Building the American Republic

HIS 12-13 & 15, 2011-2012

Ms. Susanna Whitaker Classroom L30 Description: This course explores the development of America starting with the arrival of European settlers in the early 17th century and ending with more contemporary issues of the latter 20th century. In each unit, our class will examine and weigh topics for their political, social, economic, global and historical significance. Students will learn to explore the multiple interpretations of a historical event, and give thought to point of view and bias. Much attention will be devoted to developing critical thinking through class discussion, as well as working on primary document analysis skills and essay writing. Students will work to better their development of thesis statements, MLA formatting and bibliographic entries in the context of a formal paper. Draft writing and in-class workshops with peer review will help facilitate this process. In addition, class time will be devoted to outlining current events, which will help students to learn how relevant historical knowledge can be in understanding todays politics and culture. Text: Davidson, James West, et al. Nation of Nations: A Narrative History of the American Republic. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Website: We have a class blog! This site will serve to keep us up to date on assignments, as a forum for survey and discussion, and as a launching pad to the rest of the web which will help aid our research as historians. You can access the blog at http://whitakerus.blogspot.com/. I will teach you in class how to follow it and other pertinent details. Check it nightly! Supplies: Pen/pencil, highlighter, notebook paper, three ring binder with dividers for history. If you have a laptop, bring it to classwe will use it often. You must be prompted by me to open your computer, otherwise, it should remain in your bag. Technology use in our classroom is a privilege and I reserve the right to revoke that privilege if I feel it is being abused. In addition, cell phones are not allowed unless I grant you specific permission. At the start of class everyday, you will place your phone in the designated bin by the door. Failure to do so will result in the confiscation of the device for the remainder of the school day. Forms of Evaluation: Class Participation/Attendance Homework Assignments Quizzes/Quests/Tests/Exams Projects/Essays Cell: (781) 248-6235 swhitaker@brooksschool.org

Class Participation & Attendance: Students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities, both through active listening and thoughtful contribution. Full credit will be awarded to those students who demonstrate their involvement by asking questions, offering valuable insight, and showing respect for classroom policies and procedures. Attendance is an essential component of class participation. In the case of an excused absence, the student may consult his or her assignment sheet and submit the work by the next class meeting. Any exceptions must be arranged ahead of time and receive approval. However, if the absence is unexcused, then the work due for the class missed will receive a zero (this also includes any tests etc. that were administered during class time). Students who attend class, but submit late work will face a grade deduction of one letter grade (e.g. an A paper becomes a B if turned in late). In accordance with Brooks School policy, no late work will be accepted past three days following the due date. Homework Assignments: Assignments will be approximately 45 minutes per night. All written work, or work to be submitted electronically, is due by the beginning of the class period. Do not bother to email assignments or show up to class late because you were printing, as the assignment will be counted as late anyway. Notebook checks may possibly be given, with warning, at various points in the semester. Make sure to keep all course materials and work neatly organized so that you may receive full credit at these opportunities. Formal Assessment: Fair warning and review will be given for all quests, tests, and the spring final exam that students will enjoy this year. The class will usually receive notice of a quiz, though once in a while you may encounter a pleasant surprise. The final exam will be consistent with the format of the tests administered in the months previous, but will likely include the addition of several longer essay questions. The exam counts towards 20% of your spring semester grade. Projects/Essays: Much attention will be devoted to writing throughout the year, so instruction in formatting and citation will further illuminate expectations. However, please know now that all papers must be 12-point default font, double spaced with 1 margins, and stapled properly before submission. All homework must be typed or in pen, though in-class work can be in pencil. Accurate and consistent notation is compulsory, and any instance of plagiarism will receive a zero and be referred to the Deans office for disciplinary action. Grades: Averages are calculated by a point system. The students total points will be divided by the total points possible in the quarter/semester/year. Please see Ms. Whitaker AT ANY TIME about any concerns you might have regarding your grade (or anything else!). I am, and hope

you are too, looking forward to a great year!