Mr. Masters
2006-2007
Email: amasters@ewindsor.k12.ct.us                                                                              
http://www.mrmasters.net

Description
This course will be structured to help you develop analytical skills and the factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with topics in United States History. You will demonstrate these skills orally and in written expression. The program should challenge you by creating the demands made by a full-year introductory college level course. Your goal will be to prepare yourself for the A.P. exam and to earn college credit. Solid reading and writing skills, combined with a willingness to devote substantial time to homework and study are necessary for success. Short research papers linking American literature and history will be required work.

Long Term Goals
            1. Master a broad study of historical knowledge.
            2. Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology.
            3. Use historical data to support an argument or position.
            4. Interpret and apply data (information) from original documents such as political cartoons, graphs, and letters.
            5. Effectively use analytical skills of cause and effect, compare and contrast.
            6. Work effectively with others to produce products, solve problems and formulate arguments.

Textbooks
            United States History, Newman and Schmalbach
            Decision in Philadelphia, Collier and Collier
            The American Nation, Boyer
            Words of Ages, Larbalestier
            The Irony of Democracy (7th ed.) Dye and Zeigler
            Various handouts

Preparedness
I expect that you will come to class prepared with something to write with, your agenda, an organized notebook, textbook and any homework that is due. All homework will be collected and marked.  Please keep your text covered at all times.  It will be helpful if you have a 3.5” floppy disk or a USB drive.

Class Rules
            1. Be on time to class (inside the room when the bell rings).
            2. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
            3. Be prepared for class.
            4. Respect everyone in the classroom.

Grading Distribution (midterm and final exam grades are 20% of 2nd and 4th quarter averages.)

            homework         20 %
            quizzes              20 %
            participation      35 %
            essays               25 %

                                    100%

Homework Policies
Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class.

Late work is not accepted. All work must be turned in at the time that it is due. If you miss work or an assignment due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. If you have had an extended excused absence, you will have three days from the day you return to school to turn in missing work. Refer to your student handbook for specific details.

You will be assigned several short-term projects to supplement your current work, and periodic long-term assignments that will include research and writing.  These will be announced in advance and class time may be provided for their completion.

Plagiarism/Cheating Policy
Plagiarism is the act of claiming someone else’s work as your own. This includes copying someone else’s homework. East Windsor High School has an established plagiarism policy, printed in your student handbook. Any work that appears to be copied or is obviously copied will receive a zero grade. Likewise, any talking or attempts to cheat during a test or quiz will result in a zero.