US History in the 20th Century - Honors (Period Per 1) Assignments

Mr. Tobias

Social Studies Department

Bordentown Regional High School

                     [email protected]

(609) 298 – 0025 Voicemail: 1339

American History in the 20^th Century Honors

Attention: Welcome to Honors! This course is taught in respect to the weighted honors grade. Those who enter the class are assumed to have superior work ethics as well as strong writing skills. Assignments will primarily consist of large amounts of reading, writing, and creative thinking. Additionally, assignments will require high levels of independent research, collaborative interaction, public speaking and creativity. In short, this course is designed to be an extensive and difficult academic experience. It is not for the faint of heart or the irresponsible. For those who chose to stay and make a commitment to this class, we guarantee an extremely interesting, intellectually gratifying and personally rewarding experience.

Course Objectives: After a brief review of the material from eighth grade history course, students will complete a survey coverage of United States history from the early 20^th century to the present. Due to the enormous volume of information involved in such a wide range of coverage, emphasis will be on major events, personalities and concepts. Throughout the course students will be asked to refer to several major themes that run throughout the entire course of American history. These include:

1. The Approaching Century and Word War I 
2. The 1920’s and 1930’s
3. World War II
4. Early Cold War and The 1950’s
5. Civil Rights
6. Tumultuous Times
7. The 1970’s and 1980's
8. The 1990’s - present

A variety of other topics will be examined in depth as time allows. By year’s end every student will be able to demonstrate general knowledge of United States history in the 20^th century. Students will simultaneously develop and sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills, as well as, learn to complete a research project of substantial size. Book reports, persuasive essays, debates, historical recreations and role-plays, oral representations, music and interpretive artwork will also be used to facilitate learning and understanding.

Course Procedures: Students will be expected to read one (and sometimes two) sections of their textbook on an almost daily basis. They will be expected to take comprehensive notes on their readings. Text readings will also be supported by various documents, maps, graphs, primary and secondary sources, in-class readings, video clips, music, art, short writing assignments, cooperative learning exercises and other activities. Approximately every two weeks students will take a unit exam. There will usually be at least one major essay and/or project per unit.

Grading Policy: Marking period grades will be determined by the percentage of points earned for each assignment divided by the total points for all assignments combined at the end of each marking period. For example, 400 points earned divided by a total value of assignments at 500 points is an 80%.

The following assessments will be used to calculate marking period averages: Homework, Class Work, Class Participation, Quizzes, Projects, Essays and Tests. The overall grade for the course is based on 40 % for each marking period and 20% for the final exam.