Virginia and United States History
Instructor: Mr. Darren MinarikIntroduction
Welcome to Virginia and U.S. History! In this course you will examine the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. In addition you will use historical and geographical analysis skills to explore in depth the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country's prominence in world affairs. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting semester with all of you.
Goals
Our goals for this semester include achieving an 80 percent competency rate on all standards of learning we cover, passing the Standards of Learning Exam, and developing strong citizenship skills necessary for protecting our interests as citizens. You will learn how to acquire and use information, assess involvement, make decisions and judgments, communicate, cooperate, and promote your own interests.
Expectations
In order to accomplish the goals outlined above, we need to work to the best of our abilities throughout the semester. I expect quality work from you and you should expect my best work as a teacher.
You are reminded that I will hold you accountable for all school discipline policies and will contact parents immediately if necessary. “Respect” is an important word in my classroom and I expect everyone to respect each other. You will receive the same respect from me. Please: (a) come to class prepared to participate and learn; (b) raise your hand before speaking when the teacher or another student talking; (c) apologize if you raise your voice or use inappropriate language in the classroom; (d) avoid touching electronic equipment in the classroom (phone, TV and VCR, computer, overhead, data projector, etc.) without permission and; (e) do not assume that it is okay to do something in class just because it is not on this list of expectations. An immediate apology is expected for any inappropriate behavior. Other actions will be taken if necessary and all discipline issues are recorded. I will limit personal passes out of the classroom if you are asking to leave frequently and do not have a medical reason for leaving. You cannot use a pass until fifteen minutes after the tardy bell.
Grading
Grades are based on total points: Unit tests 100 points; Computer Lab Assignments 15-20 points; Homework and Class assignments 5-10 points; Pop Quizzes 5-20 points; Nine Week Exam 20% of your total grade. The grading scale is as follows: A 95-100, B 86-94, C 76-85, D 70-75, F Below 70. All test and quiz questions will be multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. If you are absent it is your responsibility to schedule a time to make up the quiz before or after school. You are allowed to retake any unit test with a score lower than 80%.
Homework and class assignments are posted on the Web. They are also written down in the classroom. Late assignments are not accepted unless you have an excused absence or received prior approval from your teacher.
Materials
Each day you need the following materials:
- Organized Notebook with Course and Unit Organizers
- Pen or Pencil
- Assignments due
Textbook
Block Pacing Guide Number of days are subject to change
(Note to students and parents: Each unit number is a link to activities and Web sites for that unit.)
DAYS
UNIT
TITLE
SOLs
2 Days
Unit 1
Early European Exploration and Colonization VUS.2
2 Days
Unit 2
European Economic Influence and Slavery in the Americas
VUS.3
6 Days
Unit 3
Revolutionary Period
VUS.4
6 Days
Unit 4
Constitutional Era
VUS.5
10 Days
Unit 5
Westward Expansion and Movement
VUS.6
10 Days Unit 6 Civil War and Reconstruction VUS.7
--
Midterm Exam
Exam is 100 Questions in Length Unit 1-6 SOLs
5 Days
Unit 7
American Growth VUS.8
6 Days
Unit 8
American Foreign and Domestic Policy: 1890's through the 1930's
VUS.9
8 Days
Unit 9
World War II
VUS.10 and VUS.11
6 Days
Unit 10
Cold War
VUS.12
6 Days
Unit 11
Civil Rights Movements
VUS.13
5 Days
Unit 12
Contemporary America and SOL End of Course Review
VUS.14 and all SOLs
--
Final Exam
Exam is 100 Questions in Length SOLs VUS.8 - VUS.14
SOL End of Course Test All SOLs All units will address SOL VUS.1 and SOL VUS.14 throughout the semester.
Student and Parent/Guardian Contract Please read over the course outline carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. You may leave a phone mail message at ###-####. The course outline can be accessed at the Web page listed below. You can also e-mail me at: dminarik@auburnalum.org. I will be happy to send progress reports via email upon request.
Student Name: ____________________________ Block: ______
I have read and understood the course outline and agree to follow class policies and procedures.
_________________________________
Student SignatureI have read this course outline and discussed it with my child. I understand the course outline and agree to support the class policies and procedures.
________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________
Home/Work Phone Numbers and E-mail
Virtual Classroom
http://www.radford.edu/~dminarik/ush.htm
Contact Minarik at: dminarik@auburnalum.org
Created: 08/07/03
Last Updated: 06/09/06 11:38 AMCopyright © 2006 Darren W. Minarik. All rights reserved.