U. S.

History
Ms. McCain
Email: dkmccainpop21@gmail.com (best way to contact me)
Phone: (603) 793-0929
Course Description
The focus of this course is the study of the historical development of
American ideas and institutions. This course will focus on the
economic, political and social changes that have shaped Americans as
a people. Students will obtain a basic knowledge of American culture
through a survey of US History. The ideas and concepts explored and
developed will have interdisciplinary connections to themes in
American Literature. Students will write newspaper articles and
reports from the perspective of different historical periods and will
participate in simulations with emphasis on various pivotal points in
American History.
Topics Covered

Objectives
Students will demonstrate and understanding of:

the major ideas, issues and events pertaining to the history of

governance in our state and nation.
the events, actions and policies of our nation in relation to other
peoples and governments over time.
the conceptions of reality, ideals, guidelines of behavior and
forms of expression.
the changing forms of production, distribution and consumption
of goods and services over time.
the interaction of various social groups, including their values,
beliefs and practices over time.
Students will:
respond to informational text.
purposefully organize and convey information through process
writing.
read informational text for literal and inferential understanding.

employ search strategies using technology resources & tools to

investigate a topic, and analyze and evaluate the validity and
appropriateness of electronic information.
purposefully organize and convey information through oral
presentations.

Required Course Material

1. Book Cover
2. Three Ring Binder
3. Pencils, highlighter, colored pen
Text
*Will be determined
Major Assignments
Major assignments for each unit:
1. Early Civilizations: students will create a visual depicting life in
one of these civilizations as well as write a summary.
2. Ancient Greece/Rome: students will write a research essay
about the decline of the Roman Empire.
3. Middles Ages: students will create
4. Renaissance: students will analyze, evaluate and compare two
works of art.
5. The Enlightenment: Students will work through document
based questions and complete a document-based essay on
how Enlightenment ideas spread across Europe and the
Americas.
6. Industrial Revolution: Students will create a mini book that
exemplifies the causes and impacts of the Industrial
Revolution.
7. Imperialism/World Revolutions: Students will research one
world revolution of their choice, create a poster or brochure,
and write an persuasive essay from the point of view of a
famous revolutionary from their revolution.
8. WWI, Inter War Years, WWII: Students will create a timeline
with pictures, descriptions, and reasoning as to why certain
events were included in the timeline.
Grading
Homework 15%

Classwork/Quizzes: 25%
Assessments/Projects: 60%

Class Policies and Procedures

1. Come to class on time and prepared with your three-ring binder
and a writing utensil.
2. Be respectful to your peers and teacher by listening when they
are speaking. Treat others how you would like to be treated.
3. Cell phones will not be allowed in class, they need to be put in
backpacks before the beginning of class. If you choose to have
them out during class you will receive one warning to put it away
or it will go into the cell phone basket until the end of class.
4. Complete all assignments. Late work will be accepted for a
reduced grade unless otherwise stated by me. You are
responsible for your choices and not completing/not handing in
work is a choice! If you have questions or concerns or if you are
feeling confused or overwhelmed, please come to see me and
well discuss it!
5. If you know that you will be absent, please let me know so that I
can try to give you your work in advance! This way you can
come back without having missed too much!
6. PLEASE CHECK MY WEBSITE, especially IF YOU ARE ABSENT! It
will tell you what the homework is so you can return to class
prepared!
7. Remember, your parent/guardian can always call the school and
request your work too! It can be picked up in guidance.
8. Finally, a hanging file system is kept in my room. This will help
us all keep track of what youve missed. All extra papers from
each days lessons will be placed in these files. On the first day
you return to school see me for the papers from the day(s) that
you were absent.
9. The work you missed is due on the next class-meeting day
following your return. See me if you have any questions about
the assignments. If you need the lecture notes, please ask a
friend, check my website or feel free to come and chat with me!
Remember, becoming self-sufficient is essential; therefore, it is
YOUR responsibility to obtain these
worksheets/assignments when you return.