Mr.

Murphy
US History Syllabus
Welcome to US History! My name is Mr. Murphy and I will be your US History
teacher for your junior year of high school. Many of you are preparing to move onto
a new chapter in your life. It is both my job and desire to help you become the best
that you can be and provide you with the tools you will need to succeed in life.
Using lessons and examples in history it is my hope you leave this class with the
tools and proper decision-making skills to succeed once you leave my class.
Course Description
This course examines the major turning points in American history beginning
with the events leading up to the American Revolution, the origins of our
constitution, reform movements, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction,
the impact of the frontier, the changing nature of business and government, World
War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the United States as a world
power, the Cold War and the struggle to achieve class, ethnic, racial, and gender
equality. The course extends to the modern day. Contemporary world issues such as
globalization, economic interdependence, terrorism and world cultures will also
factor into our analysis of international conflict and cooperation. The curriculum and
academic expectations will be differentiated to accommodate gifted and highly
motivated students.
Course Organization
Unit 1: Early Civilizations Pre 1500
The geographic, political, economic and cultural characteristics of early civilizations
made significant contributions to the later development of the United States.

Unit 2: Exploration and Colonization 1500s 1700s

The varied causes and effects of exploration, settlement, and colonization shaped
regional and national development of the U.S.
Unit 3: Revolution and New Nation 1700s 1820
The development of American constitutional democracy grew from political,
cultural, and economic issues, ideas, and events.
Unit 4: Westward Expansion 1800 1860
Westward expansion, influenced by political, cultural, and economic factors, led to
the growth and development of the U.S.
Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction 1850 1877
Regional conflicts led to the Civil War and resulted in significant changes to
American social, economic, and political structures.

Unit 6: Emergence of the Modern United States 1875 1929

Economic, social, and cultural changes transformed the U.S. into a
world power.
Unit 7: Great Depression and World War II 1929 1945
Domestic and world events, economic issues, and political conflicts redefined the
role of government in the lives of U.S. citizens.
Unit 8: Postwar United States 1945 1970s
Post War tensions led to social change in the U.S. and to a heightened focus on
foreign policy.
Unit 9: Contemporary United States 1970s Present
Current events and issues continue to shape our nation and our involvement in the
global community.
Grading Scale
Students grades will be based upon various types of assignments that will be
completed throughout the semester. Final grades will be given as whole-letter
grades. Percentages will not be rounded up when determining final grades. The
grading scale and assignment weights are as follows:
A

90%-100%

Participation/Homework

30%

80%-89.99%

Individual/Group
Projects

30%

70%-79.99%

Unit Quizzes

30%

60%-69.99%

Midterm/Final

10%

59.99% or below

Participation/Homework- 30%
Participation/Homework grades include points for involvement in group discussion,
whole-class discussions, online discussions and other various daily class activities.
Individual/Group Projects- 30%
Projects will be assigned during Units 3, 5, 7 and 8. Unit 3 will be an individual
project. Unit 5 will be a group project. For units 7 and 8 students will have the
choice between individual or group projects.
Unit Quizzes/Tests- 30%

Quizzes will be given weekly to give students the opportunity to share the material
they learned. Unit Tests will be given at the end of each Unit and will cover
information provided in that units lessons.

Midterm/Final- 10%
The midterm and final tests will be used to gauge a students progress and the
teachers success teaching the material. The tests will be graded on a curve. The
midterm will cover units 1-5 and the final will cover units 6-9.
Late Work
Late work will be accepted up to three days after the due date. Each day that an
assignment is late, 10% will be deducted from the assignment. Late work will not be
accepted four or more days after the assignment is due. If a student is absent from
school for the entire day on the day of a due date, they will receive one free late
day. Some assignments, such as group presentations and/or classroom discussions,
do not apply to this late work policy.
Make-Up Work
It is the student's responsibility to collect the work that they missed due to an
absence. There is an Absent file in the classroom where students can collect any
notes, handouts, or assignments that he/she may have missed. Students will
receive one day to complete their make-up work for every day that was missed.
Some assignments, such as group presentations and/or classroom discussions, can
only be made up by completing an alternate assignment.
Tutoring
My classroom will be open for tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday until 4:00pm.
However, if students cannot attend these tutoring sessions due to sports or clubs,
they may make a tutoring appointment with me to be conducted before school or at
lunch.
Materials and Supplies
Daily Planner
Composition Notebook
1 inch Three-Ringed Binder
Tab Dividers
College-Ruled Lined Paper
Index Cards
Highlighter

Pens/Pencils
Course Expectations
1.
2.
3.
4.

You will enter the class respectably, sit in your seat, and begin the bellwork.
You will positively represent yourself, the class, and the school in your behavior.
You will give 100% effort at all times.
You will be respectful to others in the presence of your peers, teachers, and any
person you encounter before, during, and after class.
5. You will come to class responsibly, with proper materials, assignments, and
necessary belongings.

Attendance
According to district policy, students are only permitted 12 absences before
disciplinary action will be taken. It is the students responsibility to collect and
make-up missed work. Students will not have the ability to make up participation
points missed due to an absence. Therefore, it is imperative that students come to
class in order to be successful.
Tardies
Students are expected to be in their assigned seats by the time that the bell rings. If
a student is not in their assigned seat when the bell rings, then the student will be
marked as tardy regardless of whether or not he/she was in the classroom. Students
are permitted three tardies before disciplinary action will be taken.
Electronic Devices
All electronic devices must be on silent and put away before class begins. If an
electronic device is seen or heard during class, the device will be confiscated and
sent to the front office. Parents must come to the front office to retrieve their
students device.
Consequences for Less Than Desirable Behavior
1.
2.
3.
4.

First Issue
Second Issue
Third Issue
Fourth Issue

Verbal Warning
Teacher/Student Meeting
Parent Phone Call
Office Referral

*Teacher reserves the right to skip any consequences to a higher level if offense is
severe enough.

US History Plan for Success Acknowledgement Form

Please detach this form and return the signed form to your teacher.
Student Name:
________________________________________________________________________
Student ID Number:
____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:
_________________________________________________________________
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the US History
syllabus as well as the Student Handbook. I agree to adhere to the information,
ideas, and expectations set forth in these documents. I know that any breach on my
part toward these policies will have a negative effect on my high school
experiences.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: __________________
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the US History
syllabus and Student Handbook. I will support my child in his/her pursuit of
academic success and contact the teacher if I have any concerns or questions. I
authorize my child to view films in class as they relate to the content and reading

selections. I also agree to provide my student with all materials necessary for
success within US History.
Parent Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: _________________
Primary Language Spoken by Parent/Guardian:
______________________________________________
The best time to contact me is between ___________ and ______________
The best number to reach me at is (_________) _____________ ________________________
Current e-mail address:
_________________________________________________________________