Walsh

Modern United States History

2015-2016
Randolph High School
Ms. Walsh
Room 271
walshc@randolph.k12.ma.us
Class website: www.historywalsh.weebly.com
(781)961-6220 x271

Contact Information:
I am always willing to offer whatever type of help I am able to via email, but please be aware
that I tend to fall asleep early. Thus, if you email me after 9 pm the night before an
assignment is due, you will probably not receive a response until about 6 the next morning.
"If you know history, you know that there is no such thing as a self-made man or self-made woman. We are
shaped by people we have never met. Yes, reading history will make you a better citizen and more appreciative
of the law, and of freedom, and of how the economy works or doesn't work, but it is also an immense
pleasurethe way art is, or music is, or poetry is. And it's never stale." -David McCullough

Course Overview:
The tenth grade US Curriculum continues the two year study of US History from the
Revolutionary War to the present. The course begins with a brief review of the Civil War
and its aftermath. The first new area of study is the Progressive Era. The focus of US II is
the emergence of the United States as a world power and as a home to increasingly diverse
populations. Among the themes and topics are: the disappearance of the frontier and its
impact on the American psyche; the shift from an agricultural to an urban and suburban
culture; the evolving definition of what it means to be an American; the struggle for civil
rights for all minorities and the rise of the United States as an economic, social, artistic,
political and military world power. Implicit in these themes are the many roles and
responsibilities the average American citizen could play in maintaining the democratic ideals
of their nation. Students will engage in a significant research project, based on the following
essential question: How has the knowledge that I have gained from studying one event or
theme in US History shaped who I am or who I could become? [Continued on next page]

Walsh 2
While studying the events, people, and ideas between the years of 1877 and
the present, our class will examine then through the lens of the following questions:
What factors bring people together and what drive them apart?
When is Progress worth the sacrifice it takes to get it?
How does our country work? And is this the best way?
How has history helped shape my identity?
Course Objectives:
By the end of this year, students will be able to:
Stay organized independently
Work effectively in groups
Use the internet to research, create, and produce projects
Read primary and secondary sources with a keen eye for tone, point of view,
context, source, and vocabulary.
Use evidence from texts to support analysis in speech and writing.
Write clearly and coherently on historical and creative topics.
Projects & Tests:
At the end of each unit (approximately every 4-5 weeks), you will be required to
complete a unit test and a culminating project. These projects include essays, debates, and
persuasive poster presentations. These count as assessment grades, which are 40% of your
term grade. I offer the chance to correct your tests for up to half of the credit that you had
taken off; you will have to work hard to get that credit back and show that you have
mastered the content and skills of that unit.
Interactive Student Notebooks:
Almost all of your classwork will be completed in your Interactive Student Notebook
(ISN). You will need to bring in a one-subject notebook (preferably wire-bound) that
contains at least 70 sheets FOR EACH SEMSTER (a total of 2). This will be checked
daily and collected periodically and count toward your term grade. Thus, it is very
important that you hold onto your ISN and complete any make-up work from when you are
absent.
IF YOU LOSE your ISN, you will be expected to make up the work that was lost.
You may store your ISN in my classroom, but I am not responsible for holding on to it.
Grade:
Your grade for each term will be based on the following categories and their
accompanying weights*:
Assessments (Quizzes, Tests, Projects, and Essays): 40%
Participation: 20%
Classwork (including ISN grade): 20%
Homework: 20%
*NOTE: These percentages are subject to change; those changes, if they do
occur, will be clearly communicated to you.
Late Work Policy:
For major assignments such as projects and essays, all late work will lose 10% of the
final grade per day that it is late. Therefore, if you pass in a project and receive a 100%, but it
is one day late, your final grade will be a 90%. If it is two days late, your final grade for the
project would be an 80%, and so on.

Walsh 3
If you are absent, I expect you to take the initiative to come before or after
school to make special arrangements with me, which includes agreeing on a due date for the
missed assignments. If possible, you can always email me while you are out of school to get
the assignments as well.
Supplies:
In order to complete any of the various types of assignments that are assigned for
this course, you will need the following supplies1:
(2-3) One subject notebooksat least 70 sheets and preferably wire-bound
(we will use at least one per semester )
Pencils
1 set of colored pencils
Pens (optional)
Flash Drive for saving documents in the computer lab (optional)
Your own email address to communicate with me and save work (and pick a
password that you will remember easily! J)
Key Course Texts:
Throughout this course you will be accessing content knowledge and cultivating
skills by reading various primary and secondary source documents, as well as watching video
clips.
COLLEGE PREP (Block 2): You will NOT be required to bring a book home with
you, but periodically we will be using the Creating America book in class.
Technology:
This course will use a variety of technological resources that you will use to access
and turn in assignments and get text reminders about assignments. You will create your login information and to learn to use each website during the first week of class.

Class webpage: This website is the easiest way for students and parents to keep up
with what we are doing in class each day. I can post daily classwork and homework
assignments, which can certainly help for when you are out of class. You may also
email me with any questions regarding missing assignments.
Class webpage link: www.historywalsh.weebly.com

Remind 101: Remind 101 is a service that allows me to send you reminders via text
message. [If you dont have texting service, you may also receive the alerts via email.]

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated, per the guidelines of the Randolph High
School Student Handbook. Assignments that are plagiarism will automatically no credit and
may result in disciplinary action with an administrator.

1 If you have any trouble supplying the following materials due to family or financial hardship, please

me outside of class before they are due.

speak to

Walsh 4
Extra Credit:
I offer two forms of extra credit that have to do with test grades, which comprise a
large fraction of your term grade.
1. Review Session: I will usually hold at least one after school study session prior
to a unit test. You can earn extra credit by attending these study sessions and
actively participating within them. The credit will be the equivalent of an extra
5% on your test.
2. Test Corrections: After I have returned tests and quizzes, there will be the
opportunity to come after school to correct those assessments for up to half
credit. For instance, if you earned a 50% on a unit test and correct every wrong
question, you can boost that grade to a 75%.
3. Other opportunities: I may offer extra credit at additional times per my
discretion. Please remember this is EXTRA credit, and not meant to take the
place of coming to class and doing all work assigned.
Extra Help:
If you are having any types of confusion, whether big or small, please let me know as
soon as possible. We will work together to clarify any points of confusion.
I am available most days after school, typically until 3:30 or 4, and before school if
necessary. Please be sure to give me a heads-up as to when youll be coming to extra help,
and what topic/material youre having trouble with. Furthermore, if you just want to have a
relaxed place to do homework after school, my door is always open.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
RESPECT all people, objects, and opinions in Rm 271
o This means no...
Insults/profanity
Roughhousing
Phones/iPods
Food
Defacing desks, books, tables, walls
Throwing projectiles
Interrupting others who are speaking
Arrive ON TIME
o This means you are in the room before I close my door.
o If you are late you must have a pass from another teacher.
Come PREPARED
o This means
Bring your ISN every day
Bring a pencil and/or colored pencils to write with
Be KIND
o This means be polite toward all members of our classroom community and
do not fight. If there is an issue, talk to me and we can work it out.
Try it out & do your BEST
o This means I will not accept a refusal to do work in this class.
o Your success is important to me, and I will not allow you to jeopardize your
own future because of dawdling or laziness. I am here to support you.

Walsh 5
What will happen to me if I CHOOSE to break a rule?
FIRST you will receive a warning (except for tardiness)
SECOND you will receive a detention and I will call home
o Lateness & Food = 15 mins
o Vandalism = 20 mins
o Behavior = 30 mins
PHONES are prohibited in class at all times and breaking that rule is subject to
the school-wide code of discipline.
For a serious offense, or if its in the best interest of the class that someone be
removed, you will be sent to the office. You will still have to serve detention with
me.
In closing, I would like to emphasize that I look forward to forming relationships with
each and every one of you, and cultivating a classroom community within Room 271. I
intend to hold you all to high standards and expectations, while providing support to
help you reach and even surpass your goals. Your success is very important to me and I
aim to listen, guide, and support you to the best of my ability.

Ms. Walsh

Continue to next sheet to sign that you have read the expectations

Walsh 6

Ms. Walsh
Modern US History
Randolph High School
walshc@randolph.k12.ma.us

Walsh 7
DUE DATE:
Tuesday September 8, 2015
NOTE: You will also need to bring a 1-subject
notebook for class on Tuesday

COURSE EXPECTATIONS RECEIPT

STUDENTS: After youre read through the Syllabus with me and clarified any questions, please go
through this syllabus with your parents and then sign the following statement. You only need to return
this last page; please keep a copy of this syllabus in a safe place.*This counts as your first Homework
grade of the term!*
Student:
I, [print name] _____________________________________________,
have read the course expectations with my parent/guardian and acknowledge that I understand what I
will be accountable for in Modern US History during the 15-16 school year.
I have read the Classroom Behavior Expectations and understand the rules of Room 271 and the
consequences for choosing to break a rule.
Signature: ____________________________________________
Date:________
PARENTS: Please sign the following statement and return it to school with your student by
Tuesday September 8, 2015.
Parent/Guardian:

I, [print name]_____________________________________________,
have read the course expectations and acknowledge that I understand what my child will be
accountable for in Modern US History during the15-16 school year.
I have read the Classroom Behavior Expectations and understand the rules of Room 271 and the
consequences for choosing to break a rule.
Signature: ____________________________________________
Date:________
E-mail:

___________________________________________________________
Best Phone Number(s) By Which to Reach You During the Day:

_____________________________________________________
If you have any questions, please email me at walshc@randolph.k12.ma.us or call me by phone:
(781)961-6220 x271.