

      PHONE:                                                439-4320 Ext. 286

      E-MAIL:                                                dean.potter@hillsdaleschools.org

       

      Students and Parents,

       

      Welcome to Modern American History I (1946-1969)!  This course outline gives you a brief idea of course expectations.  Additionally, it will help guide the student towards success.  It is my hope that all students will not only meet course expectations but exceed them.  I am looking forward to another great semester.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

       

      Sincerely,

      Mr. Potter

       

      COURSE DESCRIPTION

       

                      This Social Studies elective will focus primarily on the years from1946-1969.  The class will look at events that helped shape America.  Topics for this course will include an understanding of 1950’s and 1960’s culture.  The course will delve into the importance of music during this period (from Elvis to Woodstock).  We will also examine social issues such as: the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Lib, the hippie and beatnik movements, the civil unrest of the late 1960’s and the evolution of television.  Time will also be spent on the Kennedy Administration along with other political issues important to the time.

       

      KEYS TO SUCCESS

       

      • Students should turn in all assignments when they are due (late assignments will be accepted at half credit; all assignments are due on the second to last Friday before the end of each quarter)
      • Students may re-take tests that you failed.  I will count the higher of the two grades.  Please take these no more than a week after the initial test.
      • Students should take advantage of any extra credit opportunities that are given
      • Students/parents should continue to monitor grades throughout the quarter through power school. 
      • Students should use the HIVE after school to get additional help on upcoming tests and/or assignments.  

       

       

       

      GRADES

       

      Test and Quizzes: 40%

      Coursework: 30%

      Projects: 25%

      Homework: 5%

       

      A    100-93%                       C+    79-77%                      D     66-63%

      A-    92-90%                        C      76-73%                       D-    62-60%

      B+   89-87%                        C-     72-70%                       F      59% and below  

      B     86-83%                         D+    69-67%

      B-    82-80%

      DAILY ASSIGNMENTS, HOMEWORK, TESTS AND PROJECTS

       

      Daily assignments tend to be about 15 points each.  Tests range from 35 to 65 points.  Daily work will make up about two-thirds of the total points.  Therefore, daily assignments and homework are extremely important. 

       

      Homework is due at the beginning of the hour or it is late.  Late assignments are half credit.  If you are absent, it is the students’ responsibility to get all make up assignments.  Tests also need to be made up soon after an absence.  Failure to make up a test will result in a failing grade on the test.  If you are on a long-term suspension or absent for an extended amount of time, the student must contact me so that the student does not fall further behind in their daily work.

       

      Students who have a low grade (D or E) may be assigned to my lunch period to make up missing assignments.  Failure to meet at lunch may result in Saturday detention.  Periodically, I will be communicating via letter or call to keep parents posted on their child’s current academic status.  Additionally, you can also find all grades through PowerSchool (on-line grading system). 

       

      CLASSROOM RULES

       

      1.            BE ON TIME

      ·               Arrive in the classroom before the bell rings

      ·               Go directly to seat before bell rings

      ·               4 tardies = In School Suspension

      ·               10 minutes late to class = 1 unexcused absence

       

      2.            BE PREPARED

      ·               Be ready to learn by bringing book, pencil, and notebook EVERYDAY

      ·               Turn homework in on time

      ·               Bring any other material that is asked of you

       

      3.            TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT

      ·               Students and the teacher will treat each other with respect

      ·          Be quiet when someone is allowed to speak

       

      4.            BE IN CLASS

      ·                     Go to school everyday!

      ·                     See Student/Parent Handbook for more details on attendance

       

       

      OTHER CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTIONS

       

      • No pop, candy or food in the classroom (water is allowed)
      • No Cell Phone, No headphones, IPOD, other electronic devices in class

      (These devices may be taken and given to the principal without warning)

      • Dress Code – see handbook  for policy
      • No bags allowed in class – see handbook  for policy

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

       

      It is up to my discretion as to which step to take first.  Severe discipline problems require principal investigation.   

      1.                  Student warning

      2.                  Parent/Guardian called

      3.                  Disciplinary Referral (given to parents/guardian and principal)

      4.                  Lunch Detention, Saturday Detention or Snap Suspension

       

      MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS

       

      1.       #2 pencil and/or black or blue ink pen brought EVERYDAY

      2.       Notebook with white lined paper brought EVERYDAY

      3.       Folder for assignments/projects

      4.    Book (a class set will be provided but kept in the classroom)

       

       

       

       

      *** Please sign, date and detach the following and send it back to Mr. Potter ***

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

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      I have read, understand and will follow Mr. Potter’s grading polices and classroom rules for Modern American History I (1946-1969).  My son and daughter will give 100% effort on assignments and studying for tests.  Additionally, assignments will be turned in on time. 

       

       

       

      Parent Signature:

       

      _______________________________ Date: _______________

       

       

       

       

      Student Signature:

       

      ______________________________ Date: _______________