AP+and+Honors+American+Syllabus

code format="owner" AP/Honors American History Ms. Nicole Roper wchsroper@yahoo.com 215-386-2244 ext. 325

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to offer an academic challenge which will prepare the student for college level work and the Advanced Placement Examination. The student will come to an understanding of the major periods in the history of our country. By studying movements, issues, personalities, politics and government, historical events are placed in a meaningful context. The student will be given experiences in research. Students who apply and are accepted for AP are required to do additional assignments and take the AP EXAM IN MAY.

COURSE GOALS

In the American History program the main knowledge goals are:

1. To consider the cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial diversity of the American people, and to demonstrate how this diversity has contributed to a unique pattern of national of national development in which the commonalities and differences of our distinct histories have shaped the whole.

2. To offer a careful and critical examination of selections from the vast array of contradictions and paradoxes, successes and failures, promises and betrayals in the actual experience of previous generations of Americans, and to consider current events in the context of our broader history in order to help students understand that American democracy is an on-going experience whose promise they have an opportunity to help fulfill.

3. To encourage students to recognize and appreciate America’s democratic traditions and heritage for the purpose of developing an understanding of the extent to which these values are evident in our governmental policy.

4. To examine the historical role of the United States in the international community and to trace the ever increasing complexity of American foreign policy in the hope of strengthening the student’s commitment to our nation’s highest values as preparation for assuming a more educated role in helping to shape America’s response to a developing global society.

OBJECTIVES

To provide students with a context for gaining the knowledge of self and others necessary to prepare for an active and effective participation in the political, social, and economic life of the nation, the American History program develops a variety of student skills including geographic skills, and reading and communication skills. In addition, after completing the program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills of synthesis and analysis of information, as well as judgment and evaluation through the interpretation of historical events and changes that are often based on multi-causation.

2. Articulate their thoughts in dialogue, discussion, and debate using rational arguments in support of their point of view.

3. Demonstrate decision-making skills based on an evaluation of conflicting evidence and the importance of compromise as a means to more effective understanding and participation in the American political process.

4. Write a clear and concise essay using both primary and secondary sources.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS 1. Textbook 2. Notebook or binder – left to the discretion of the student 3. Pen – no pencils unless being used for a test 4. Ruler 5. Folder 6. West Catholic Agenda Book

CLASS PROCEDURES 1. Class will begin with a prayer. 2. Students will have their textbook and copybook/binder out at the start of class. 3. No one is to leave their desk without permission. Permission to leave the room is granted only in emergencies; forgetting a book is not an emergency. 4. Students are expected to be well-behaved and respectful at all times. 5. Students are expected to follow the discipline and dress codes.

GRADES Grades will be on a total-point system. Attendance and Classwork: 25 points Homework: 50 points Substitution Assignments: 75 points Tests: 100 points Projects: 200 points

ABSENTS Each student will have a class schedule and homework schedule. Homework is due the day you come back. Quizzes and tests will be taken the day you come back. Exception: if absent for an extended period, a schedule will be made to make up work.

Excused absences will receive 20 points for the class since they are still participating in a school activity, although they are not in class.

HOMEWORK POLICY 1. Students will receive full credit for assignments turned in by 7:50 AM. 2. Emailing homework assignments would be preferred. 3. Homework received at class time will be deducted 2 points from the assignment. 4. Each day a homework assignment is turned in late, 5 points will be deducted.

HOMEWORK SCHEDULE FOR 2008-2009 ACADEMIC YEAR Go to Homework Icon for further information. code