United States &
Virginia History
Class Description
This course is a
chronological study based upon an identification and analysis of the
events,
problems, and personalities that have affected the development of the
nation. Virginia’s role in American history will be
emphasized.
Content Overview:
Semester
One
1st Quarter—A
New
World,
A New Nation (Discovery-1840)
SOL
VUS. 1-6
1. Native
American Life in North America
2. European Exploration/Colonization
3. The Virginia Colony
4. Social, Political, and Religious Issues in the Colonial Era
5. The Road to Revolution, Revolutionary War
6. From Confederation to Constitution
7. The Growth of Nationalism
2nd
Quarter—Sectionalism/Conflict/Growth
(1840-1898) SOL
VUS. 1, 6-9
1.
Politics
of
Sectionalism—North vs. South
2.
Civil
War &
Reconstruction
3.
Postwar
Industry, Agriculture, and Business
4.
Industrial
Growth, New Technology, Immigration
Semester
Two
3rd
Quarter—America
as a World Power and Industrial
Leader (1898-1960) SOL
VUS. 1, 8-13
1.
Growth,
The
American Frontier, Economic Expansion, Labor
2.
Imperialism
3.
Political
Reform/Progressivism
4.
World
War I
5.
The
Great
Depression and the New Deal
6.
Changing
World
Policies
7.
World
War II,
the Holocaust, the Early Cold War
4th
Quarter—The
Past 50 Years (1960-Present) SOL
VUS. 1, 12-14
1.
Civil
Rights
Movement
2.
Kennedy
Years
and Domestic Change
3.
Foreign
Policy,
Changes, Vietnam,
Political Changes of 1970s-1980s
4.
Recent
Trends in
American History
5.
After
the SOL
Test—Projects, U.S. History and Film, Reading Historical Fiction,
Current
Economic, Political, and Social Life in America, etc…
Each unit
also includes components of WHI.1. This
academic overview is approximate and subject to change as current
events and
legislation makes changes logical, necessary, and/or relevant.
Grading
Grading
in this class follows the policies of the York County School Division
and Grafton High School. This grading
scale is available in your
student handbook. Grades are NOT
rounded. In this class, your grades are
determined by set percentages:
Tests: 25%
Quizzes: 15%
Project(s): 10%
Homework: 20%
Class work: 15%
Daily Questions: 5%
Daily Writing: 5%
Notebook:
5%
Extra Credit
Extra
credit is given at the discretion of the teacher, and is counted as an
additional grade rather than “free points” to an existing
grade. Extra credit is
only offered to students who have completed all of their regular
assignments. Students who have an A
average will not be given extra credit work.
Assignments
All
assignments are due at the beginning of class the day it is due. Work handed in by the beginning of the next
time class meets earns, at maximum, half-credit. All
work handed in thereafter receives no
credit, regardless of quality.
Absences and Make-up Work
Students
are not penalized for excused absences. If
you have an excused absence, you are required to make
up your work
according to the schedule listed in your student handbook.
If you are absent for an extended time or if
there are special circumstances (e.g., broken hand) we may work out a
different
plan for completing your assignments. You
are responsible for all work that you miss. I
do not give out missed assignments unless you ask me for
them. Students
must schedule a time with me to make-up tests and quizzes. If
you have
an unexcused absence, I do not accept assignments for credit. However, I require that you make-up the work,
as you still need to learn the material.
Restroom and Clinic Visits
I
ask that you visit the restroom before or after class.
Our room is close to the restrooms, so this
should not be a problem. If necessary, I
will give you a pass to the clinic, but if possible, please ask at the
beginning or end of class.
Class Rules
- Show and give respect to classmates,
teachers, and everyone’s property.
- Students are to be on time with their books,
notes, and other supplies for class every day.
- All books must be covered.
No adhesive is allowed!
- Open food containers and beverages are not
allowed. (No eating or drinking)
- Cell phones are allowed, but must be turned
off (not on silent or vibrate modes) and out of sight. If turned on or
in sight, they will be confiscated and turned in to the office. The
same is true of portable music devices.
- Blue or black ink only – no other
colors, or pencils. Also, no glitter or
other specialty pens/ink.
- Students are required to keep returned work,
along with daily notes and other assignments, to be kept in a 3-ring
binder and arranged chronologically. This
provides a solid basis for study and review, especially for mid-term
and final exams.
- Ask questions, especially if you are confused
or don’t know.
- Spelling and Grammar count!
Materials
Students
are required to have the following materials for class: a 3-ring
binder, a
simple set of colored pencils, paper for notes, and blue or black pens.
Academic Integrity
Please
understand that I have zero tolerance for cheating and expect all
students to
do their own work on all assignments (including homework) unless
specifically
authorized by the teacher to work/consult with others. Remember
that it
is much easier to repair a damaged grade than to redeem a damaged
reputation!
Contact
Thank
you in advance for all the help, cooperation, and support I know you
will give
your child and me during the upcoming school year. Please do not
hesitate to
contact me throughout the year with any questions or concerns. You may
reach me
by either calling the school at 898-0530
or by e-mailing wpelkey@ycsd.york.va.us
World History & Geography
Class Description
This
course offers an historical and cultural study of world history that
will
enable students to explore the development of people, places, and
patterns of
life from pre-historic times until approximately 1500 C.E.
An emphasis will be placed on geographic
influences on history, with increased attention given to the
development and
evolution of the nation-state. The theme
of change with regard to scientific and technological advancements will
be
highlighted. Attention will also be
focused upon the connections between ancient times and the present day. Students will also have the opportunity to
examine a variety of artifacts and primary/secondary sources to uncover
and
understand specific historic events and issues.
Course Objectives
1. Students in this course will be able to describe the people and
events that provide a foundation for the modern world.
2. Students in this course will be able to describe the natural factors
that have influenced and continue to influence the way people live.
Content Overview:
The
course covers SOLs WHI.1 through WHI.13. The
major units of this course are as follows:
1st
Semester
World Geography and Early Man
WHI.1
& WHI.2
Early River Valley Civilizations
WHI.3
& WHI.4
Ancient Greece
WHI.5
Ancient Rome
WHI.6
2nd
Semester
Byzantine Empire and Russia
WHI.7
Muslim World and Christianity
WHI.8
China, Japan, African, and American Civilizations
WHI.10
& WHI.11
Middle Ages WHI.9
Late Medieval Period
WHI.12 & WHI.13
Each unit
also includes components of WHI.1. This
academic overview is approximate and subject to change as current
events and
legislation makes changes logical, necessary, and/or relevant.
Grading
Grading
in this class follows the policies of the York County School Division
and Grafton High School. This grading
scale is available in your
student handbook. Grades are NOT
rounded. In this class, your grades are
determined by set percentages:
Tests: 25%
Quizzes: 15%
Project(s): 10%
Homework: 20%
Class work: 15%
Daily Questions: 5%
Daily Writing: 5%
Notebook:
5%
Extra Credit
Extra
credit is given at the discretion of the teacher, and is counted as an
additional grade rather than “free points” to an existing
grade. Extra credit is
only offered to students who have completed all of their regular
assignments. Students who have an A
average will not be given extra credit work.
Assignments
All
homework is due at the beginning of class on the day it is due. Late work is accepted until the day of the
corresponding test and/or quiz for those assignments.
Late work is given a maximum score of half
credit if the work is perfect. All
missed assignments and work turned in after the test and/or quiz will
count as
zeros.
Absences and Make-up Work
Students
are not penalized for excused absences. If
you have an excused absence, you are required to make
up your work
according to the schedule listed in your student handbook.
If you are absent for an extended time or if
there are special circumstances (e.g., broken hand) we may work out a
different
plan for completing your assignments. You
are responsible for all work that you miss. I
do not give out missed assignments unless you ask me for
them. Students
must schedule a time with me to make-up tests and quizzes. If
you have
an unexcused absence, I do not accept assignments for credit. However, I require that you make-up the work,
as you still need to learn the material.
Restroom and Clinic Visits
I
ask that you visit the restroom before or after class.
Our room is close to the restrooms, so this
should not be a problem. If necessary, I
will give you a pass to the clinic, but if possible, please ask at the
beginning or end of class.
Class Rules
- Show and give respect to classmates,
teachers, and everyone’s property.
- Students are to be on time with their books,
notes, and other supplies for class every day.
- All books must be covered.
No adhesive is allowed!
- Open food containers and beverages are not
allowed. (No eating or drinking)
- Cell phones are allowed, but must be turned
off (not on silent or vibrate modes) and out of sight. If turned on or
in sight, they will be confiscated and turned in to the office. The
same is true of portable music devices.
- Blue or black ink only – no other
colors, or pencils. Also, no glitter or
other specialty pens/ink.
- Students are required to keep returned work,
along with daily notes and other assignments, to be kept in a 3-ring
binder and arranged chronologically. This
provides a solid basis for study and review, especially for mid-term
and final exams.
- Ask questions, especially if you are confused
or don’t know.
- Spelling and Grammar count!
Materials
Students
are required to have the following materials for class: a 3-ring
binder, a
simple set of colored pencils, paper for notes, and blue or black pens.
Academic Integrity
Please
understand that I have zero tolerance for cheating and expect all
students to
do their own work on all assignments (including homework) unless
specifically
authorized by the teacher to work/consult with others. Remember
that it
is much easier to repair a damaged grade than to redeem a damaged
reputation!
Contact
Thank
you in advance for all the help, cooperation, and support I know you
will give
your child and me during the upcoming school year. Please do not
hesitate to
contact me throughout the year with any questions or concerns. You may
reach me
by either calling the school at 898-0530
or by e-mailing wpelkey@ycsd.york.va.us
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