ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL

Syllabus: United States History I

Course Number: HIST 1301

Semester: Fall 2023

Instructor Information

Name: Brad Baca

E-mail: bbaca@atlisd.net

Textbook Information

HIST, VOL. 2 by Kevin M. Schultz

Reliable online access needed to access Atlanta ISD Google Classroom Site

Spiral Notebook Needed for Notes

Student Learning Outcomes for the Course

1.Students will create an argument through the use of historical evidence

2. Students will analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

3. The student will analyze the effects of Reconstruction for most African Americans.

4. The student will describe westward expansion.

5. The student will understand the emergence of the United States as a world power between 1898-1920.

6. The student will explain the effects of industrialization on the political, economic and social life of the United States.

7. The student will describe the advance of the reform movements (Populism; Progressivism) and their successes and failures.

8. The student will identify the major causes of World War I and America's involvement in that conflict. 9. The student will identify the major events of the 1920s and 1930s and assess their influence on the country.

10.The student will identify the major causes of World War II and America's involvement in that conflict.

11.The student will recognize the major social developments of the mid to late 20th century such as Civil Rights, Feminism, etc.

12.The student will recognize the major political and military developments of the mid to late 20th century such as the Cold War, Vietnam, etc.

13.The student will know the definition of specific terms when used in their historical context.

Student Requirements for Completion of the Course and Due Dates

You are an adult learner and as such you are responsible for your own learning. No one else can be a "stand in" for you in the learning process. You will be held accountable for all assigned activities. Do not forget that you need to pass this course in order to graduate from high school.  I will maintain a professional, safe learning environment adhering to the policies of the college. You can expect a reply to communication, be it via e-mail, through online discussions, or voice mail, within 24-48 business hours. If you post something on the weekend, it will probably be Monday before I respond. Emailing me is the BEST way to reach me usually.

Due Dates are set in stone. They are not suggestions. A due date is not the first day you can complete an assignment, but the last possible date. If a situation could arise where you cannot complete an assignment on the due date, the best course of action is to complete it much earlier. In other words, do not wait until the last moment to complete an assignment.

Student Assessment and Grading Scale Student assignments are broken down in the following:

A. 5 exams worth 100 points each (exams are multiple choice from readings, ppt lectures, and video assignments) and one FINAL EXAM worth 100 points. These tests are taken online, and are timed.

B. Class discussion.  Each unit will have a forum style question. Points are awarded for thoughtful, original, and thorough responses. Note that spelling, grammar, and etiquette matter greatly here. There are 5 required forums in the semester, one for each Unit.

C. One research assignment worth 100 points. In higher education, reading, writing, and researching is often more important than memorizing for multiple choice tests. Therefore, this course provides you an opportunity to work on these skills now. This semester I am requiring a book review, meaning you will choose one scholarly book (probably from our library collection or ebook collection) and will submit a review on your selection. I recommend a start on the selection of your book after the first unit test. The book review is due at mid-term. See the online section marked “research assignment” for further details.

Grading scale: Consistent with District Grading Policy

Class Schedule

In the time allowed it is impossible to cover everything of importance in U.S. history for this period. However, in my judgment, the following topics stand out and will be closely examined: Industrial Revolution; Progressivism and Imperialism; Depression and WWII; Cold War and Sixties; Seventies, Eighties and Beyond. Besides these topical studies, you are expected to read the assigned chapters because many of the details will not be addressed directly in ppt lectures. Also, because we are part of a media culture, a quality documentary video series will accompany our course study. Here, we are not merely watching for information, but also working on our critical analysis and discernment skills. I also include other resources that many students find beneficial, such as podcasts, study questions, etc. These are not to be turned in to me although they may be included in your high school grade. Finally, to access your other abilities and further develop skills, the book review will require additional reading, writing, and analytical expression beyond the knowledge and comprehension level most multiple-choice questions address.

Attendance Policy Attendance is based on student’s Last Day of Attendance in an “academic related activity” that can be documented. Therefore, I expect to see students engaged in the following regularly:

• Meaningful participation in forums
• Student initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a course related question via email or chat room.
• Tests and assignment submissions
• Your course is designed so that if you follow the schedule, you complete a meaningful activity every week.

You must log in to your online class on google classroom during the first week of class.