Building the American Republic

HIS 12-13 & 15, 2010-2011

Ms. Susanna Whitaker Cell: (781) 248-6235

Classroom L30 swhitaker@brooksschool.org

Description:

This course explores the development of America starting with the arrival of European
settlers in the early 17th century and ending with more contemporary issues of the latter 20th
century. In each unit, our class will examine and weigh topics for their political, social,
economic, global and historical significance. Students will learn to explore the multiple
interpretations of a historical event, and give thought to point of view and bias. Much
attention will be devoted to developing critical thinking through class discussion, as well as
working on primary document analysis skills and essay writing. Students will work to better
their development of thesis statements, MLA formatting and bibliographic entries in the
context of a formal paper. Draft writing and in-class workshops with peer review will help
facilitate this process. In addition, class time will be devoted to outlining current events,
which will help students to learn how relevant historical knowledge can be in understanding
today’s politics and culture.

Text:

Davidson, James West, et al. Nation of Nations: A Narrative History of the American
Republic. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008.

Website:

A new adventure in technology this year—we have a class blog! This site will serve to keep
us up to date on assignments, as a forum for survey and discussion, and as a launching pad to
the rest of the web which will help aid our research as historians. You can access the blog at
http://whitakerushistory2010.blogspot.com/. Check it nightly!

Supplies:

Pen/pencil, highlighter, notebook paper, three ring binder with dividers for history. If you
have a laptop, you will want to bring it to class—though we won’t use it every day, we will
use it often. You must be prompted by me to open your computer, otherwise, it should
remain in your bag. Technology use in our classroom is a privilege and I reserve the right to
revoke that privilege if I feel it is being abused.

Forms of Evaluation:

Class Participation/Attendance
Homework Assignments
Quizzes/Quests/Tests/Exams
Projects/Essays

1
Class Participation & Attendance:

Students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities, both through active
listening and thoughtful contribution. Full credit will be awarded to those students who
demonstrate their involvement by asking questions, offering valuable insight, and showing
respect for classroom policies and procedures.

Attendance is an essential component of class participation. In the case of an excused

absence, the student may consult his or her assignment sheet and submit the work by the next
class meeting. Any exceptions must be arranged ahead of time and receive approval.
However, if the absence is unexcused, then the work due for the class missed will receive a
zero (this also includes any tests etc. that were administered during class time). Students who
attend class, but submit late work will face a grade deduction of one letter grade (e.g. an A
paper becomes a B if turned in late). In accordance with Brooks School policy, no late work
will be accepted past three days following the due date.

Homework Assignments:

Assignments will be approximately 45 minutes per night. All written work, or work to be
submitted electronically, is due by the beginning of the class period. Do not bother to email
assignments or show up to class late because you were printing, as the assignment will
be counted as late anyway. Notebook checks will be given, with warning, at various points
in the semester. Make sure to keep all course materials and work neatly organized so that you
may receive full credit at these opportunities.

Formal Assessment:

Fair warning and review will be given for all quests, tests, and the two final exams students
will enjoy this year. The class will usually receive notice of a quiz, though once in a while
you may encounter a pleasant surprise. Semester final exams are consistent with the format
of the tests administered in the months previous, but will likely include the addition of
several longer essay questions. An exam counts towards 20% of your semester grade.

Projects/Essays:

Much attention will be devoted to writing throughout the year, so instruction in formatting
and citation will further illuminate expectations. However, please know now that all papers
must be 12-point font Times New Roman, double spaced with 1” margins, and stapled
properly before submission. Accurate and consistent notation is compulsory, and any
instance of plagiarism will receive a zero and be referred to the Dean’s office for disciplinary
action.

Grades:

Averages are calculated by a point system. The student’s total points will be divided by the
total points possible in the quarter/semester/year. Please see Ms. Whitaker AT ANY TIME
about any concerns you might have regarding your grade (or anything else!). I am, and hope
you are too, looking forward to a great year!