Course Info

HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY I: THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLES starts in 1492 AD with the European exploration of the New World and ends in 1892 AD by which time the United States had expanded to the Pacific Ocean and the area of the modern-day lower 48 states had been settled.

You will learn about:

the origins of the United States from European exploration and colonial settlement to the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras
the important political and economic factors that contributed to the development of colonial America and the outbreak of the American Revolution
the consequences of the Revolution, including the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
the establishment of political parties, America’s westward expansion, and the growth of sectional conflict
how sectional conflict led to the Civil War and about the consequences of the Civil War, including Reconstruction

This course is divided into eight units:

c. 1492-1763: COLONIZATION studies the settlement of the North American continent by European powers, subjugation of Native Americans, and enslavement of African peoples.

c. 1763-1783: REVOLUTION explores the push for American self-government and independence from Great Britain.

c. 1783-1789: CONSTITUTION studies the creation of the new federal government.

c. 1789-1815: THE FEDERALIST PERIOD examines the new nation’s early years from Washington’s Administration through the War of 1812.

c. 1815-1849: EXPANSION AND REFORM explores the growth of American nationalism following the War of 1812; economic and industrial development; and expansion of political participation. It also surveys social and religious reform movements, westward expansion through the Mexican-American War, and the impact of American slavery.

c. 1850-1865: CIVIL WAR investigates the issues that led to secession crisis and conflict between the United States and the Confederate States during the American Civil War.

c. 1865-1877: RECONSTRUCTION examines the lasting effects of the Civil War and the struggles to rebuild the nation.

c. 1865-1890: THE WESTERN FRONTIER surveys conflicts between settlers, ranchers, miners, and Native Americans during the settling of the West.

EXPECTATIONS

Be kind! Demonstrate respect for yourself and others.
Act interested! Listen attentively. Participate politely. Ask insightful, relevant questions.
Follow directions!

RULES

We are in a public space and polite, civil behavior is expected. Every member of the public has the right to education, and disruptions to others' ability to learn will not be tolerated.
Profanity, racist, sexist, homophobic, and other offensive language will not be tolerated.
Respect others' personal space and do not touch other students.
Be on time. If you enter or leave the room once class has begun, don't make a dramatic entrance or exit.
Always ask permission before borrowing items from anyone.
NEVER go behind my desk or sit in my chair without permission.
Email to me should be courteous, respectful, and professional in manner and tone. Anticipate 24-48 hours for a reply.
One individual is allowed to use the restroom at a time. Excessive restroom visits, failure to return quickly, or poor behavior will result in losing this privilege.
Drinks, food, and gum are not permitted.

Wakefield Honor Code

The students of Wakefield High School are committed to being honest and responsible in the completion of academic materials and interactions with the school administration and community. Cheating, stealing, plagiarism (passing off another's work, words, or ideas as one's own), and lying (including willful distortion or misrepresentation) are considered violations of the Honor Code. Through a joint fulfillment of this code, students and faculty will achieve their fullest potential in academic excellence and character.

ELECTRONICS

Silence and store electronics when the bell rings to begin class. Do not wait for me to tell you.
Electronic devices may not be used without express permission from me to use for a specific classroom activity.
Electronic devices are not permitted to be visible if not in use for a class activity.
Improper use of an electronic device will result in its confiscation.
This is your only warning!

CLASS SUPPLIES

You are required to bring these items with you to class each day.

Blue or black ink pen
Spiral notebook for note-taking and writing assignments
Folder to collect handouts
Pencil (only required on test days)
Special supplies may be necessary for projects

GRADING

40% Tests and Projects
35% Classwork and Homework
25% Quizzes

ASSIGNMENTS

Complete work in blue or black ink only.
Homework assignments are due at the start of class. Anything submitted after assignment collection will be considered late. Late assignments will be accepted for a maximum of 70% credit.
Assignments without names will not be accepted.
Make-up work is acceptable only for excused absences. Make-up work is your responsibility. If you miss class, you must find out what you need to do.

Absent 1 day = 1 extra day
Absent 2 days = 2 extra days
Absent 3 days = 3 extra days
Absent 4 or more days = 2 days per day absent

CHEATING IS BAD. Do it on even the smallest assignment and you’ll lose my respect and can count me out as ever acting as a reference for you. This includes taking a picture of or copying another student's work.

I will also inform your parents, other teachers, and coaches that you've been caught cheating and cannot be trusted, and I will see that you are dismissed from any honor societies to which you belong.

ACT WITH INTEGRITY.

TESTING AND EXTRA CREDIT

Missed tests may be made up during Pride Time or SMART lunch.
Students with a score of 69% or below on a test may retest for a maximum test score of 70%.
Extra credit will not be offered.

ESSENTIAL CLASS DOCUMENTS