Mr. Pfeil's Classroom Website
GJHS Course Syllabus
Course Name: American History I
Instructor: Mr. Kerry Pfeil
Room: A-203
Phone: 814-533-5601 x 1203
Email: kpfeil@gjsd.net
Website: http://websites.pdesas.org/kpfeil/
Course Overview
American History is a course that retraces the origins of the unique American people from the earliest settlements of the continent to the present. Students will examine the social, political, and economic factors that shaped our nation. Students will get an in-depth look at the Migration of the First Americans, Origins of a New Society, Balancing Liberty and Order, An Emerging Nation, Political, Social, and Ethical disputes of Slavery, and The Civil War. Students will be asked to explain the unique heritage of the United States and apply the knowledge of our past as a means of explaining the present. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between history and geography and learn to use critical thinking skills to describe the impact of social, economic, religious, and political institutions on American history. While completing this course, students will analyze the role of America’s involvement in armed conflict within North America, examine the historical development of the American economic system, and explore the impact of the humanities on U.S. history and society. This course will encourage students to recognize the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, to use informational tools in the evaluation of history and to explore career opportunities in the field of history.
Course Objectives
- Analyze chronological thinking
- Analyze and interpret historical sources
- Analyze the fundamentals of historical interpretation
- Analyze and interpret historical research
- Identify and evaluate how continuity and change have influenced history from the first Americans to 1865.
- Identify and evaluate conflict and cooperation among social groups and organizations in history from the first Americans to 1865
- Identify and evaluate the political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to United States history from the first Americans to 1865.
- Identify and evaluate primary documents, material artifacts, and historical sites important in United States history from the First Americans to 1865.
- Evaluate how continuity and change has influenced United States history from the first Americans to 1865.
Classroom Rules
Mr. Pfeil’s Basic Classroom Rules
- Be Respectful: Respect the teachers, other students, yourself, etc. Respect each others viewpoints even if you disagree with them.
- Right to Learn: DO NOT interfere with a student(s) right to learn or the teacher’s right to teach.
- Puctuality: Attend school daily and DON’T be late to class.
- Stay on Task: Come to class prepared. Students should and are required to stay on task with the teacher and other students during class discussions and activities
- GJSD Code of Conduct: Follow procedures and policies as laid out in the GJSD Code of Conduct Book.
Attendance
It is absolutely necessary that you attend class on a regular basis. The meaningful discussions and helpful presentations that take place in class are difficult, if not impossible, to repeat on an individual basis with the same effectiveness. Just because you had a day off does not mean the class did not move on. Material you missed will not be covered during class time. Therefore, it is essential that you attend class regularly. Before you return to class, you must get an excusal slip from your academy secretary. Do not enter the classroom without an excusal slip. If you do miss a class, then it is YOUR responsibility to get the notes and make up any work that you missed. If possible, have someone pick up assignments for you when you are out a day. Please contact me in the case of an extended absence so your work can be sent home to you. When absent, you will need to go to your period’s make-up work folder, where you will find all work that you missed for that day. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return. All make-up work must be completed within 3 days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero. An unexcused absence will result in a zero for any assignments, quizzes, tests, or activities performed that day.
Classroom Behavior
Class will begin promptly every day. I expect you to come to class prepared and to have all materials (pencils, binder, folder, homework assignments). Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times. The following rules are to be followed at all times: Be Respectful, Be Honorable, Be There, and Be Prepared. A more detailed explanation of classroom rules and expectations follows in the GJSD Code of Conduct.
Tardies
You MUST arrive to class on time! Class will begin promptly each day. Coming to class late is a disruption in the educational process of others; therefore, it will be handled in a very strict, consistent fashion. BE ON TIME!!!!!!!
Course Materials
1.) Pocket Folder (provided)
2.) Notebook
3.) Pencils
4.) Textbook (Provided)
Course Text & Readings
Prentice Hall United States History & Selected Readings from the Instructor
Assessments:
Quizzes and Tests
Quizzes will be given throughout the chapters and may be announced or unannounced. We quiz frequently throughout each unit of study. The purpose of quizzes is to help me see what areas of difficulty you may be experiencing with the material prior to taking a large chapter test. Therefore, we can correct any mistakes you are making and remediation can take place before you take the chapter test. Tests will occur at the end of each unit of study. They will always be announced at least two days in advance. Please try to be in attendance on test days! In some cases, we will review the day before a test. If you are absent on a review day or test day, you are still responsible for taking the test! No exceptions! Please keep in mind that quizzes and tests together are 45-50% of your overall grade. Ultimately, you must be able to show me how well you can perform on your own.
Grading Policy & Procedures:
Grading Scale
A 93-100%
B 82-92%
C 70-81%
D 60-69%
F 0-59%
Grading Procedures:
Student’s grades will be based on a total point system for each of the four quarters. Students will have the opportunity to accumulate points through in-class activities, homework, projects, quizzes, class participation, and exams. Individual classes, based on their behavior, may have the option to participate in bonus point assignments.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE PENALIZED ½ THE TOTAL POINT VALUE. For example, if an assignment is worth 10 points and is turned in the late, the maximum score a student can receive is 5 out of 10.
Your final grade will be calculated as follows. Each quarter grade will be worth 20% of your final grade and your final exam will be worth 20% of your final grade. See chart below:
Quarter 1 = 20% of final grade
Quarter 2 = 20% of final grade
Quarter 3 = 20% of final grade
Quarter 4 = 20% of final grade
+ Final Exam = 20% of final grade
= 100% of final grade
Academic Dishonesty
Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism of homework, etc.) WILL NOT
BE TOLERATED and will result in the following:
1.) a zero on the work involved,
2.) a phone call home to parent/guardian
3.) a discipline log being sent to the office.
I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities. I have also read the rules in the Code of Conduct Contract and understand them and the consequences that result if not followed.
UNDERSTANDING POWER SCHOOL
You should have received your username and password to access all of your grades via the Internet through PowerSchool. I generally have grades in on most assignments within 24 hours. You may see certain letters in PowerSchool, rather than a typical number. Here is what each “set” of letters mean:
- EX – Excused from assignment (probably because student was ill)
- UNEX – Unexcused absence = 0 out of total points
- DNA – Did Not Attempt, meaning the pupil was in class but refused or neglected to do the work for that day = 0 out of total points.
- DNHI – Did Not Hand In (assignment)
- Skip – Class Cut = 0 out of total points
- Sleep – Slept through in class activity = 0 out of total points
- CSP0 – Student had CSP, while in CSP did not do assignment for that day = 0 out of total points
- Cheat – Caught Cheating = 0 out of total points
Keys to Success:
Notebooks: Your notebook is your lifeline to this class. Take good notes! If I write it down, you write it down. You will be permitted to use your notebook during all quizzes. So the better notes you take, the better you will perform on the quizzes. You may not use your notes on a map quiz!
Textbooks: Every time we work on a section of the text, there is a standing assignment. READ EACH SECTION! You’ll find that by reading the textbook you will improve your overall grade. While you read, take notes on each section. Hints: If its in bold, italics, or in colored print – Write it down!
Effort: Probably the most important key to success is the student’s effort. You need to come to school, be on time, pay attention, stay focused, and use the time to your advantage. If you miss school for any reason, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE MR. PFEIL FOR YOUR MISSED WORK, I WILL NOT COME FIND YOU! IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL AND DID NOT HAND IN THE WORK YOU WILL RECEIVE A DNHI (Did Not Hand In) or a 0 for that assignment.
Parents: Every study done on successful students indicates that the level of parental involvement is the number one contributing factor to the success or failure of children. I invite every parent to get involved in this class. Ask about school, make sure your student does their homework, and feel free to call me to check up on your student’s performance at any time during the semester.
I look forward to working with all students, parents, faculty, and staff at Greater Johnstown High School. If you have any questions I am available at the high school from 7:30AM to 3:00PM Monday through Friday at 533-5601 X 1203 or email me at kpfeil@gjsd.net
