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| UNITED STATES HISTORY PERIODS 1 -4 COURSE SYLLABUS FRAZIER MOUNTAIN H.S. MR. LIGETI www.intohistory.com E Mail: aligeti@el-tejon.k12.ca.us Phone: 661-248-0310 ext. 201 ROOM: S1 |
Course Text Book:
The Americans:
Reconstruction to the 21st
Century,
Publisher McDougal Littell (2006)
Supplemental Reading: TBD
VALUABLE WEB SITES:
OUR TEXT BOOK
FREEDOM: A HISTORY OF US
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY
MODERN HISTORY SOURCES
18TH CENTURY RESOURCES
DIGITAL HISTORY TIMELINE
PBS HISTORY
HISTORY CHANNEL
The Americans:
Reconstruction to the 21st
Century,
Publisher McDougal Littell (2006)
Supplemental Reading: TBD
VALUABLE WEB SITES:
OUR TEXT BOOK
FREEDOM: A HISTORY OF US
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY
MODERN HISTORY SOURCES
18TH CENTURY RESOURCES
DIGITAL HISTORY TIMELINE
PBS HISTORY
HISTORY CHANNEL
I. Course Description:
The course will examine major turning points in our Nation’s history that shaped the 20th and will
shape the 21st century. The course will thread through the main political and social factors of the
18th Century that influenced our founding; then study our Constitution; venture into the tenuous
period that marked our Civil War; and finally on to the effects of global industrialization and how it
impacted the United States economically, socially, and culturally crossing into the 20th Century.
The purpose of history is to help students realize that they can become a part of our nation’s
legacy. The sacrifices, achievements and even mistakes made of those in the past are a living
testament to who we are and will become.
II. Course Objectives Overview
This course will adhere to the California State Standards for the study of 11th Grade U.S. History:
1. Rights, liberties and religion led to written contracts between people and their
government to preserve natural rights and allow for change over time.
2. The Industrial Revolution changed the face of America and led to immigration
and migration.
3. America’s military and economic strength made it a world power in the 20th
Century.
4. People reacted to periods of breathtaking social and cultural change in
different ways during the 1920s.
5. Social and economic crises during the Great Depression led to new roles of
government during the New Deal.
6. The fate of nations was forever changed by monumental world events during
World War II.
7. International competition led to conflict and cooperation as American foreign
policy developed .
8. The quest for equality led to the Civil Rights Movement.
III. Classroom Rules & Behavior Expectations
Every student has the right and responsibility to uphold a class environment that supports respect
for each other and provides a learning environment that is free from distraction. Students are
expected to maintain a code of behavior that does not violate another student’s right to the best
education possible and my right and responsibility to create and maintain that environment. All
students will be expected to do the following:
1. Respect Others
2. Respect Yourself
3. Respect FMHS rules
Class Procedure
Headings are required on everything you turn in. A proper full heading should include your
first and last name, the date, the period, and the teacher’s last name. Proper placement for the
heading is on the right hand side beginning on the top of the page. (no name no credit)
Credit on assignments
Assignments must be turned in the day they are due or they are late. Late work is not accepted at
full credit EVER. If you are absent and it is excused, you will be given one day (per day absent) to
complete and turn in any assignment given out during your absence. The same goes for tests and
quizzes. Missed work and make-ups are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY not the teachers. If you fail to
make-up a unit test your grade will be effected adversely. Please note- Be at school on test/ quiz
day and this won’t be an issue.
IV. GRADING CRITERIA
Unit Tests (40-50 %)
These will be comprehensive assessments given typically at the end of a unit. The course is
divided up between five units. The tests will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short
answer questions and one page writing topics (see below) that will require the student to
demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts from lectures, text book and assignments that
are guided by the California State Standards for U.S. History. <Cheating is not tolerated and
will be dealt with as an immediate fail>. A study guide will be handed out prior to a unit test.
STUDY IT, AND BE PREPARED TO COME INTO CLASS HAVING COMPLETED IT!! THESE WILL
BE COLLECTED AND BE WORTH 30-40 POINTS.
Unit Test Writing Topics
Students will be required to complete a essay when taking a Unit Test. The introduction paragraph
must include a thesis statement which is a restatement of the short answer question and describes
what the essay will communicate to the reader. Typically, answers will be about one handwritten
page [3 paragraphs]. Writing Topics should be well-organized essays with an introduction, body,
and conclusion. The purpose of the Writing Topic is to combine what is talked about during the
class session with previous knowledge, or homework.
Quizzes (10%)
Every unit will include current topic questions and map exercises. These quizzes will be
combination of DNA Quick Quizzes, short review quizzes [20 questions or less] and the maps may
require political, historical, physical or demographic responses.
Homework (20%)
Homework will usually take the form of one or more of the following: text book section assessments,
section handouts, internet activities and projects. I will make every effort to make sure that
homework does not become "busy work." The homework I assign is an important part of the class. If
you do not do the homework you may not understand what is going on in class.
• Homework will be turned in on the day it is due!
• I will deduct 10% off of the original grade you would have received for each of the first three
days after the original due date. (max of 30% deduction). After that time, you will receive a zero for
that assignment.
• Excused absences: must be turned in the first day back.
Projects- (10%)
During the school year, students will work alone and in teacher assigned groups on various
projects. Oftentimes, students will present results of their work to the class. Students will also
prepare a 3-5 minute presentation on at least one project and present to the class including some
kind of a visual representation. These assignments will be discussed further in class.
Participation/Involvement/Questions- (10%)
GRADING PERCENTAGES
Letter grades are based on the percentages of total grade period points indicated in the chart
below: * Grades on the “fence” will be raised based on behavior/participation.
over 100%= A 93% to 100% = A 90% to 92% = A- 87% to 89% = B+*
83% to 86% = B 80% to 82% = B- 77% to 79% = C+* 73% to 76% =C
70% to 72% = C- 67% to 69% = D* 63% to 66% = D 60% to 62% = D-
Below 60% = F
Absences from Class
Each day a student misses class lessens their ability to be successful in the course. Daily work,
class participation, and learning about the required history standards can only take place if the
student is in school to learn about them. This class is NOT about completing worksheets and
taking tests; it is about understanding the past so the student has the intellectual tools to create a
better future for themselves and others in the next generation. Experience has taught me that
more absences have a direct link to lower grades.
School-wide Rules
Students are required to follow the School-wide Rules posted in my room and those mentioned in
the handbook. Violations will be handled according to school procedures and could result in
referrals and detentions. Since the teacher and student roles are different, there may be
exceptions to some of the rules for educational purposes.
Suspension from Class
Students will be suspended from the class for violating Section 48900 of the California Educational
Code. These usually are the result of defiance toward teachers or administrators. If this occurs,
students can expect to be removed from the class. Three referrals will lead to a removal from the
class.
Restroom Passes
There aren’t any given out unless it is an emergency. Adequate breaks are provided during the
day. There is plenty of time to use restrooms during break periods. Plan Ahead.
Tardies
Your body must be inside the door when I close it at the bell. If you are outside, you are late. The
school follows a lockout policy therefore if you are outside the classroom when the bell rings you
will have to obtain an unexcused tardy note from the office to be able to return to class. Any
students that are habitually tardy can expect a phone call home and/or a referral.
Electronic Devices
When students get to school turn them off, put them in your pocket or backpack and don’t take
them out until school is over. All violations will be dealt with swiftly according to school-wide rules.
Items will be taken and turned over to the AP office. If the student wants the item back, the student
and parent must go to the AP office to retrieve the item.
Consequences
The failure to follow the above rules of conduct will have the following consequences:
Easy Access to Mr. Ligeti
There are many different ways to contact me.
1. The best way is through the school at 661-248-0310 and.ask to be transferred to room S1.If I am busy teaching students at the time you call, I will call you back as quickly as I can during the
same day.
2. I am available ½ hour before school and after if you arrange it with me for students having
any questions or concerns. When possible, let me know in advance that you are coming so I can
be in the room.
3. I welcome parents to come and visit. If you call ahead, I can make sure to have your student’
s records readily accessible when you arrive.
4. Email me at aligeti@el-tejon.k12.ca.us and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Understanding and Acceptance of Expectations, Rules, and Procedures
I have read and understand all the above expectations, rules, and consequences for Mr. Ligeti’s
classroom.
Student Signature Parent/ Guardian Signature
Student Print Name Parent/ Guardian Print Name
The course will examine major turning points in our Nation’s history that shaped the 20th and will
shape the 21st century. The course will thread through the main political and social factors of the
18th Century that influenced our founding; then study our Constitution; venture into the tenuous
period that marked our Civil War; and finally on to the effects of global industrialization and how it
impacted the United States economically, socially, and culturally crossing into the 20th Century.
The purpose of history is to help students realize that they can become a part of our nation’s
legacy. The sacrifices, achievements and even mistakes made of those in the past are a living
testament to who we are and will become.
II. Course Objectives Overview
This course will adhere to the California State Standards for the study of 11th Grade U.S. History:
1. Rights, liberties and religion led to written contracts between people and their
government to preserve natural rights and allow for change over time.
2. The Industrial Revolution changed the face of America and led to immigration
and migration.
3. America’s military and economic strength made it a world power in the 20th
Century.
4. People reacted to periods of breathtaking social and cultural change in
different ways during the 1920s.
5. Social and economic crises during the Great Depression led to new roles of
government during the New Deal.
6. The fate of nations was forever changed by monumental world events during
World War II.
7. International competition led to conflict and cooperation as American foreign
policy developed .
8. The quest for equality led to the Civil Rights Movement.
III. Classroom Rules & Behavior Expectations
Every student has the right and responsibility to uphold a class environment that supports respect
for each other and provides a learning environment that is free from distraction. Students are
expected to maintain a code of behavior that does not violate another student’s right to the best
education possible and my right and responsibility to create and maintain that environment. All
students will be expected to do the following:
1. Respect Others
 | No shouting, profanity, or other class disturbing behavior will be tolerated | |
| Do not interrupt others- students are expected to stay on task | |
| Do not interrupt the teacher or other students by having side conversations during | |
| learning opportunities. Teachers have a responsibility to maintain an environment that maximizes learning. |
2. Respect Yourself
| Spend your time wisely | |
| Complete your work in a timely manner- reduce your stress level | |
| Don’t rely on extra credit to pass this course. If you do you will be making a bet you can’ | |
| t cover. Play the good odds - do the assigned work and then you will “clean the house”. |
| No gum, candy, food, or beverages during class | |
| No electronic equipment. (IF A CELL PHONE RINGS THE TEACHER HAS THE RIGHT | |
| TO CONFISCATE IT WHERE IT IS TAKEN TO THE OFFICE TO BE RETURNED AT THE ADMINISTRATORS DISCRETION). |
| Each day students are expected to have their portfolios, notebooks and a pen or pencil | |
| At the start of each class, take a look at the White Board for the day’s Agenda & Journal | |
| Prompt. It has the day’s Objective, Agenda and Journal Prompt (JP). The JP is to be written in your notebook. It is part of your Class Participation grade. Any further instruction will be left on the Board. | ||
| Work is to be done as assigned. The list of assignments for the Unit will be posted in the | |
| classroom. No work will be accepted for a unit after the day of the Unit Test. |
first and last name, the date, the period, and the teacher’s last name. Proper placement for the
heading is on the right hand side beginning on the top of the page. (no name no credit)
| When your assignment is graded, a check mark are the proof of completion. These will be | |
| the only evidence accepted if the teacher mistakenly did not record the score and it is the evidence that you turned the assignment in on time. VERY IMPORTANT > Always keep any work in your portfolio organized in a sequential manner (past to present). | ||
| All Quizzes and are open note. You can use any of your homework or notes that you have | |
| completed. You cannot use someone else’s work. This is to encourage you to do your work accurately and on time. | ||
| Unit Tests will be a combination of multiple-choice, matching, short answer questions and | |
| essays. They will not be open note/text book. |
Credit on assignments
Assignments must be turned in the day they are due or they are late. Late work is not accepted at
full credit EVER. If you are absent and it is excused, you will be given one day (per day absent) to
complete and turn in any assignment given out during your absence. The same goes for tests and
quizzes. Missed work and make-ups are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY not the teachers. If you fail to
make-up a unit test your grade will be effected adversely. Please note- Be at school on test/ quiz
day and this won’t be an issue.
IV. GRADING CRITERIA
Unit Tests (40-50 %)
These will be comprehensive assessments given typically at the end of a unit. The course is
divided up between five units. The tests will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short
answer questions and one page writing topics (see below) that will require the student to
demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts from lectures, text book and assignments that
are guided by the California State Standards for U.S. History. <Cheating is not tolerated and
will be dealt with as an immediate fail>. A study guide will be handed out prior to a unit test.
STUDY IT, AND BE PREPARED TO COME INTO CLASS HAVING COMPLETED IT!! THESE WILL
BE COLLECTED AND BE WORTH 30-40 POINTS.
Unit Test Writing Topics
Students will be required to complete a essay when taking a Unit Test. The introduction paragraph
must include a thesis statement which is a restatement of the short answer question and describes
what the essay will communicate to the reader. Typically, answers will be about one handwritten
page [3 paragraphs]. Writing Topics should be well-organized essays with an introduction, body,
and conclusion. The purpose of the Writing Topic is to combine what is talked about during the
class session with previous knowledge, or homework.
Quizzes (10%)
Every unit will include current topic questions and map exercises. These quizzes will be
combination of DNA Quick Quizzes, short review quizzes [20 questions or less] and the maps may
require political, historical, physical or demographic responses.
Homework (20%)
Homework will usually take the form of one or more of the following: text book section assessments,
section handouts, internet activities and projects. I will make every effort to make sure that
homework does not become "busy work." The homework I assign is an important part of the class. If
you do not do the homework you may not understand what is going on in class.
• Homework will be turned in on the day it is due!
• I will deduct 10% off of the original grade you would have received for each of the first three
days after the original due date. (max of 30% deduction). After that time, you will receive a zero for
that assignment.
• Excused absences: must be turned in the first day back.
Projects- (10%)
During the school year, students will work alone and in teacher assigned groups on various
projects. Oftentimes, students will present results of their work to the class. Students will also
prepare a 3-5 minute presentation on at least one project and present to the class including some
kind of a visual representation. These assignments will be discussed further in class.
Participation/Involvement/Questions- (10%)
| Points will be awarded for involvement in classroom activities. | |
| Unfortunately this grading category is less exact than the others. However, | |
| because some of you become exceptionally involved in class activities and discussions I believe that it should be reflected in your grade. | ||
| This category is not designed to punish the quiet student, but those who resist | |
| involving themselves in activities/discussions will find it reflected in their final grade. |
GRADING PERCENTAGES
Letter grades are based on the percentages of total grade period points indicated in the chart
below: * Grades on the “fence” will be raised based on behavior/participation.
over 100%= A 93% to 100% = A 90% to 92% = A- 87% to 89% = B+*
83% to 86% = B 80% to 82% = B- 77% to 79% = C+* 73% to 76% =C
70% to 72% = C- 67% to 69% = D* 63% to 66% = D 60% to 62% = D-
Below 60% = F
Absences from Class
Each day a student misses class lessens their ability to be successful in the course. Daily work,
class participation, and learning about the required history standards can only take place if the
student is in school to learn about them. This class is NOT about completing worksheets and
taking tests; it is about understanding the past so the student has the intellectual tools to create a
better future for themselves and others in the next generation. Experience has taught me that
more absences have a direct link to lower grades.
School-wide Rules
Students are required to follow the School-wide Rules posted in my room and those mentioned in
the handbook. Violations will be handled according to school procedures and could result in
referrals and detentions. Since the teacher and student roles are different, there may be
exceptions to some of the rules for educational purposes.
Suspension from Class
Students will be suspended from the class for violating Section 48900 of the California Educational
Code. These usually are the result of defiance toward teachers or administrators. If this occurs,
students can expect to be removed from the class. Three referrals will lead to a removal from the
class.
Restroom Passes
There aren’t any given out unless it is an emergency. Adequate breaks are provided during the
day. There is plenty of time to use restrooms during break periods. Plan Ahead.
Tardies
Your body must be inside the door when I close it at the bell. If you are outside, you are late. The
school follows a lockout policy therefore if you are outside the classroom when the bell rings you
will have to obtain an unexcused tardy note from the office to be able to return to class. Any
students that are habitually tardy can expect a phone call home and/or a referral.
Electronic Devices
When students get to school turn them off, put them in your pocket or backpack and don’t take
them out until school is over. All violations will be dealt with swiftly according to school-wide rules.
Items will be taken and turned over to the AP office. If the student wants the item back, the student
and parent must go to the AP office to retrieve the item.
Consequences
The failure to follow the above rules of conduct will have the following consequences:
| 1st Warning | |
| 2nd Phone Call Home | |
| 3rd Referral to Office |
Easy Access to Mr. Ligeti
There are many different ways to contact me.
1. The best way is through the school at 661-248-0310 and.ask to be transferred to room S1.
same day.
2. I am available ½ hour before school and after if you arrange it with me for students having
any questions or concerns. When possible, let me know in advance that you are coming so I can
be in the room.
3. I welcome parents to come and visit. If you call ahead, I can make sure to have your student’
s records readily accessible when you arrive.
4. Email me at aligeti@el-tejon.k12.ca.us and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Understanding and Acceptance of Expectations, Rules, and Procedures
I have read and understand all the above expectations, rules, and consequences for Mr. Ligeti’s
classroom.
Student Signature Parent/ Guardian Signature
Student Print Name Parent/ Guardian Print Name