Goal & Description

This year-long course is designed to investigate the political, geopolitical, economic, social and ideological factors involved in the development of the United States from its beginning through the Twentieth century. The first semester will deal with the beginnings of the United States until the Reconstruction. The second semester will look at the United States from 1880 to the present. There are two goals in this course. First, you will see how this course lends itself to building your fund of knowledge about the United States. Second, that the course provide a way of insuring the accomplishments of your personal life goals. For this, the running general theme will be “finding your voice.”

What we want to have is the capacity to use all those voices in much the same way as great jazz musicians like Cecil Taylor do in their music.

Methodology

Although the main pedagogical method will be lecture, discussion, quizzes and exams, students will learn much of the material through: interactive slide lectures, social studies skill builders, experiential exercises, writing for understanding, response groups, and problem solving group work.

Homework

All homework (with the exception of that done in notebooks or announced by me) MUST be typed and handed-in on time. No late assignments will be accepted. Students who, for legitimate reasons, are absent are responsible for getting homework. Unexcused absences result in a zero for that day’s test, quiz or work. Extra credit is not given in this course. All assignments will be accessible through the homepage which is currently stored on the Prep website, under Fr. Lynch’s name, in the Social Studies department section. http://creightonprep.creighton.edu The web page is an attempt to keep you as informed as possible. I reserve the right to change assignments and tests/quizzes in the class, and not on the website. In other words, don’t use the web page as an excuse for not completing work.

Tests and Quizzes

There will be chapter and semester exams. Quizzes will be given often and will cover all material. Some quizzes may be open note and some may be unannounced. All major exams will be announced at least three days in advance. Any student absent for legitimate reasons will have two days (the day you get back and the following day) to complete the exam. Quiz make-up is on the day you return. All make up of tests and quizzes are only done before school (6:45 am) on the appropriate day. Homework due when you return. I will not remind you as you are expected to search the homepage for information and/or ask a classmate for the assignments missed. Failure to complete any work after you return will result in a failure for that assignment, project, test or quiz. It is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate.

Policies & Supplies

*Be seated and ready for class when the bell rings.

*All work handed in on time—no late work accepted.

*Be familiar with the student handbook. Think of handbook as guide to class.

*Respect at all times for teacher and students.

*If for any reason you need to speak with me, please see me. It need not be class related.

*I will be available in room 103 before and after school. Appointments are available.

*History notebook, folder, and text required everyday. Failure to do so will result in demerits.

*Academic Honesty: consult the student handbook for information on plagiarism.

* 1 Fat Lil’ Notebook. Office Max: 69^th & Dodge or 132^nd and West Center.

Grading

The student is expected to take an active role in class work and discussion. The instructor reserves the right to raise or lower a student’s grade to reflect their class participation. Also, class grades are based on accumulative points. All work done in this course will simply continue to be added to your overall grade for the entire semester. Don’t get behind.

Course Requirements

Students taking this course are required to develop their skills in these four areas of social science.

1) Reading

a. Textbook

b. Primary sources

c. Varying interpretations

2) Writing

a. Essay-Document based and standard

b. Research paper

c. Review projects

d. Note-taking

3) Reporting

a. Class participation

b. Class presentation

c. Discussion and debate

4) Listening

a. Lectures

b. Discussion

c. Media Presentation