Text:

Nash, Gary, American Odyssey:  The United States in the 20^th Century

Readings (online and handouts):

Primary source documents (e.g., Online Archive of California, History Matters, California Historical Society)

Excerpts from:

• Chang, Iris, The Chinese in America
• Douglas, Frederick, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas
• Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher, A Midwife’s Tale:  Based on the Diary of Martha Ballard, 1785-1812  
• Zinn, Howard, A People’s History of the United States

Course Goals:

Students will learn about the role of the historian, historical research, and the controversies that occur within the discipline.  Through readings, in-class activities and individual and group projects, students will come to see history as a complex subject with the possibility of different interpretations of the same event.  In addition, they will be able to:

• analyze historical events;
• have an understanding of the major events and trends in the United States;
• see the history of the U.S. as the result of the contributions of all people, regardless of race, class, gender, or other defining factors;
• find and accurately use a variety of sources in the development and completion of a 5-7 page research paper.

The other major goal is to instill a love of history, so as to encourage further study!

Standards and Skills:

In alignment with the national and California history standards, this course will provide students with skills for chronological thinking; historical comprehension, analysis and interpretation; historical research; issues-analysis and decision-making. 

Course Description:

We will be covering the standard curriculum of a chronological U.S. History course, looking at themes in American history such as:

• the role of religion and religious movements;
• the impact of social change movements;
• the emergence of a modern economy;
• the impact of technology on American society and culture;
• change in the ethnic composition of American society and the impact of this challenge;
• the role of the U.S. as a world power.

Participation/Attendance:

As Juniors, you are ready to take a more active role in your education.  That is why participation is an important component of your grade.  You will be assessed on your contributions to class, your involvement/responsibility in group activities and consistent attendance. Your attendance is important to maintain quality work and to ensure a good grade.   Please note that tardies will also be reflected in your grade, so come to class on time!

If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out what was missed and for checking with me about due dates for make-up work, including tests scheduled for the period following the absence.  Exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses with your classmates today, and use the “Edline Homework” tool available on Mercy’s website.  “I wasn’t here last class” is not a valid excuse for missing assignments or tests.

Late Work:

It is to your benefit to hand in your work on time in order to ensure that you receive full credit.  All late assignments will be graded down for every day they are late.

Grading:

All work is assigned a point value.  Please note that not all work will receive a letter grade.  Grades are based on the total points accumulated in each grading period.  The range of grades is as follows:

90 -100% of total points =   A

80 - 89% of total points =    B

70 - 79% of total points =    C

60 - 69% of total points =    D

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to abide by the school rules and policies which are contained in your handbook.  Some policies, such as those applying to tardies, have changed.  It is your responsibility to inform yourself of these changes.

 As “Women of Mercy,” maintaining a respectful and dignified demeanor in the classroom towards your teachers and your classmates is a given.  Unacceptable and/or disruptive behavior will result in detention, and a pattern of infractions will negatively affect your grade.

Research Paper:

A 5-7 page term paper is a required element of the U.S. History course.  The paper will be written in several steps, including a first draft and a final paper, and will require some original research using primary sources.

Staying in Touch:

I encourage you to come see me to discuss any questions, issues, problems, or concerns.  Also, parents and students should feel free to contact me via e-mail or to leave a message on my voicemail during non-school hours.

 Let’s have a great year together!

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