Syllabus

11th Grade Social Studies

American History
Mr. Travis Randall
Course Description:
This American History course will cover the fifteenth century during the colonization of the
Americas through the Civil War in 1865. This course will help students understand how
America evolved into becoming the United States. The purpose of this course is to educate
students in the historical background of this country by researching specific events that has led
us into the 21st century. This journey through time will enable students to comprehend the
development of the United States and prepare them to make educated decisions that impact
current events in todays society.
Course Expectations:
The goal of this American History class is to help students develop and improve their writing and
reading skills as they complete the weekly assignments. Weekly discussions will help improve
their understanding of the readings and in turn provide the needed information to complete their
writing assignments. They will also begin to understand the concept of critical analysis as they
examine the past.
Course Competencies:
Arizona State Social Studies Standards are articulated on the Arizona Department of Education
website. http://www.ade.state.az.us/standards/sstudies/articulated/SSHighSchool.pdf.
Topics/Assignments:
1. Early America

7. New Nation

2. Colonies

8. Liberty

3. Slavery and Empire

9. South & Slavery

4. Cultures of Colonial America

10. Democracy

5. Independence

11. Expansion

6. American Revolution

12. Civil War

Textbook:
-Out of Many, Sixth Edition.

Syllabus
Course Policies:
Student Work: All students will be required to read and write often outside of the classroom to
be successful in this class. To be successful while in the class, students Must read the class
material in advance to be able to participate in discussions and writing assignments. Students are
expected to hand write all assignments using proper grammar, complete sentences, and correct
spelling.
Interactive Notebooks: Students will create and use their interactive notebooks on a daily basis.
This is where they will keep practically all of their school work from this class. The teacher will
guide you through the process of organizing these notebooks. These can also be left in the
classroom if they choose to.
Group Activities: Working in groups is necessary to complete some assignments and will be
used often. Active participation will be required from all students to receive their points. You
will be graded on individually and as a group.
Absences: Class discussion points can be made up with extra credit. The student will have
opportunities to get the assignments before they miss or by going online to retrieve the
assignment. For each day absent, the student will have the equal time missed to turn in their
assignments.
Late Work: Late work will be accepted with exception. Students must write a paragraph
explaining why they should be allowed to turn in an assignment late. 10% will be knocked off
for everyday it is late down to 50%. After five days (not including weekends) NO assignments
will be accepted.
Extra Credit: Will be offered for certain assignments. Extra credit is defined by doing extra
work above and beyond an assignment and not to make up for a missing assignment.
Materials:
-Three Ring Binder (1 inch)
-Spiral Notebook (standard)
-Note Cards
-Highlighter
-Pencil and Eraser (no pens)
Academic Dishonesty (Cheating):
It is unfortunate but sometimes students feel they need to cheat. Cheating will not be tolerated
and no points will be given in the event of someone being caught cheating or helping someone
else cheat. The best solution is to be as prepared as you can and do the best you can with what
you know. Earning some points is better than getting a zero.

Syllabus

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