Course Syllabus

American History Syllabus

Course Description:

The standards and objectives in the American History course will provide students the opportunity to engage in intensive application of the skills, concepts, processes, and knowledge gained in previous social studies courses and prepare them to be college, career, and civic ready. Despite there being a different overall focus for each subsequent course, students will explore the content through the following lenses: inquiry; behavioral sciences; civics and government; economics; geography; and history. As students develop cognitively, these lenses become more focused based on the grade-level content and disciplinary thinking skills. The American History course will begin with the end of the French and Indian War (1763) and end through the latest Presidential Election (i.e. 2020, 2024, etc.). While the scope begins with the French and Indian War, teachers can and should use concepts and topics prior to the French and Indian War to establish context. For example, teachers are encouraged to draw on the context of the early colonies, the origins of slavery, indigenous populations, and enlightenment thinkers.  

 

Grades:

  • Grades will be posted in PowerSchool and updated weekly. I encourage you to check your grade regularly. Grades will be entered based on a total point value. Students will be aware of the points possible when given an assignment. A student’s earned points divided by the total points will determine the final grade. 
  • Grading Scale: A (100-90%), B (89-80%), C (79-70%), D (69-60%), F (59-0%)
  • No extra credit will be offered. Complete the work assigned.
  • Teacher Made Exam or Final Project is a required part for all American History students. The exam/project will account for 20% of your final grade for the course.

Email Policy: 

When emailing a teacher, each student must use his or her Wake County Public School System email. Each student has an email account through the Wake County Public School System. 

Academic Integrity:

Students at Athens Drive are expected to uphold the Athens Drive Honor Code.  In cases where a violation of the honor code is suspected, the student(s) will be invited to meet privately with the instructor, the behavior discussed and necessary paperwork will be submitted according to ADHS Academic Integrity Violation Procedures. Please see the Athens Drive web site to learn more about our Academic Integrity Policy. You will have the opportunity to agree to this in writing upon several occasions by including and signing the ADHS Honor Pledge on each exam and assignment: “I pledge to be honest and fair. I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment"  If a violation of the honor code is suspected the student(s) will be invited to meet privately with the instructor, the behavior discussed and necessary paperwork will be submitted according to ADHS Academic Integrity Violation Procedures. For specifics about the policy, please go to the school’s website.

In our course, maintaining academic integrity is crucial, and it's important to understand that using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete assignments is considered a form of cheating. AI can be incredibly helpful in generating information or ideas, but when used to directly produce your assignments or projects, it undermines the learning process and your ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each assignment is designed to assess your understanding and ability to apply knowledge independently. Therefore, using AI to write essays, solve problems, or complete other tasks not only compromises your academic growth but also violates the principles of honesty and fairness. To ensure a fair and productive learning environment, any use of AI in assignments must be clearly disclosed and approved by the teacher. If a student is caught using AI on an assignment, it will result in an automatic zero for the assignment. 

Late Work: 

For each school day that an assignment is late you will lose ½ of a point. This does not apply to students that are absent; per Wake County those students receive the number of days out plus one. Please work to turn in work on time because it will help you stay successful!

Classroom Expectations:

Students are expected to 

  • Be on time, whether online or in person. 
  • Be considerate and respectful of themselves, the teacher, and peers.
  • Be flexible with technology and the internet.
  • Be prepared.
  • PLEASE let us work together in this new environment and provide productive feedback of what works and what you need more help with!

As a social studies course students must maintain respect and understanding of various perspectives and opinions on various subjects. We are all learners and need to engage and actively participate in class, no one ‘Knows it ALL’...including me. WE CAN DO THIS BEST BY WORKING TOGETHER!

Phones:

Phones are not allowed in class. There will occasionally be an activity in which students can use their phones, but phones are not allowed on a regular basis. Phones must be kept in a book bag and out of sight. If a student is caught with a phone during an assessment, the student will receive an automatic zero. Students will not have an opportunity to make up the assignment. 

Discipline:

All students should be respectful of their peers and the teacher. Infractions will result in

  • Teacher warning
  • Teacher warning and parent contact
  • Referral

Contact and communications:

Email: ttippins@wcpss.net

Phone: (919) 233-4050 Ext. 24933

Remind Code: @ahtippins (text to 81010) 

 

Please be on time and respectful to your peers and myself. Before you speak THINK is what I am about to say…

T ~ Thoughtful

H ~ Helpful

I  ~ Inspiring

N ~ Necessary

K ~ Kind

 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please let me know. I check my email often and will respond within a day. I look forward to a great semester!!!

 

All the best,

Ms. Tippins

 

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Topics Covered

1

F&I War, Causes, & Revolutionary War

2

New Nation & Federalist Era (1790s)

3

Antebellum Era (taught in conceptual pieces)

4

Causes, Civil War, & Reconstruction 

5

Gilded Age (taught in conceptual pieces)

6

Imperialism & WWI

7

Interyears 1920s & 1930s

8

WWII & 1950s (include the beginning of the Cold War)

9

Cold War (complete the fall of Soviet Union) & Civil Rights (focus on 1960s & 1970s)

10

Reaganism to present