Mr. Neil Blog: NeilUSHistory.blogspot.com
C 204
322-3288
nate.neil@bend.k12.or.us
US History 2010-11
Course Outline: In the United States we enjoy a standard of living that no other country on earth ever has. We will start this term looking at the roots of how our country became a world leader. As the 1900s begin the US focuses on control of the Americas and less about the affairs of Europe. As WWI dawns, a reluctant US is unable to stay neutral, sealing our fate forever tied to Europe’s wars. Through the 20’s the US benefits from a favorable trade with Europe. The 30’s usher in hard times with a global depression and once again the US recoils to it’s own continent protected from the world’s problems by two oceans. Ironically, it will be another world war that provides the US with a way out of the depression. A Cold War dawns while the US economy begins it’s nearly 2 decades long climb to the top. This prosperity is not shared by all however and we enter an era of Civil rights legislation and court battles. The world as you know it begins when the first PC is unveiled in the 80’s. Bill Clinton never inhaled and Y2K was a myth. 9-11-01 prompts in the “Bush Doctrine” and once again the energy and US foreign policy debates begin.
Grading: Weekly assignments, discussions, quizzes and tests will be the main methods of evaluation and point getters. You will be required to complete at least one research paper or speech. Letter grades are as follows:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = < 59%
Expectations: You need to be prepared for class everyday. You will need paper, pencil, and textbook everyday. You will also be responsible for keeping track of assignments and classroom notes. There may be periodic checks to see that students are keeping up with assignments and notes.
Treat others with respect. Come to class with your homework completed. Be ready to participate in discussions or work in small groups. You are responsible for keeping track of your grade and missing assignments.
Do not bring ipods or other listening devices to class – you will not be using them. If you have a cell phone with you turn it off and save some battery. I reserve the right to confiscate all “distractions” if I see them.
Food and Drink is not allowed in the room except for water bottles. We may occasionally eat in the room as a class, however, messes in the room are extremely hard to pick up so please don’t bring food into the classroom.
Expectations
You will be courteous
Treat your fellow students and teachers with respect, and they will do
the same for you
Listen when others are speaking – give him or her your undivided
attention
Wait to be recognized before speaking
Treat the property of others with respect
Never willfully damage other peoples property
Textbooks will be covered and you are responsible for damages to
them.
Be Responsible
Be in your seat, ready to begin work when the tardy bell rings
Bring supplies to class everyday. (book, paper, pencil, homework)
All tests must be made up on time. Times to make up tests need to be
prearranged either before or after school or at lunch.
