John Marshall High School

Title of Course

9^th Grade - US History, 1^st Semester

Instructor

Dave Stutz

E-mail: dastutz@rochester.k12.mn.us

Class webpage: http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz

Prerequisite

None

Minnesota Graduation Standard

Themes of US History

District Course Description

During this course, students explore the interactions of diverse peoples in creating the United States from the first Americans through 19th century western expansion. Students will develop the ability to use multiple sources to analyze these contributions and apply this historical knowledge to current American affairs such as:

The gathering and interaction of the nation’s people

The progress of democratic concepts

Regional perspectives and tensions in the US

The conflict between national and state powers

The impact of technology on American society

The influence of diverse ideals or beliefs in the 18th and 19th centuries

Please see the District Outcomes for an outline of the material required for the final exam.

Materials

• JM Student Planner
• Textbook The Americans, McDougal Littell, 1998
• A three ring binder, loose-leaf paper, and pen/pencil daily
• 2 floppy discs (PC formatted) and a plastic disc protector
• Additional resources and readings as supplied in class

General Information about grades

Grades in the class are not weighted. Your grade is computed using points, and all points are worth the same ‘value,’ whether earned on a test, quiz, homework, or in-class assignment. Your final grade for each quarter is determined by adding all your points up and dividing by the total number possible. The resulting percentage determines your grade. Semester grades are computed as follows: 

Grading scale

• 90 – 100% A
• 80 – 89% B
• 70 – 79% C
• 60 – 69% D
• It is very important that all assignments are completed, as those points do add up. No student who has turned in all assignments has ever failed. This is not because of a mercy policy; it is because just doing all the work puts you into the best possible situation to do well.
• Extra credit is generally not given out, although some (unannounced) assignments may be graded as extra credit. It is your responsibility to ensure that all work is turned in - it is of great benefit to your grade to do so!

As a general rule:

• In-class assignment 5-10 points
• Reading/Question set 10-20 points
• Test/Quiz 25-50 points
• Presentation/PowerPoint 25-50 points

Text and other readings

• You are expected to read all material by the beginning of the class for which that material is assigned. 
• I will occasionally and arbitrarily give quizzes to insure that you have done the required reading. 

Participation 

All students are expected to participate in class discussions, debates, and other activities which are part of the course curriculum.

All students will also be expected to be prepared to begin class immediately at the bell.

Attendance

• Every tardy will result in a 1% reduction in the quarter grade.
• Every unexcused absence will result in a 2% reduction in the quarter grade. 

Make up procedures

Students who have an excused absence will have 2 days for each day missed to turn work in ‘on time.’ Thereafter, the assignment will be not be accepted

"Late" work is not accepted.

It is the student's responsibility to check the class web page or approach Mr. Stutz to determine what work is missing and make arrangements to redo such assignments.

Make up tests take place ONLY before or after school. Do not ask to do them during class hours.

Extra help opportunities

Mr. Stutz is always in the school until at least 4PM. This is the single best time to meet with him and get extra help. Make arrangements and stick around for a bit - during the school day it is virtually impossible to meet for extra help.

Classroom Procedures and Rules

You are in high school now, and don’t need a list of petty rules to follow. I have several firm classroom expectations of conduct:

• Arrive in class on time with paper, binder, writing utensil, and any previously designated materials
• Remain in your seat until I have dismissed the class
• Do NOT bring cell phones, beepers, or CD/tape players into the room. If I see them, I will take them and a parent or guardian will have to retrieve them.
• Swearing and derogatory remarks have no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated
• Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable and will result in an automatic "0" on the assignment.
• Show those who are speaking (including teachers and students) the respect, courtesy, and quiet they deserve