Us History Syllabus
Us History Syllabus
Us History Syllabus
US History Syllabus
YOUR TEACHER: COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Mr. Michael Faust In this course, students will assess major themes in
(XXX) XXX-XXXX ex. XXX American history using social, cultural, political, and
technological lenses. We will begin by looking at the
EMAIL AND WEBSITE: Americas prior to European contact through the modern era.
Big Ideas: This course will follow six major time periods in United States history:
1. Pre-European contact Colonial America
2. The American Revolution and Founding of the Nation
3. Westward Expansion
4. Slavery & the Civil War
5. Reconstruction World War I
6. World War II Modern Day
Within these periods, we will study how the topics of government, geography,
economy, and culture weave together to form the United States we know today.
Essential Questions: These will be the guiding questions we turn to throughout this class:
1. What are the similarities & difference between the US today and in the past?
2. How have past historical US events, leaders, and movements affected present day?
3. How does US geography effect how we live?
4. Why is it important to understand the past and how does it influence how we live?
5. Why is it important to view the past with multiple perspectives?
6. How has conflict and technology shaped history and affected people's lives?
The Enduring Understanding: By the end of the course, you will be able to see how
government, geography, economy, and culture work together to form the United States we
know today.
Materials: Students are expected to have a personal notebook for notes as well as a folder (or
section in a divided folder) for this class. Any other materials that will be needed through the
semester will be provided by the teacher. And as with every class, your own pen or pencil will
be necessary ;)
3 Important Reminders: I am here for all students. If you feel that any part
Do your best of the class is unfair, my door is always open for 30
Be respectful minutes before and after school for you to come
talk about it. My promise to you is to abide by
Ask questions
these reminders, and I hope you will do the same!
2. Extra Credit: Students must have all assignments from the current unit completed
before extra credit opportunities are made available. The easiest way to raise your
grade is to have all assignments turned in, even if they are late. Other extra credit
opportunities include, but are not limited to:
a. Visit a museum and write a 1-pg response on what you learned
b. Interview a veteran about their military career and write a 1-pg response on
what you learned
c. Watch/Read a US History-based movie/book and write a 1-pg review
d. Make Trading Cards
i. Create 4 trading/baseball cards of important historical figures from the
most recent unit.
ii. Each card should include the persons name, picture/drawing, and key
information such as Date of Birth, Hometown, Time Period They Were
Important In, and 3 Major Lifetime Accomplishments)
e. Make a Print Advertisement
i. Create an ad for any invention discussed in the unit (cotton gin, light
bulb, lightning rod, etc.)
ii. The advertisement must include a 1) drawing/photo of the invention, 2) a
fact for why people should use/buy the item, 3) a price, 4) an explanation
of what the item does, 5) a made-up quote from someone alive at the
time endorsing it, and 6) the impact the item will have on the US.
f. Other ideas cleared by Mr. Faust
All extra credit opportunities will be worth up to 15 pts on that End-of-Unit Assessment.