Course Contract

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians:

Welcome to the second semester of eleventh grade U.S. History at HSMSE. The following outlines the course content, objectives, expectations, and grading policy for the course.

Content:

• Reconstruction
• Late 19^th Century (Industrialization, Gilded Age, Immigration, and Urbanization)
• Progressive Era
• Foreign Policy (Imperialism and World War I)
• The Great Depression and the New Deal
• World War II
• The Cold War
• The Great Society and the Civil Rights Movement
• Seventies & Eighties
• Post-Cold War - present

Course Objectives:

• Evaluate the economic, political, cultural and social forces and events that have shaped the development of the United States;
• Analyze major U.S. foreign policy decisions and actions;
• Recognize the role and impact of immigrants to the fabric of American life;
• Continue developing skills in library and multi-media research, critical reading and analytical writing;
• Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate historical sources and other print and visual documents;
• Continue developing skills in interpreting graphs, maps, charts, and political cartoons; and
• Develop skills in writing a research paper

Required Materials:

• A 1 1/2 loose leaf binder or a section in a larger loose leaf binder
• Dividers to split the notebook into three sections: Class work, Homework, and Vocabulary
• Composition or spiral notebook for Current Events Journal.

Attendance:

• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. Be familiar with the school policies about this.

Class Behavior:

• Please be in your seats with your notebook open and your completed homework available at the beginning of the period. Clear your desk of all other matter (e.g. backpack, coat, hat, etc.).
• Be prepared to participate knowledgeably and actively in class. Do not call out.
• You are expected to respect your classmates, the teacher, and school property at all times. Disruptive and rude behavior will have a negative impact on your class participation grade.
• Eating (including gum chewing) or drinking any liquid besides water in class is prohibited. According to Department of Education policy, no electronic devices may be used in school. Prohibited electronic items will be confiscated and only released to your parent or guardian at the main office.

Homework and Other Written Assignments:

• Homework will be assigned on a regular basis, and must be completed and handed in on time. Class lessons often build on these assignments, so completed homework is necessary for effective class participation.
• Do all written work in blue or black ink. You may also type your homework. All reports must be typed (12 pt Times New Roman font).
• Meet all deadlines and follow directions closely. This includes nightly homework, group projects, individual projects, current events and any other assignments. If you do not have your homework when it is due (or on the day you return, if you are absent), you will receive a zero, which will be averaged into your homework grade. Late homework will be accepted for reduced credit after one day only.
• If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out the class lesson and for making up all assignments. Call classmates for notes and any information you might have missed; get the telephone numbers of at least two responsible classmates. Homework assignments will also be posted on the school's website (www.hsmse.org). If assignments were collected when you were absent, you must hand in these as well.
• If you have an emergency and are unable to do an assignment, please let me know at the beginning of the period before class starts. You are still expected to make up the assignment (without penalty).
• I will not accept any homework or other assignments via email. All assignments must be handed in hardcopy.

Tests and Quizzes:

• Tests and quizzes are given at the end of units. These will help assess your understanding of the readings and material covered in the course.
• Be prepared for all announced tests/quizzes and unannounced (pop) quizzes. If you do your work properly, these will not be a problem.
• There will also be regular notebook checks.

Academic and Personal Integrity:

• Our school is committed to the principles of academic integrity and we promote a learning environment where individuals understand and appreciate the importance of honesty. In order to preserve the academic integrity of the school, I expect you to:
• Submit only your own work
• Refuse to participate in other students' attempts to compromise the school's policy.
• Avoid plagiarism.
• Any violation of the above principles will result in academic and disciplinary consequences. It is essential that you maintain personal and intellectual honesty.

Grades:

• Your grade will be based on the following criteria:
• Homework and Quizzes – 25%
• Class work/Class participation – 15%
• Tests/projects – 60%
• If you are having difficulty of any kind, make an appointment to see me. Do not just let things slide. Always ask for help before you really need it. Even if you are not having problems, come see me to chat about history, current events, school, and whatever you wish.

I look forward to a challenging and rewarding semester and to meeting parents at conferences later in the term. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns and questions at gtrimarco@hsmse.org.

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