NEWMAN SCHOOL
BOSTON, MA
HISTORY 3A
Miss Julianne Papetsas Fall 2011
Course Description:
History 3A is a basic history course designed to give ESL students a general understanding of U.S. history. Students will be expected to do the assigned readings from the required text, take thorough lecture notes, participate in discussion and debate, and do various projects and presentations. All of these components are intended to aid the students’ learning of U.S. history and prepare them for the rigors of a mainstream high school history curriculum.
Required Materials:
1. U.S. History textbook (Provided)
2. Notebook
3. Folder/Binder to store assignments
Goals and Objectives:
The student will be able to . . .
1. Define and use historical/academic terms and vocabulary.
2. Identify important occurrences in American history and explain the impact they have had on the nation and the world.
3. Write persuasive responses to historical questions and issues.
4. Orally discuss and debate historical problems, while giving valid defense for their claims.
5. Research and write history papers using MLA format.
Course Expecations/Grading:
Class Participation (25%) – This class is heavily lecture-based. The required text is important, but not the only source of information. Thus, it is necessary that the student be present in class, attentive, and taking thorough notes. The student must arrive in class on time and prepared with the required texts and notebooks. Consistent absences are inexcusable and will cause the final grade to suffer. Involvement in class discussions and debates is necessary to achieve a good participation grade. All homework is expected to be completed the day it is due. An uncompleted homework assignment will result in Homework Tutorial.
Quizzes (25%) – There will be a quiz at the end of each chapter. Quizzes may NOT be made up. The lowest quiz grade for each student will be dropped at the end of the semester to account for absences and difficulties.
Tests (25%) – there will be two cumulative tests during the course of the semester. Tests may not be made up unless the student can prove that his/her absence was due to an emergency. Cheating on tests (or quizzes) is strictly forbidden and will result in a grade of zero and a report to the Dean of Studies. Translators are NOT allowed to be used on tests and quizzes.
Projects (25%) – Projects must be completed and handed in on time. The grade will drop 10 points each day it is late. Plagiarism is inexcusable and will also result in a grade of zero and a report to the Dean of Studies.