Poway High School

&   APUSH--Advanced Placement United States History

Instructor:  Curtis W. Lewis (951) 600-2701

E-mail:  ApushDevil13f@aol.com

Text

Bailey, T., Cohen, Elizabeth, Kennedy, David M., (2006).  The American Pageant.  Lexington, MA:  D.C. Heath and Company

Course description

This course will survey the origins of our country, beginning with exploration and colonization to the Clinton Administration.

Course goals

Increased preparation for college by sharpening writing and thinking skills. Preparation to pass the AP exam in May.

Expected student outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.      Discuss American history in such as manner as to maintain an intelligent dialog for any part of United States history.

2.      Reflect that they actually had a good time learning history.

Course requirements

1.  Regular attendance and participation.

2.  Reading all required materials before class.

3.  Various projects/Focus Assignments.

4.  Come to class on time.

Make-up policy

Missed tests will be made up the first available tutorial day you return.  Any conflicts must be cleared with me.  Late work is not accepted unless for illness, emergencies, etc.

Grading Policy

?        Reading quizzes for each chapter or 1/2 of the chapter.**

?         Writing assignments

?         Tests (usually every two weeks) 100-150 points

?         Focus Assignments (usually every 2-3 weeks…  50-100pts)

?         Semester Event project (300 pts each semester)

• Mid-term exams each semester (150 points)

• Final exams each semester  (200+ points)

Final grades are compiled for total points.  I don’t assign percentages to each category.

** Quiz corrections are available for 50% credit for each corrected wrong answer.  Corrections are always due the day of the test before school.

Grading scale:

A = 100-90%

B = 89-80%

C = 79-70%

D = 69-60 %

F = 59 and below

(The new plus/minus system is at the 8’s and 2’s---98 A+/92A- etc)

Homework

Homework will assigned on an as needed basis.  Reading will make up the bulk of homework assigned.  Students who are prepared and ready to discuss information, get more out of the course.  Homework will not be assigned as busy work but as a way to achieve our goal.

Classroom rules

You learned it already in kindergarten.

Plagiarism and the honor code

Don’t and adhere to it… bottom line.  We will discuss this in-depth in class.

Grade access and the web site

Grades will be posted online utilizing www.mygradebook.com/.  You will be given the necessary passwords for access the site.  Use this site.  It will work to your advantage.