U.S.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY

Classroom Rules & Procedures
Teacher: Mr. Starlin
Contact Info: david.starlin@clawsonschools.org
Room #127: 3rd Hour Prep

Monitor Academic Performance:

https://mistar.oakland.k12.mi.us/Clawson/StudentPortal/
https://mistar.oakland.k12.mi.us/Clawson/ParentPortal/

The disciplined study of history and geography is vital and essential for citizens in a democratic society such as the United
States. History and geography help us understand the origins, development, growth and challenges of our institutions and
our culture. These disciplines help to locate ourselves in both time and space and thus help us think about who we are and
about our possible futures. The study of history and geography of the United States prepares us to take up the challenges
of life in contemporary society by helping us see the common and diverse strands that formed and continue to shape our
present life while developing the habits of mind essential for democratic citizenship.
The study of history and geography is well worth our efforts because it is so vital. Learning about our nation and its place
in the world is essential for every individual. Understanding the worlds peoples, cultures, and societies and the story of
our past is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Americans in the 21st century. As citizens, our students need the best
understanding of the world and its past we can give them. A disciplined study of world history and geography promotes
exactly the type of reasoned thought our students deserve and democratic societies so desperately need.
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Michigan Social Studies High School Content Expectations

Time period under examination: Post-reconstruction to present day

This course has been structured in accordance with the educational standards as set by Michigans Department
of Education, specifically the High School Content Expectations for Social Studies. U.S. History & Geography
is a year-long course at CHS and the topics of study to be explored are as follows:
Unit 1- American Industrialization
Unit 2- Immigration, Working Conditions and Unionization
Unit 3- Progressive Movement
Unit 4- Imperialism
Unit 5- World War I
Unit 6- Womens Suffrage/Roaring Twenties
Unit 7- The Great Depression
Unit 8- The New Deal
Unit 9- World War II
Unit 10- The Cold War
Unit 11- The End of the Cold War
Unit 12- Vietnam War
Unit 13- Civil Rights
Unit 14- Current Events
Grading Scale:
Grades will be determined based on two categories of work. Those categories and their percentile weight are as
follows:
Assessments-70% of the overall grade in a marking period. Items that are considered assessment are: Tests,
Formal Presentations, Formal Papers-Essays, and Projects.
Assignments-30% of the overall grade in a marking period. Items that are considered assignments are:
Activities, Class Participation, Vocabulary (Key Terms), Practice Work (Homework), and Practice Quizzes.
The overall grade will be determined by a point scale that is set by the Clawson School District.

Class Structure:
Homework Assignments (i.e. textbook reading, vocabulary definitions, primary document analysis)
Class Participation (i.e. in-class activities, class discussions)
Projects/Presentations
Quizzes
Tests
CLASSROOM RULES:
Mutual Respect: I will respect you as a student and you will respect me as a teacher. You will also respect your
fellow students and all ideas that will be brought up and explored during our time together.
Participation: The dissemination, sharing, and meaningful discussion of any and all appropriate/relevant ideas
is of paramount importance in this classroom. As a student you must be an active learner, just as I will have to
be an active teacher. This requires you to take notes, turn in homework, and be an active participant in
classroom discussions and activities, which requires you (the student) to listen as well as talk and participate
yourself.
Attendance: Not only is your physical presence required but you also must be mentally engaged in the class,
which is to say that you must be attentive. I will plan meaningful and interesting instruction for each day that
we have a class; the lessons I have planned will be most effective when all students are present. Excessive
absences will be to the detriment of your grade in this class and will be dealt with in accordance with school
policy.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
Inappropriate behavior is unacceptable and violates the mutual respect rule that our class is based on.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and students should avoid carrying out actions that may be
construed as inappropriate. Ultimate authority on disciplinary matters lies in the discretionary powers of the
teacher. A transgression of any one of the classroom rules will require me to take disciplinary action against the
transgressor.
Class Materials:
Notebook, pens or pencils, class folder, textbook ($75 fine if book issued to student is not returned at the end of
the course), CD version of textbook is available upon request (student is responsible for returning CD)
Assignments & Tests:
It is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher about making up any work missed due to absences. All
work that is assigned as classwork or homework must be completed. Extra credit will be assigned on a random
basis. Students should take advantage of the extra credit assignments when they are given.
There will always be advanced notice for tests as well as review options to prepare students for the assessment.
Students should do their best to make it to class on test day. If a student is absent for a test it is their
responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for an alternative time to take the test they missed.
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED (extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an
individual basis).
Electronic Devices: NO electronic devices can be used while teacher is conducting classroom instruction.
WEEBLY Website: www.starlind.weebly.com
This class will have a weebly classroom webpage and students should become familiar with the contents of the
website as I will be updating the site regularly and absent students should check the website for missed work.