Classroom Rules:

1. Come to class prepared and

ready to learn.
2. Cellphones and iPods are only
allowed during elected times.
3. Respect yourself, other students,
and the teacher. Do not interfere
with the learning of others.

Consequences & Rewards:

-Students are expected to be on
task during class and have a positive
attitude toward learning. Students who
violate this rule will be required to
complete an extra book assignment as
well as the days classroom work.
-By staying positive and
participating as a whole group for 4
class periods in a row, each student will
receive 5 extra credit points.

Extra Credit:
-Prior to being given extracredit assignments, the student
must have all required assignments
turned in. An example could
include writing a 1-page journal
about a current event.

Late Work:
-Late work will only be
accepted up to a week after the
original due date.
-All late work will receive
half credit unless the school
excuses the absence. If so, the
student has two days for every day
absent to receive full credit.

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on a

total point system, which
will include credit from

projects, tests,
assignments. participation,
and quizzes.
A

93-100%

73-76%

A-

90-92%

C-

70-72%

B+ 87-89%

D+

67-69%

83-86%

63-66%

B-

80-82%

D-

60-62%

C+

77-79%

0-59%

I have read the disclosure and

understand the requirements of
the class.
Students name:

American History
Cottonwood High
School

____________________________
Student signature:
______________________________
Parent signature:
_______________________________

Ms. Kolesky
U0620269utah.edu

Course Description and Objectives:

Why study American History? We cannot understand where we are going until we
understand where we have been. By learning about the creation of our unique democratic
system, we can become more informed and active citizens initiating change. Students will
understand the economic, social, cultural, and political issues our country faced in the past and
their effect on society through the use of primary source
documents, maps, and our textbook. This course will be
taught using many different approaches and will focus
on teaching strategies necessary for academic and
workplace success now and in the future. Specifically,
we will focus on note taking skills, purposeful reading,
Education
is the
powerful
writing, organization,
andmost
inter-personal
communication
skills.
weapon
which you can use to

Topics Covered:

change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Ideas behind the American

Revolution and Founding
Documents
Civil War and Reconstruction
Industrialization and Immigration
U.S. as a World Power
1920s : Change
Great Depression and the New
Deal
America in WWII and After
Foreign Policy
Civil and Voting Rights
Social and Domestic Issues in
Modern Times

Materials:
-3 ring binder (Either a section in a
larger binder, or a separate American
History binder)
-This binder will be turned in for
points periodically throughout the
year, these binder checks may occur
without notice so it is important to stay
organized.

Evaluation:
-Tests: At the completion of a unit,
students will be assessed using a
multiple choice/ matching/ essay
exam.
-Projects: Students will be required to
complete both group and individual

projects throughout the semester. These

will be used in place of exams in some
units. This gives students the
opportunity to think critically about and
use the knowledge they have gained.
-Quizzes: In order to check for student
understanding, quizzes will be given
occasionally during units.

Participation:
-Discussion/Involvement: Points are
given when students are actively
working and participating in class.
-Behavior/ Attendance: Students are
expected to behave as mature high
school students. This includes being on
time, not disrupting the class in any way,
and having a positive attitude.