United States History I

Instructors:

Mr. Abel Castaneda                                         a.castaneda@hackensackschools.org            

I. Rationale:

To be aware of cultural and historical differences and commonalities so we may understand ourselves and our nation.

II. Course Aims and Objectives:

Aims

Students will think critically about people, events and consequences and connect these ideas to their own lives and situations that exist in the world today. Using history, students will become more organized, think logically and write clearly, so that they will become full, effective and valuable citizens that participate fully in the workings of today’s society.

Units of Study

I.                    Colonization and Settlement

II.                 Revolution and the New Nation

III.               Expansion and Reform

IV.              Civil War and Reconstruction

V.                 The Development of the Industrial United States

VI.              Progressive Reforms

III. Format and Procedures

Format

Each class is designed to incorporate various learning styles to accommodate the needs of all students. Each of these styles will include higher level questioning, critical thinking activities and skill based activities. These activities will be done in various formats; see Class Assignments.

Class Assignments

Class work                                                      Geography skills                      

Homework                                                      Primary source analysis            

Tests/Quizzes                                                   Research based projects

Map skills                                                        Note taking

Short answer/open ended questions                  RASER essays

Essays-persuasive and a narrative                     Group projects and presentations         

These assignments will be used in variation based upon the topic being covered and will be tailored to each class.

IV. Course Requirements:

1. Class Attendance

Attendance policies for US I will be in accordance with the attendance policy stated in the HHS handbook.

2. Late Work

Students are required to hand in all work even though it may be past the due date. Even though the assignment is late and points will be deducted, it is considered important that students do the work in order to understand the subject matter as it will be connected to future learning. The penalty for late work is subject to the teacher’s discretion.

3. Make-up work due to absence

Students will be given an appropriate amount of time to make up work based upon the amount of time they were absent. Once this time has passed the work will be considered late and subject to late work policy.

4. Course readings/materials and other resources

All students are expected to be prepared with necessary materials daily.

Required text: The Americans

Resources: Supplementary resources will be used throughout the course and include primary source documents and pictures, newspaper/magazine articles and internet based information and activities.

5. Homework Philosophy

Homework is given for various reasons including; introduction, reinforcement, review and extension. Homework can be done in various forms including; Q&A (all types), note taking, reading, reading analysis (DBQ), map/geography skills, essays (all types) and projects. The time allotted for homework will vary depending on the assignment. Homework will be given on average from 2-3 times a week and may vary according to topic and needs of each individual class.

6. Common Assignments

Various projects and writing assignments will be given for each unit of study.

V. Grading Procedures

Grading in United States History I is designed to facilitate the learning of all students. Grading is used to show demonstrative progress to all students, demonstrate their strengths, and areas in which they may need extra academic commitment. The process is cumulative and the final grade is issued as per the Hackensack High School Handbook.

Grades

Tests: 40%           Quizzes: 30%

Homework: 10%          Class Participation: 10%            Class Work: 10%

VI. Assessments

United States I has common unit tests, a common mid-term, and a common final.