Omnibus III A & B

Syllabus

Mrs. Moore, 2013-2014

History for many people is a jumble of boring names, facts, and dates to memorize. In an Omnibus class, we think about history differently. We will learn to think like detectivesWhat happened? What is the quality of the evidence? What does it mean? This process of trying to figure out things we don't already know and then using what weve learned to persuade someone else, is as different from mindless memorization as one can get. Omnibus III is a place where students will have fun with their brains. The students who take care to train their brains in the skills of the historian-- careful research, understanding the context, reasoned and well-supported argument, and formal writing-- will have the most fun of all. We have serious questions to consider: If these are times which try mens souls, then how did we get to this point? How might have events played out differently? What solutions to our problems have been tried before and how did those solutions work out? How have Gods people responded in trying times to do His work? What does God require of us? If we learn to think as historians do, we will walk more wisely and effectively in our own world. Omnibus III A and B are strenuous classes so be prepared, rested and fed when you come to class. We will train our minds with a set of learning tools including: Sufficient knowledge of key events and chronology to establish a context for events. The ability to discover, to interpret, and to assess texts and other historical sources. The ability to write coherently and persuasively.

As with other Omnibus courses, Omnibus III is 2 credit, interdisciplinary history, literature and theology course. We will be using many primary sources and a few secondary ones. There will be frequent assessments (i.e. pop quizzes, scheduled quizzes and tests) to encourage the habit of review and reflection. Our main secondary source for history is Tindall and Shis America: A Narrative History. Over the course of the year, Omnibus III A will read parts one through four; and Omnibus III B will read parts five through seven. The readings will inform our history discussion in class and set the context for the literature selections. This book has a very helpful companion website at StudySpace for America: A Narrative History. Any daily and weekly quizzes will be made up of objective items- multiple choice, fill in the blank or modified true/false from your history reading. The tests, however, will be essay questions to be answered incorporating the terms

and concepts mastered through the objective quizzes. Wise students will make use of the practice quizzes at StudySpace. The literature portion of Omnibus III follows the chronology of the history. The time-tested classics we will read this year will open a window into the universe of the people who lived in the times we are studying. What were their joys? Their fears? Their lives like? What were they thinking? Directions will be provided in class about how literature reading will be monitored and assessed. I am excited about helping you get the most out of your reading experience. Grading Policies. Students will have many ways to earn great grades based on class preparation, participation, essays, tests and quizzes. Omnibus is a 2- credit course and the work load reflects this. Grades are calculated on the following percentages: Homework 33%; essays and quizzes, 33%; and tests, 34%. Late work will not be awarded full points. Writing Standards Grammar and spelling count in this class. Mistakes undermine the message. Take heart, everyone can be perfect in this area. More specific guidelines will be given as writing assignments are made. Contact information Please contact me as needed at dmoore@veritasca.com. I welcome your questions and comments and if we cannot clear things up via e-mail, I will telephone or meet with you as promptly as possible. Were going to have a fantastic time in Omnibus III, Mrs. Moore