North Springs Charter High School

U.S. History Syllabus

Ms. Amanda Paris
Rm. E206
parisam@fultonschools.org
www.msparis.weebly.com
2019-2020
Ms. Kiara Willis Mr. Stephen Bengston
Rm. E207 Rm. E213
williskr@fultonschools.org bengstons@fultonschools.org
www.mswillisk2.weebly.com www.historywithbengstonbrown.zohosites.com

George Smith Jill McEachern

Rm. D233 Rm. 209
Smithg4@fultonschools.org McEachernnj@fultonschools.org

Text: HMH “American History” (online access via your teacher’s class website or Classlink)

Course Description: United States History is a two semester course that will focus on the significant people, places and
critical events in the history of the United States covering the period from the colonial era to the present day. American
history is the story of who we are, what we are and what we as Americans will become. Our historical investigation will be
a combination of many disciplines: literature, science, sociology, politics, psychology, economics, military history, music,
theater, etc. In essence, the history of the American Odyssey is life told through the vehicle of story. Like any story it is filled
with human drama and is replete with myths, legends, heroes, villains, triumphs and tragedies.

High Stakes Tests: You will have a high stakes assessment during spring semester. The Georgia Milestones US
History Test is scheduled for late April 2020.

The GA Milestones US History Exam has five domains: Colonization through the Constitution; New Republic through
Reconstruction; Industrialization, Reform and Imperialism; Establishment as a World Power; and the Modern Era. This is
an accelerated schedule. You will need to be an active and engaged participant to be successful in this class.

Course Outline: Standards

I. Exploration and Colonization 1&2

II. Revolutionary Era 3&4
III. Constitutional Period 5 & 6a
IV. Early Nineteenth Century 6&7
V. Civil War and Reconstruction 8, 9 & 10
VI. Industrial Revolution/Progressives 11, 12 & 13
VII. American Imperialism and World War One 14 & 15
VIII. Boom or Bust 16, 17 & 18
IX. World War Two 19
X. Cold War and Technology 20 & 21a,c
XI. Post WWII: Civil Rights & Social Movements 21b,d,e
XII. Post WWII: National Politics 22, 23

Requirements:

 Homework. If you find that you are falling behind in class you should use the textbook to review relevant portions of the
materials. You may also find it helpful to review the US History standards at www.georgiastandards.org as we will base
the majority of the assessments on material directly cited in GPS Standards. Of course, feel free to schedule an
appointment with your teacher to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
 Tablet or personal computer that is NOT a cellphone. Our textbook is online as are many of the things we will do in
class.
 Assignments. Classroom activities, homework assignments, projects, readings, quizzes, and major tests may
accompany all units of study.
 Participation. Participation is important to your success in this class. You cannot fully master the complex concepts
without thoughtful discourse and interaction with your peers.
 Final Exams. The Fall Final Exam will be cumulative and will be worth 20% of your grade for the fall semester. Your
Spring Final Exam will be your GA Milestones EOC Exam and will be worth 20% of your grade for the spring semester.
 Grading Policy:

 Weighted Grades: All assignments will be graded on a traditional weighted scale. Students and parents are encouraged
to keep up with their child’s progress on Infinite Campus.

Summative: 40%
Formative: 30%
Homework: 10%
Fall Final Exam/EOC Exam: 20%

 Make-Up Policy for Excused Absences: Students are responsible for getting notes from another student in the class for
the day(s) missed. Students need to check the absent binder for any work missed on the day of the absence.

If you miss a test, you will be expected to take the test on the day you return to class. If you need to schedule a make-up
test and fail to show to take the make-up test, you will receive a zero (0) on the test. You are expected to turn in pre-
assigned work on the date you return to school from the excused absence.

 Late Work/Unexcused Absences: Students are expected to submit their work on time. There will be a 10-point deduction
per day late. However, no assignments will be accepted after completion of the unit. Students will be expected to
take/complete a missed test or quiz on the day the student returns to school.

Recovery Policy: Recovery will be provided as outlined in Fulton County Board of Education and North Springs Charter
High School.

NSCHS Social Studies Department Plagiarism Statement: Plagiarism and honor code violations will be dealt with as
outlined in the North Springs Charter High School Handbook.

 Tardiness: You should be in your seat working on the bellwork assignment when the bell rings. The school tardy policy
will be strictly enforced.
 Preparation: Bring all required materials to class. Come to class with something to write with, your US History binder, and
your tablet or personal computer every day unless otherwise specified. You will not be permitted to leave class to retrieve
materials.
 North Springs Code of Responsibility: Each student has the right to learn, each teacher has the right to teach, and
each parent has the right to be involved. Students are expected to show respect for others, support and participate in the
learning process, show respect for property, and use safe and responsible conduct at all times.
 Substitute Teachers: Be cooperative and respectful toward all faculty, staff and administrators. Students who misbehave
and cause problems for a substitute teacher will automatically receive two days detention after school. I work hard to have
high quality substitute teachers; many of whom are retired Fulton County teachers. They have a lot to offer you, and I
expect that you will take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from them.