Classroom Rules:

1. Come to class prepared and

ready to learn.
2. Cellphones and I-pods are only
allowed during suitable times.
3. Respect yourself, other students,
and the teacher. Do not interfere
with others learning.

Consequences & Rewards:

-Students are expected to be on
task during class and have a positive
attitude toward learning. If a student
violates this rule, they will be required
to complete an extra book assignment
as well as the days classroom work.
-By staying positive and
participating as a whole group for 4
class periods in a row, each student will
receive 5 extra credit points.

Extra Credit:
-Prior to being given extra
credit assignments, students must
have all required assignments
turned in. An example could
include writing a 1 page journal
about a current event.

Late Work:
-Late work will only be
accepted up to a week after to
original due date.
-All late work will receive
half credit unless the school
excuses the absence. If so, the
student has two days for every day
absent.

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on a

total point system, which
will include credit from
projects, tests, assignments.
participation, and quizzes.
A

93-100%

73-76%

A-

90-92%

C-

70-72%

B+

87-89%

D+

67-69%

83-86%

63-66%

B-

80-82%

D-

60-62%

C+

77-79%

0-59%

I have read the disclosure and

understand the requirements of the
class.
Students name:

American History
Cottonwood High
School

____________________________
Student signature:
______________________________
Parent signature:
______________________________

Ms. Kolesky
U0620269utah.edu

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Course Description and Objectives:

Why study American History? We cannot understand where we are going until we
understand where we have been. By learning about the creation of our unique democratic
system, we can become more informed and active citizens initiating change. Students will
understand the economic, social, cultural, and political issues our country faced in the past and
its effect on society through the use of primary source documents, maps, and our textbook. This
course will be taught using many different approaches and will focus on teaching strategies
necessary for academic and workplace success now and in the future. Specifically we will focus
on note taking skills, close reading, writing,
organization, and inter-personal communication skills.

Topics Covered:
Ideas behind the American
Revolution and founding
documents
Civil War and Reconstruction
Industrialization and Immigration
U.S. as a World Power
1920s : Change
Great Depression and the New
Deal
America in WWII and After
Foreign Policy
Civil and Voting Rights
Social and Domestic Issues in
Modern Times

Education is the most powerful

weapon which you can use to
change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Materials:
-3 Ring binder (Either a section in a
larger binder, or a separate American
History binder)
-This binder will be turned in for points
periodically throughout the year, these
binder checks may occur without
notice so it is important to stay
organized.

Evaluation:
-Tests: At the completion of a unit,
students will be assessed using a
multiple choice/ matching/ essay
exam.
-Projects: Students will be required to
complete both group and individual
projects throughout the semester. These

will be used in place of exams in some

units. This gives students the
opportunity think critically about and
use the knowledge they have gained.
-Quizzes: In order to check for student
understanding, quizzes will be given
occasionally during units.

Participation:
-Discussion/Involvement: Points are
given when students are actively
working and participating in class.
-Behavior/ Attendance: Student are
expected to behave as mature high
school students. This includes being on
time, not disrupting the class in any
way, and having a positive attitude.