7^th Grade American History Syllabus 2011-2012

Mr. Dan Albrinck

Room: 103

Phone: (859) 331-6333 ext. 103

Email:dalbrinck@villamadonna.net

Course Objectives:

This is a year long course in which students will examine, study, and research events from early Native Americans through the Civil War.  It is the goal of this course that students review physical geography, learn the basic tenets of representative government, examine conflict and cooperation in society, study the various cultural beliefs in our country, develop an appreciation for the American arts, recognize the sacrifices made so their country could survive, compare past and current events, and gain a strong organizational base.  Keeping all these in mind information will be provided by several methods to help students process the material presented.

Course methods

• Lecture
• Note-taking
• Read Aloud
• Silent Reading
• Videos
• Skits
• Short and long-term projects
• Group work
• Discussion
• Tests/Quizzes
• Various other homework and classroom assignments when necessary

Materials:

1.      Textbook- History Alive: The United States(ISBN # 1-58371-187-2)

2.      Workbook- Interactive Notebooks (INK)

3.      Three-ring Binder- Social Studies

4.      Writing utensil

History Binder

Students are required to obtain a three ring binder in which they will keep homework, notes, handouts, tests and quizzes from this course.  The idea behind the binder is to provide the students with an organized approach to learning and studying the history of America.  The binders will be collected on test day and will also be graded at that time.

Assessment/Grading Scale:

The grading scale for the year will be based on a simple point scale where points earned are divided by points possible to determine a final grade.  Letter grades will then be assigned in accordance with the school grading scale (below).

A= 93-100

            B= 85-92

            C= 75-84

            D= 70-74

            F= 70 or below

Discipline/Classroom Rules:

We will have a very simple discipline system in this classroom.  To save time and allow class to flow more easily a card system will be used.  In case of minor misbehavior students will be shown a yellow card.  Two yellow cards in one class period or a major misbehavior will result in a red card.  If a red card is issued students will receive a writing assignment and their parents will be contacted.  Also if a student earns 3 yellow cards in a week or 5 yellow cards in a quarter will have the same consequences as a red card.  Consistent misbehavior will be subject to administrative actions.

1. All school rules will be followed.
2. Be Punctual.
3. Be Seated.
4. Be Prepared.
5. Be Respectful.

 Tentative Course Outline:

7^th

• Chapter 1: American Geography
• Chapter 2: Native Americans
• Chapter 3 & 4:The English Colonies/Life in the Colonies
• Chapter 5 & 6: Toward Independence
• Chapter 7: The American Revolution
• Chapter 8,9, & 10: The Constitution & The Bill of Rights
• Chapter 11 & 12: Political Developments & Foreign Policy
• Chapter 13: Worlds of North and South
• Chapter 14: Andrew Jackson & Growth of Democracy
• Chapter 15: Manifest Destiny & Growth of the Nation
• Chapter 16: Life in the West
• Chapter 18: An Era of Reform
• Chapter 19, 20, & 21: Civil War