Wes-Del High School

Mr. Mason T. Fulton

Room C-10
(765) 358-4091
Email: mfulton@wes-del.org

Topics in History/Current Events Syllabus

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course is intended to provide students the opportunity to study specific historical
era, events, or concepts. Development of historical research skills using primary and
secondary sources is emphasized. The course focuses on one or more topics or themes
related to Untied States or world history. This course specifically will focus on current
events related to local, state, national and international disciplines. Examples of topics
that will be covered in the course include education, immigration, civil rights, science
and technology, crime and terrorism and several others.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. RESPECT (the special esteem or consideration in which one holds another person
or thing)
o Respect yourself and others

o Respect your property, others property, the classroom property, and

teachers property

2. LISTEN (to use ones ears consciously in order to hear)

o Listen to fellow classmates and teacher with open ears and closed mouth

o Do not talk while another classmate or teacher is talking

o Partake in active listening

3. LEARN (to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study)

o Participate in class activities and discussions

o Approach each class with a clear head and open mind

4. PREPARE (to get ready for, to make necessary steps prior to)

o Read in advance to participate in class discussions and activities

o Bring all required materials to class everyday

o Writing utensil, paper, notebook, folder, textbook, planner

5. ENJOY
 *In addition to the above-referenced expectations, school-wide rules and
policies will be enforced in this classroom.*

COURSE MATERIALS
1. Textbook
2. Website: warriorsocialstudies.weebly.com

MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS
1. 2 3-ring binder with dividers 4. USB Flash Drive or Google
2. Notebook paper Account
3. Pens/Pencils/Highlighter
pens/Eraser

ROUTINES & PROCEDURES

1. Class starts on time every day! This means that when the bell rings at the beginning of
the period you will have all materials for class, you are in your seat and ready to learn.
2. At the beginning of class have assignments for the day ready to turn in and start working
on your bell-ringer.
3. At the end of class do NOT pack up while I am talking and do NOT stand at the door.
Important instructions can be given out at this time and it is important for you to learn and
listen.
4. While you are allowed to have your cell phones, you must first ask for permission to use
these devices for purposes of class research. If you are found abusing this privilege you
will have the opportunity taken away.
5. If you have an iPad it is to be used only for class purposes as indicated by the teacher. If
you are found abusing the privilege of having the iPad (playing games or instant
messaging), you will have your iPad turned into the main office.

ATTENDANCE & TARDINESS POLICY

Follow the school guidelines in the student handbook. These guidelines will be followed strictly.
Being in attendance for the class also means that you are ready to participate in the class
activities with all necessary materials for the class. If you are not in the room BEFORE the bell
rings for class to start, you can expect to be sent down to the Tardy Room. If you come to class
unprepared you can expect to be sent back to your locker to get those materials. If you do not
get back BEFORE the bell rings, you will be sent to the tardy room. You will be expected to
complete the work given in the tardy room as a pass to receive the work that was given the
day before.

GRADING POLICY
The grading policy for this classroom will follow Wes-Dels, however the way that you obtain
these grades is determined by the following criteria. Grades will be weighted as follows:
Formal Assessments/Projects = 50%
Classroom Assignments (Classwork, Homework) = 35%
Participation (Class Discussion, Bell Ringers, Small Group Activities) = 15%
90-100 is an A Any type of A indicates that you have completed all of the assignments at an
excellent level and that you have demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of
the Indiana State Standards all additional material. Your analysis of oral and written
 expression is clear, logical, and indicates an understanding of the
interconnectedness of historical events and ideas.

80-89% is a B A grade of B indicates that you have done an above average job on most or all of
the assignments. The requirements were met and, in addition, you demonstrated
creativity and attention to detail. However, your work does not demonstrate an
exceptional understanding of all of the Indiana State Standards and all additional
material, and has spots where there is room for improvement. Your analysis and oral
and written expression are clear, logical, and indicate an understanding of historical
events and ideas, but there is focus on factual reporting as opposed to synthesis or
analysis.

70-79% is a C A grade of C indicates that you have done an average job on all or most of your
assignments (or that you are missing a major assignment). A C is not the same as
an F, it means you demonstrate an understanding of most of the State Standards
and all additional material, but has major areas where there is room for
improvement. Your oral and written expression is clear, logical, and indicates an
understanding of historical events and ideas, but there is focus on factual reporting
as opposed to synthesis or analysis. Your analysis and synthesis are probably weak
(essentially, you cannot answer why or how but you can answer what).

60-69% is a D A grade of D indicates that you have done the minimal amount of work on all or
most of your assignments and that you are missing major assignments. Your effort is
lacking and you do not show much understanding of historical events and ideas. If
you get any sort of F, it is because you completed few assignments well or did not
complete them at all. I cannot emphasize this point enough, if you are failing, see
me!

PARTICIPATION
Discussion is an integral part of any social studies class. Your grade will be based on your
positive and thoughtful involvement in class discussions and group work. The participation has
to reflect some of the work youve done to prepare for class. Each student must read the
assignments in the textbook along with any additional sources. This is the only way that you can
obtain a complete understanding of our survey of topics in history. Participation can take many
forms including bell ringers, whole class discussion and small group activities.

The following are general guidelines for determination of the Participation grade:

90% - 100%: Always on task; Active participant in the class; Engaged with full attention;
Outstanding contributions to class discussions showing initiative and thoughtfulness.

80%- 90%: Usually on task; Active participant in the class; Engaged throughout most of
the class; Volunteers relevant and pertinent information frequently.

70% - 80%: Typically on task; Participates in class; Answers questions when called upon;
Occasionally volunteers information.

60% - 70%: Typically on task; Sometimes distracted during class; Rarely engaged in the
class; Rarely contributes to class discussion.

0-60%: Usually off task; Not engaged in the class; Does not pay attention; Engages in
inappropriate class behaviors (sleeping, completing work for other classes, texting, off task
 talking, etc.); May refuse to participate when called upon; Does not contribute to class
discussions.

NOTEBOOKS
Each student is to have a notebook and bring it to class each day. Notebooks may be collected
at any point in the year for participation points so please keep them as neat as possible.
Along with reading the textbook, taking notes is the primary way you will learn about topics in
history. The points below may help you in your note taking:
1. Take complete notes.
2. Notes should be more than just what items are listed on the screen.
3. Put the notes into your own words.
4. Leave blank spaces on each page to make additions/clarifications.
5. Review your class notes each day while they are fresh in your mind expand them, clarify
them, and add examples.
6. Before class look over the notes from the proceeding class.
7. You are responsible for obtaining notes from another classmate if you have missed a day
of class

CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK POLICY

Follow the school guidelines in the student handbook. These guidelines will be followed
strictly. Assignments will always be posted on the classroom website and are due the
next day at the beginning of class, unless instructed otherwise. Any assignment
turned in throughout the day it is due will be considered late. If you missed a day of class,
handouts can be picked up in the folder in the back of the classroom labeled with your
class. You will have ONE DAY to make up the work that you have missed for each day
that you were gone. Every day after this, the assignment will be considered late. If you
know that you are going to be absent on the day an assignment is due please make an
effort to hand in the assignment early.

Place your name and the class period you have the class on all assignments. If an
assignment is turned in without this information I am unable to assume whom it belongs to
and will not try to guess. All written work for the class needs to be written legibly.
Anything written which is unable to be read will be marked wrong.

Any time that is given to work on an assignment in class must be used wisely.
Assignments are intended to assess your understanding of the materials taught in class as
well as to prepare you for the next day. It is imperative that you stay on top of completing
all fieldwork given to you. The following is a list of examples of class
activities/assignments:
 a. Homework: Most homework will consist of defining terms and reading. Written
homework will be given a deadline that will be strictly adhered to. Assignments can
be accessed via the class website.

b. Group Class Work: Assignments will be given periodically where 4 students

(Quad) are required to collaborate and give a class presentation or turn in final
work. Group learning is an important component of the class structure, which
teaches the tenets of cooperation and social interaction in the learning process.

c. Individual Class Work: There will be times when students will be required to work
independently on an assignment or project.

d. Current Events Immersions: Each student is required to be an active participant

in class discussion and activities. This includes but is not limited to: asking
questions about reading, participating in demonstrations, giving examples of
connections to something else in recent news, another text, or your world.

e. Taking Sides: Each unit will include a class debate on a topic that influences us at
the local, state, national and international levels.

f. Networking Assignments: The topics in history course investigates a massive

amount of information. Networking assignments allow students to assist one
another with this very important research.

ASSESSMENTS & EVALUATION

There will be various assessments for the topics that we will cover this semester. You will be
given plenty of notice ahead of time as far as when these will be given. If you missed an
assessment it is YOUR responsibility to set up a time to make up that assessment. You
can expect that your final for the semester will be cumulative. Keep all material and extra
sources that are passed out to you. Assessments and other documents are intended to serve as
future study guides to prepare for the final exam at the end of the semester.

Individual/Group Project: These assignments may or may not require research or work
at home. Grading rubrics will be handed to each student at the time the assignment is
given and can be accessed via the class website.

LATE WORK
The expectation is that everyone will complete all assignments and turn them in on time. A due
date is not a suggestion it is a requirement.

Make-up Quizzes or Exams following an excused absence: Each student will have a
reasonable number of school days to complete a quiz or exam missed due to an excused
absence. In this classroom, a reasonable number of school days are based on the amount of
days that you have missed school since the day of the assessment.

If you are absent the day prior to an exam or assignment due, you are NOT excused.
You will have advance notice of quizzes and exams; therefore, you will not be at a disadvantage
following a one-day absence.

Assignments due on the day you are absent will be due immediately upon your return
to school.

In cases of legitimate emergency, the classroom teacher reserves the right to wave all late
penalties.

Extra Credit will be given at my discretion to students. In order to receive extra credit students
must have completed ALL required class assignments and must put forth their best
effort in class.

If you fail to turn in an assignment or a project on the required due date, you MAY be able to turn
the assignment in for partial credit. The late policy for this classroom is as follows:

1 Day Late 10% Deduction 4 Days Late 40% Deduction (10% each
2 Days Late 20% Deduction (10% each day)
day) 5 Days Late 50% Deduction (10% each
3 Days Late 30% Deduction (10 % each day)
day) 6 or more days will not be accepted

CONTENT TO BE COVERED
This schedule is a GUIDE to the school year. It is subject to change as
necessary. Any modifications to this schedule will be announced in class and via one or
more of the following: Remind, Class Website.

Month Chapt Topic Reading Assignments Assessments

er
August/ 1 Origins of the Text, pg. 4-9 o The American
January American Dream Paper
Nation
The Young Text, pg. 15- States and
Republic 20 Capitals
Quiz
Septemb 1 The Text, pg. 31- o Constitution Constitution
er/Febru Constitution 50 Convention Quiz
ary Sim.
Antebellum Text, pg. 51- o Court Cases
America 56 o Found Poem
Manifest Text, pg. 57- o Protest Signs Chapter 1
Destiny 61 Sectionalism Vocabulary
Quiz
Civil War and Text, pg. 63- o Civil War Chapter 1
Reconstruction 69 Journal Test
o Gettysburg
Address
o Constructing
Reconstructio
n
October/ 2 Settling the Text, pg. 74- o Teaching Chapter 2
March West 87 Tolerance Vocabulary
Quiz
3 Industrializatio Text, pg. 92- o Invention Chapter 3
n 109 Convention Vocabulary
Project Quiz
4 Urbanization Text, pg. 114- o Ellis Island Unit 2 Test
137 Simulation (Chapters 2-
4)
Novembe 5 Becoming a Text, pg. 142- o Becoming a Chapter 5
r/ April World Power 157 Muckraker Vocabulary
Quiz
6 The Text, pg. 162- o Progressive Chapter 6
Progressive 179 Superhero/ Vocabulary
Movement Villain Quiz
o Progressive
Era Movie
Poster
7 World War I Text, pg. 184- o Propaganda Unit 3 Test
203 Poster (Chapters 5-
7)
Decembe 8 The Jazz Age Text, pg. 208- o Society After Chapter 8
r/ May 227 World War I Vocabulary
o Americas Quiz
Transformatio Semester
n Final
Cumulative
(Chapters 1-
8)