HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY

Mr. Van Smith

http://teachers.dadeschools.net/mvansmith

mbvansmith@cs.com

Miami Palmetto Senior High School

Mission Statement:

This course will provide the student with the ability to understand, analyze and utilize American History.  We will set high standards and expect to exceed them.

Materials:

1.      American Odyssey: The United States in the 20^th Century, 1997

2.      American History notebook

3.      Additional materials will be supplied throughout the year

Homework Assignments:

Students are expected to complete homework assignments on a regular basis.  Examples of homework assignments include: current events, study questions, textbook readings, and others.  Homework will make up a major portion of your overall grade. 

Quizzes:

Quizzes will be given on a regular basis to gauge the progress of the class and to determine if a subject area needs extra attention.  The exact timing of quizzes will be determined as the class progresses.

Exams:

Exams will be given at the conclusion of major units and topics (usually every 3 or 4 weeks).  These will roughly correspond to the 10 major sections of the course outline.  Advance notice will be given before all exams.  The exams will include various question formats: multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.  Social Studies exam day is Wednesday.

Grading (subject to change):

Participation:                             2 grades per 9 weeks (also some extra credit)

Graded Homework:                  1 or 2 grades usually

Class Assignments:                 1 or 2 grades usually

Quizzes:                                    2 grades

Exams:                                     4 grades

These are rough guidelines for the grades in this class.  Obviously, I retain the power to change the grading policies if I deem appropriate. 

I will always try to let the student know how they are progressing.  All students are expected to provide an e-mail address for regular progress reports.  Also, summaries will be posted to the course website.

Class Rules:

1.      Use common sense (you know what is appropriate and what is not).

2.      Be courteous: always raise your hand to speak in class, don’t interrupt and respect all viewpoints (even if you disagree).

3.      If you are late, you need a pass (otherwise academic, effort and conduct grades will be affected).

4.      If you are absent, you need an admit.  Make-up work is your responsibility (check the website).

5.      NO SLEEPING (or putting your head down)! 

6.      Do not eat or drink in class.

7.      Always bring the required materials (textbook, notebooks, pens, etc.).

Notebooks:

The quality of your notebook will largely decide your fate in this class.  A good notebook will prove invaluable.  A poor notebook will drag you down and hinder your progress. 

Your notebook should be:

1.      A three-ring binder with pockets on the front and back covers

2.      Subject should clearly be labeled “Honors American History” across the front cover.

3.      Your name and period should appear on the inside cover (upper left corner)

4.      Your should organize your notebook as follows (using dividers):

            A.  Course Information

            B.  Classnotes

            C.  Handouts

D.     Homework

Course Website: More detailed course information is available on the course website.  Visit http://teachers.dadeschools.net/mvansmith

Acceptance:

In order for us to achieve the highest possible level of success in this course, we (the student, student’s guardian, and myself) all need to be in agreement.  Please indicate your understanding and acceptance of this syllabus by signing below.

X__________________            X__________________            X__________________

Mr. Van Smith              Student’s signature                   Guardian’s Signature

Best of luck to all of you in all your classes and pursuits this year!