United States History: 10th Grade

The Calverton School

Academic Year 2022-2023

Teacher: Mr. Cranford

scranford@calvertonschool.org

Course Description & Objectives:

This course features a general overview of the history of the United States of America, from the

American Civil War era to the beginning of the 21st century. Students will reflect on the

development and implementation of domestic and foreign policy decisions that define our role in

the world, including the nation’s emergence as a 20th century world power and the effects of that rise

on the 21st century. Particular attention will be paid to the role of the United States in both World

Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War. These topics, as well as others, will encourage

students to survey, analyze, and evaluate both political and economic factors that have presented

historic challenges and that are still relevant.

History is the process of recording, reconstructing, and interpreting the past through the

investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives its students an understanding of

themselves and the people around them in relation to time and place, past and present. In particular,

U.S. History focuses on how our nation’s past has influenced its present, and the possibilities for

shaping its future. Students will examine the people and policies that have formed our nation and

that continue to influence its development. Students in this course will be expected to demonstrate

the following proficiencies and skills:

• Clear and Concise Written Communication

• Clear and Effective Oral Communication

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Development of an “IB” Inquisitive Mind

• Collaboration with Peers

• Successful Source Evaluation

• A binder dedicated to U.S. History;

• A pencil pouch with pencils, erasers, black or blue pens, highlighters, and colored pencils;

• Their laptop and charger; and

• Any homework or assignments due that day.

Grade Breakdown:

Several categories of work contribute to students’ overall grades in this course. A general
overview of each grade category is below. Please note that demonstration of effort, willingness to learn,
and sharpening of history/learning skills are crucial to success in this course.

Category Percentage

Classwork

Discussion & Participation

Homework

Final Paper Assignments

Midterm Project & Final Project

Quizzes & Research Projects

Tests

Classwork:

Some assignments will be given in class to complete during the class period. These often
accompany in-class activities and videos. It is vital to complete classwork, as this type of work provides
students with both information and skills that will help prepare them for projects, quizzes, and tests.

Discussion & Participation:

Grades earned in class discussions will be based on a student’s level of engagement with the
assigned materials and level of active participation during class. Participation ranges from asking timely
questions to sharing personal anecdotes that relate to the material being covered. Students who
consistently complete the assigned readings and participate in formal class discussions will receive high
marks in this area. Occasional “entry ticket” and “exit ticket” assignments capitalize on the students'
knowledge and show that students have completed the assigned readings. Students must come to class
prepared with all their learning materials (see above). Repeated failure to bring all required items will
result in lowered Discussion & Participation grades, as students cannot participate while fetching items
from their lockers. No cell phone use or gaming will be allowed at any time.
Homework:

In a course such as this one, the completion of homework is essential to success. Homework
assignments give students opportunities to practice and demonstrate knowledge of information and
skills that will be used on projects, quizzes, and tests. Homework must be submitted on time and in the
announced manner (email, in person, Moodle, etc.).

Final Paper Assignments:

Four of this class’s Course Objectives align with the writing of a substantial research paper (at
least 1750 words). For this assignment, students will research, outline, and write a historical essay.
There are several different components to this project, spread through all four quarters, which will
factor into students’ final grade on the essay. More information will be provided as those assignments
approach.

Midterm Project & Final Project:

There is one major assessment at the end of the fall semester (the midterm project) and one at
the end of the spring semester (the final project). Like the final paper, the midterm and final projects
each have multiple components that contribute to the final grade on the assignment as a whole. More
information will come as those assignments approach.

Quizzes & Projects:

Quizzes give a snapshot of how much students understand at a particular moment. Most quizzes
will consist of multiple-choice, matching, and/or short-answer questions. Projects provide students an
opportunity to apply the information they have learned in a new or creative way. They reflect a variety
of learning styles, and might include debates, presentations, poster creation, and video projects.

Tests:

Tests are worth 100 points each. They are cumulative, a measure of what a student has learned
after the completion of a content block. Tests may feature multiple-choice, essay, and short answer
questions. The material covered in tests will come from quizzes, in-class lectures and lessons, readings,
supplemental sources like videos and websites, and classwork/homework assignments. The questions
on tests will not be intended to “trick” students who do the assigned readings and homework but might
require students to apply the knowledge they have gained in a new way.

Academic Integrity:

In this course, it is expected that students will uphold the Philosophy of Honor and meet the
requirements of the type of work assigned. Plagiarized or copied work (sharing homework, divulging test
material, not properly citing sources, etc.) will earn a zero and a referral to administration.
Student Attendance, Absence, Make-Up Work Policies:

If a student misses class, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain makeup work and complete it
within a reasonable timeframe. It is also the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up times for tests
and quizzes. If a student is absent, they will have 3 days to turn in any classwork or missed assignments.
Homework not turned in due to an absence is still due the next class period. Any assignments due the
day of a trip or sporting event MUST be turned in prior to departure.

Missing and Late Work Policy:

If work is not submitted by its deadline, a “Missing” grade of zero will be applied within 48
hours. If the work is subsequently submitted, the work will be graded based on the following scale: a
10% reduction per day it is late, with a maximum possible grade of 50% for work turned in more than
five days after its due date. Late work will no longer be accepted after the end of the quarter when it
was due.

Extra Credit & Retake Policy:

Tests are stressful, and sometimes students who have done quite well on homework and
classwork assignments struggle with the different format of a test. As such, students are always eligible
to submit test corrections on every test for half credit. Further, there are various extra credit
opportunities throughout the year. The best way for students to improve their grade is to meet with
Mr. Cranford directly to discuss the areas where they are excelling and struggling, then to develop an
action plan to improve their grade.

Student Assistance & Questions:

Please trust that your teacher wants you to do well in this class, to complete the year with
enhanced skills, a keen appreciation of U.S. History, and an authentic sense of accomplishment. If you
have questions about the course, please ask in class or reach out directly via email. Consistently
practicing self-advocacy is a key step to adulthood. Remember that your advisor can be of assistance,
too.

Parent Questions:

Please contact me if you have questions (email is the best form of contact). I look forward to a
great year, and I am excited to see all of you grow and learn in this class.

Please sign below after reading the above syllabus. By signing below, you are acknowledging the

requirements and policies for this class. Returning the syllabus with both student and parent

signatures by Friday, September 2nd will provide students with their first 100% in the homework

category. All signed documents will be returned after copies are made.

Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________

Parent Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________