Spring 2016

Mr. Johnson
US History Course Guidelines
**These guidelines should be kept at the front of your notebook for reference.

Central Themes: Freedom and Justice

What does it mean to be free? How has the definition of the word freedom
changed over the course of US history? What events have influenced or changed
our understanding of freedom?
What is Justice? How have the nations conflicts reflected struggles and debates
over the meaning of justice? Why does justice have different meanings to different
Americans?
Consider how debates over freedom and justice have played out through the
following recurring isms in US History.

Federalism
Expansionism
Revivalism
Nativism
Nationalism
Capitalism

Units of Study
(Label each notebook tab with the name of the unit; change labels at the semester)
Spring 2016
WWII: 1939-1945
The Cold War: 1945-1991
Civil Rights: Race and Ethnicity:
Civil Rights: Gender
Protest and Disillusion: 1950-1979
The Culture Wars and the Rise of the New Right: 1963-1988
General Policies

You have 3 homework passes each semester that may be used to turn in a homework
assignment one day late. Once you have used them up, you will lose 25% per day late. Each
unused pass is worth 5 extra credit points at the end of the semester. You also have 3 hall
passes, to be used for any errand that takes you out of class.

Makeup homework will be graded for credit (NA) only and the school makeup work policy
applies (i.e. 2x the number of days you were absent.) You have one week to schedule a
makeup for any missed tests, after which you will receive a zero.
Missed class for athletics or school business is NOT an absence and you DO NOT GET
EXTRA TIME.
It is ENTIRELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what you missed and to turn it in in a
timely manner.
A major test will be given at the end of each unit. This test will be short answer/essay format
& multiple choice. Short objective quizzes will be given each Friday. If you miss a quiz, the
next one will count double. If you miss a third, an alternate assignment must be completed to
make up the points.
There will be a comprehensive final exam worth approximately 20% of your grade.
You are expected to keep an organized notebook for the class. You will need 5 tabs, labeled
with the names of the units or the unit numbers. Reference material will be placed at the front
of the notebook. Notebooks will be collected for grading at the end of each unit.
A list of notebook assignments and components will be maintained on Haiku. All work should
be dated and kept in chronological orderearliest work on top.
The Majority of assignments will be graded for points. Occasionally, assignments will be
graded for completion, particularly when we are learning a new skill.
Grades will be updated online every 2-3 weeks.
If you have a question about a grade or think there has been a mistake, you must
submit your concern in writing with a grade printout and relevant assignment (if
applicable) attached.
Materials: 1 or larger 3-ring notebook, 5 dividers, notebook paper, pens, pencils, 2
highlighters.

Grade Scale:
100%--90%
89%--80%
79%--70%
69%--60%
Below 60%

A
B
C
D
F

Class Rules:

Participate. Be attentive and helpful.

Be ready to work when the bell rings.
Be polite and respectful of others.
No food in class. NO DISPOSABLE WATER BOTTLES ALLOWED IN CLASS.
Follow all department and school policies, including the cell phone policies.
Contact me:
If you have questions, please e-mail me via my website:
justinjohnsonhistory.weebly.com
For class policies, assignments, handouts, and other information, please see the
Haiku site for this class
Please check the websites frequently, particularly when you are absent.