FORT COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL

UNITED STATES HISTORY, 7220

HOW TO REACH ME:

Robert Samelson
Email: rsamelson@psdschools.org
cmatthie@psdschools.org
Office: P115 or Social Studies Office
Office Hours: Before school, 1st period, 3rd period, and after school Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday till 3:30.

WARNING:
Although this institution values the emotional integrity of its students, you may at any
moment, and potentially without further notice, encounter ideas, expressions, and images
that are mistaken, upsetting, dangerous, prejudiced, insulting, or deeply offensive. This is
what is known as education.

However, if you find yourself overwhelmed by any overly graphic material, you will be
allowed to step outside of the class until the graphic material has passed, without any fear
of judgement, retaliation, or punishment on my behalf, and then you may reenter the
classroom. I will trust you on what you can and cannot handle emotionally, but please do
not abuse this right that I have given you.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Perhaps in no other discipline does the adage “the past is prologue” apply as clearly as in
history. United States History (7220) is a chronological survey of the events and people
that characterize the major eras in American history. The course analyzes the political,
social, economic, religious, and military issues that formed our nation. Major course
objectives are to develop an awareness and understanding of the history of all Americans,
and to achieve the informed, discriminating citizenship essential to effective participation
in the democratic process of government.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To acquire a measurable knowledge of United States history. Specifically, to analyze the
economic, political, social and cultural customs which comprise the United States.
2. To enhance literacy and critical thinking skills through lecture-discussion, debate,
simulations, and reading and writing assignments.
3. To formulate the tools necessary for students to critically analyze historical interpretation
and the role of a historian. This includes evaluating the ideas, institutions, values and
conflicts in U.S. history and interpreting how they continue to affect the lives and
communities today.
4. To increase citizenship awareness and stimulate one’s desire to participate in the
democratic process.

COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS:

a. Standard 1. History.
 1. The historical method of inquiry to ask questions, evaluate primary
and secondary sources, critically analyze and interpret data, and develop
interpretations defended by evidence from a variety of primary and
secondary sources.
2. Analyze the key concepts of continuity and change, cause and
effect, complexity, unity and diversity over time
3. The significance of ideas as powerful forces throughout history
b. Standard 2. Geography
1. (3) The interconnected nature of the world, its people and places
c. Standard 3. Economics
1. (2) Economic policies impact markets
2. (3) Government and competition impact markets
d. Standard 4. Civics
1. (2) Purposes of and limitations on the foundations, structures and
functions of government

ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS:
Unit 6 1910-1929: World War I and the Roaring Twenties
Unit 7 1929-1940: Great Depression and The New Deal
Unit 8 1933-1945: Road to War and World War II
Unit 9 1945-1975: Cold War through Vietnam
Unit 10 1945-1975: Culture and Civil Rights during the Cold War
Unit 11 1975-Present: Carter and Reagan to the Present

GRADING:
Letter grades are earned by the student based upon the following percentage of possible
points earned: 100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, >60% = Failure.
Grades will be weighted as follows: Reader’s Notebook/Reading Quizzes 20%,
Assignments 20% (includes class work activity that is not included in the Reader’s
Notebook and any project or essay), Participation 10%, and Quizzes/Tests 50%.

CLASSROOM POLICIES:
The main, overarching policy that I have in my classrooms is a policy of respect. I am
open to most behaviors and actions as long as they are respectful to me, yourself, your
fellow classmates, and the academic integrity of this institution. For policies not
specifically listed in the following lists, please consult the policy of respect or ask me at
an appropriate time.

Civility: Some of the issues discussed in class may be controversial, and may generate
heated discussion. Please treat your fellow classmates and myself with respect. Serious
bigotry of any form will not be tolerated.

Cell Phones/Laptops/Other Technology: You may use your laptop or tablet for the taking
of notes during lecture, film, or discussion, though I encourage using traditional
pen/pencil and paper. During class, you may briefly check your phone, which should last
less than ten seconds, with the exception being during quizzes and tests. Please no
 texting/phone calls unless it is urgent or important. During individual or partner
worktime, texting will be more tolerated, but still no phone calls. Absolutely no
Snapchat, Facebook, or games at any point during class. Music may be listened to during
work time.

Food and Drink: Food and Drinks will be allowed as long as you do not make a mess in
the classroom, such as spilling a drink or leaving crumbs on the carpet, or leaving a mess
of trash at your desk.

Attendance/Tardies: Please refer to the School Policy section regarding both attendance
and being tardy. Being tardy from time to time is acceptable. Excessive occurrences of
tardiness, however, will be met first with a discussion and then, if no indication of intent
to improve, detention or some other form of reprimand.

Classroom Participation: Participating in class is strongly encouraged, but not required.

However, there may be times I will ask or demand of participation from you, so try to be
prepared every day.

Late Work: For excused absences, please refer to the school policy on late work for
excused absences (if no policy is present, it will be due the amount of days missed plus
one). The acceptance of other late work is on a case to case basis. My general rule is 10%
off every class day late. For exceptions, please speak to me about extensions. If you have
any questions regarding late work, please come see me.

Re-do Assignments: I believe in second chances. For all turned-in assignments, I will
allow re-dos that will be turned in by the end of the unit. I recommend using re-dos for all
assignments below a C. However, assignments that are already an A will not be allowed
to be re-done. If you have any questions regarding re-do’s, please come see me.

TESTS/QUIZZES:
Tests and Quizzes will be used throughout the year as an assessment of student learning
and teacher performance. The majority of quizzes assigned during the course will be
Potential Quizzes. These will appear on the syllabus/class schedule, but will most likely
be decided by the flipping of a coin or roll of a dice. I will have the authority to override
the probability of a quiz occurring on a certain day or not.

PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating on a turned in assignment where the words written are
not your own. This also includes not properly citing sources. Plagiarism will not be
tolerated, will result in an overview and meeting with you by myself, and if serious
enough, the department chair or an administrator, and your parents/guardians, and will
result in a form of reprimand, up to and including an F on the assignment, with no chance
for a re-try.