U.S.

History
Instructor: Mr. Swantko
____ _____ High School
Room ___
Email dswantko@asu.edu or swantktodonald@yahoo.com
Introduction
Welcome U.S. History where we will be learning about the colonies to present
day. We will be focusing on how our past has a relation to the present day.
We will explore not only the so called facts (dates!!! and names!!!) but also
the evolution of our country economically, socially and politically. We will be
covering diverse cultures as well as multiple points of view on events and
people. I welcome you to my class and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Course Themes
We will be focusing on major themes throughout our course. Some sort of
academic anchor to ensure we have a general understand on concepts
through time. To do this we will tie important social, ethnic and cultural
themes to our course by continually touching back to these important
themes:
Choice

Change

Conflict

Belief Systems

Identity
Environment

Power

Justice

Equality

Technology

Course Objectives

Identify key figures in U.S. history and their legacies

Examine primary and secondary sources
Research significant events in U.S. history
Appreciate the cultural melting pot that is the U.S.
Assess the growth of the U.S.s economy, social norms, and
government
HAVE FUN!!

Homework

Diversity

Gender

I expect you all to hand in your homework on time. This will change only if
you have a properly documented absence (see handbook). You will lose 25%
every week, so after four weeks you will have a zero and no ability to turn in
the assignment for partial credit. If you miss three homework assignments in
a row, I will email you and your parent/ guardian.

Materials

Web Access [Home PC or Mac, Library, School Library hours (posted in

class)]
Notebook with pockets or folders
Black pen
Pencils

Teacher Expectations
I will make time for you if you want it. I am here to help you all and I do not
mind to meet after school, schedule permitting, during lunch or free periods.
I can set up writing or tutoring for you if you would like some extra help. As I
stated in the homework section, I will email you if you have missed three
assignments because I do not want them to affect your grade too adversely.

Classroom Rules

Respect- Classmates, myself, classroom culture and school (see

handbook)
Effort- Give it your best try and we will make it work
Preparation- Come prepared with notebook, pencil/ pen and any
assignments
Technology
o Cell phones- on desk so I can see them with bag on ground. You
may listen to music when we do individual activities or
tests/quizzes (some excluded).
o Laptops/ Tablets Be on task! If you use it for Facebook,
Snapshat or Instagram (or any other off topic material) you will
lose your privilege to use it in my class.
Attendance / Tardiness Please be on time and prepared for class. If
you are absent either come to me the NEXT DAY or send me an email
for any missed assignments or materials.

Grading Policy
Individual Practice: Homework / Participation
above

10%A

90 and

Formative: Quizzes / Papers / Assignments

40%B

80-89

Summative: Tests / Projects / Presentations

50%C

70-79

60-69

59 and below

Note*: Any work that is completed within the parameters of the late
assignment section can be resubmitted for partial credit if you 1. Tell me
what your error was on the question 2. Correctly get the answer right 3.
Provide some background information that goes above the scope of the
question. I want you all to get the best grade possible, so if you put in the
extra work, you will get the better grade. (For SmuddeI would put up
lengths on each individual assignment on how long this would be)

Permission:
By signing this syllabus I understand what is expected of me as a student and will adhere to
class rules and expectations:

___________________________. (Student)

(Parent / Guardian)
By signing this syllabus I have read and understand what is expected of my
child:__________________________.