Old Orchard Beach High School

40 E. Emerson Blvd. Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064

Mr. John Suttie, Principal
2014 2015

United States History - CP
Mrs. R. Slack, Social Studies Department
rslack@rsu23.org
Room 206

Textbook: America: Pathways to the Present

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a one-year survey course, which focuses on the United States from its pre-colonial
time period to the post World War II Era. This course attempts to conduct a balanced
examination of the United States as a major world power with an understanding of how the
country evolved politically, socially, and economically. Towards this end, the course utilizes
a number of resources. In addition to the textbook America: Pathways to the Present,
related works of literature, film, primary resource documents, newspaper articles, and the
Internet will be used to help enhance your understanding of the historical content.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objectives for this course are varied, working through a variety of methodologies; the
successful student will develop the skills necessary to:

Read and interpret historically relevant information.

Articulate an understanding of the major themes and issues of Americas history.

Use analytical and critical thinking skills to assess historical data.

Refine and strengthen organizational skills through maintaining a binder.

Access current technology to obtain historical information.

Use the English language, both in written and verbal forms, to communicate
thoughts and ideas.
OUTLINE FOR SUCCESS
Your grade will be based on the following:

Examinations and Projects: 45%

Homework: 20%

Quizzes: 15%

Quick Writes 5%

Class Assignments: 15%

EXPECTATIONS

Preparation for Class: You should be prepared with your notebook, assigned laptop,
pen or pencil, headphones (if required), and completed homework assignment.
o
Notebook: A notebook is required for this course and counts as an exam
grade each quarter. A three-ring binder works best. Your notebook should
have the following 5 sections:

1- Class Notes & Handouts (must be in sequential order)

2- Class work

3- Homework (All assignments must be written in complete

sentences. Assignments are due at the start of the next class. If you
do not hand in your homework at this time, you have one more
class meeting to hand in the assignment for a highest possible grade
of 70%. After this time the work will not be accepted.

4- Quizzes & Exams

5- Quick Writes
o
Your iPad: Students are to report to class with a fully charged iPad everyday.
When instruction and assignments are presented in a digital format, students
must be ready to participate. Students without iPads will be marked
unprepared for class, and will receive a 0 for the days assignment. When
applicable, students may make up the assignment to a 70%. A lesson on how
to organize your iPad for CP US History will follow.
*Your notebook and laptop will be evaluated at the end of each quarter.

Participation in Class: Listening and taking notes during instruction is

essential. Asking questions when you do not understand is very important. If
you do not understand the material we are covering, you should come in
during: a study hall, CLB time, or after school for help.

Extra Credit: If you do not complete the work as assigned, there is no reason to
give you extra credit because you havent completed the work already given. If
you have completed all the work as assigned and you wish to raise your grade,
see me to arrange an extra credit assignment.

Absences: You are responsible for all missed assignments. In order to keep up
with the class, please see me the day you return in order to collect your missed
assignments.

Cheating: It is your responsibility not to let others use your work for copying
or for any other purpose that does not adhere to course and school
expectations. If you are caught copying from another students paper (or vice
versa), you both will receive zeros.

Teacher Detentions: Not abiding by these expectations may result in a teacher

detention. Detentions will be served the next day.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Pre-Columbian Societies, Transatlantic Encounters, & Colonial Beginnings, 1492-1690
2. Colonial North America, 1690-1754
3. The American Revolutionary Era, 1754-1789
4. The Early Republic, 1789-1815
5. Transformation of the Economy, Politics, and Society of Antebellum America
6. Religion, Reform, and Renaissance in Antebellum America
7. Territorial Expansion and Manifest Destiny
8. Crisis within the Union
9. Civil War
10. Reconstruction
11. Origins of the New South
12. Development of the West in the Late 19
th
Century
13. Urban Society in the Late 19
th
Century
14. Populism & Progressivism
15. The Emergence of America as a World Power
16. The New Era: 1920s
17. The Great Depression and the New Deal
18. The Second World War
19. The United States and the Cold War
20. The 1950s