U.S. History 1

2022-2023 Course Syllabus

University Academy Charter High School

Mr. Richey

Room 219

Email: [email protected]

Course Scope:

Topics that will be addressed in U.S. History 1: 

1: Colonization and Settlement (1585–1763) 

2: Revolution and the New Nation (1754–1820s) 

3: Expansion and Reform (1801–1861) 

4: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850–1877) 

5: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870–1900) 

6: The Emergence of Modern America: Progressive Reforms (1890–1930) 

7: The Emergence of Modern America: World War I (1890–1930) 

8: The Emergence of Modern America: Roaring Twenties (1890–1930) 

Course Goals:

Students will be able to describe, analyze and create material based on the U.S. history topics

listed in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Students will have a broad overview of events, people, and ideas that shaped U.S. history as well as improve their literacy and critical thinking skills. Using the historical content, students will be able to interpret and construct maps, timelines, graphs, tables and charts. Students will also be able to evaluate multiple primary and secondary sources for main points, purpose, perspective and validity. They will use these sources to answer questions using evidence and reasoned argument.

Textbooks/Resources:

There is an online U.S. history textbook accessible to all students via their school issued computer.  Additional resources will be posted on Google Classroom and/or given to students in printed form.  

Student Supplies: 

Students are expected to have and maintain the following supplies throughout the year:

Mandatory: two-pocket folder, lined paper, pencils, charged computer (issued by school)

Recommended: homework pad, highlighter, notebook full of lined paper

Classroom Expectations and Procedures:

1. Respect yourself, others, and the teacher. 

Show respect for yourself, others and the teacher at all times. Respect others’ property. Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you.  Do not put trash on the floor or leave it on your desk. Do not throw anything in the classroom. Use appropriate language as defined by the student handbook. Do not talk when it is another student or the teacher’s turn to talk. Do not respond to a request to stop talking by explaining why you were talking or listing other students you believe were talking. Raise your hand to answer questions or comment. 

2. Put forth your best effort at all times. 

Always do your own best work. Put quality ahead of just getting it done. 

3. Be prepared for class each day. 

Come prepared with all materials necessary: 

• Charged laptop
• An organized class folder containing all necessary materials and handouts from the last month.  (You can keep older materials at home in a separate folder unless I instruct you to bring them in.)
• Loose-leaf lined paper and pencils 

Recommended Materials: 

• A planner or notebook to help keep you organized - the most successful students are organized. 

4. Follow directions when they are given. 

When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time. 

5. Pay attention, participate and ask questions. 

Engage in what is going on in the classroom. If you have a question, ask it by raising your hand until I call on you. Otherwise, I might not know until the test that you didn’t understand something. There are no stupid questions, and chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else in the class is too. Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel most comfortable waiting until after class, that is okay too, but do keep communication open between us. 

6. Preserve a positive learning environment. 

Do not interfere with teaching or learning in the classroom. Use class time to learn. Arrive to class on time.  

7. Follow all UACHS Handbook rules:

All handbook rules will be enforced, including but not limited to:

Phones must be put away in the Yondr pouches during class. No headphones. Proper school uniforms must be worn in the school. No T-shirts, cardigans, hoodies, hats, headdresses, or crocs.  No chewing gum in class.  No eating in class. No drinks without a secure lid.  

8. Take responsibility for your actions. 

If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it. Take responsibility for missed assignments. Students that choose to break these rules will face the appropriate consequences. 

9. Turn in homework to the teacher and tests/quizzes to the bin.

 Homework is due at the beginning of the hour when you come to class. I will not accept work completed once class begins for full credit. Turn absent/late work in to me. Turn in tests to the bin.

Grading Policy:

Grading and Ranking

Description of Grading Practices:

Each assignment will have a point value and then will be further weighted based on the category in which it falls:

• Participation criteria:
• Note-taking is required in all academic classes, and may be a grade in the Participation category.

Late Work Policy: It is the expectation that all assignments and projects are completed and submitted by the due date given by the teacher. However, late work can and should be turned in for reduced credit.  The following grading practices apply when an assignment is not submitted on the given date and time. 

• Late essays and projects will receive the following penalties:

One day late: 10% off

Two days late: 20% off

Three days late or more: 25% off

• Late homework and classwork will receive 50% off.

Absences: Over twenty absences in any class will automatically result in a failing grade and no credit.  3 tardies equals one absence.  

Make-Up Work Policy: All students will receive the opportunity to make up assignments for the days they were absent.  Students must come see the teacher on the day they get back for an explanation of the assignments and instruction missed and an extended due date.