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United States History 431

Newton South High School


Instructor: Mr. Stein
Email: eugene_stein@newton.k12.ma.us
J Block: Wednesday and Thursday

Expectations and Goals

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States emerged as the lone super power in
the world. How did this divergent group of 13 different British colonies transform itself
to the world hyper power we see today? What responsibility does this pose to the US?
Is the rise of China the next challenge faced by the United States?

It is these and other questions we will explore on our study of US History. In the course
of our study we will focus on such topic as the foundation of democratic principles, the
Constitution, the Civil War, Reconstruction leading us into the modern era.

This course is a survey manner with a strong focus on research and analytical writing.
The course description is as follows:

The course grading goes as follows:

The main part of your grade will be your test grades. After this, your quiz grades will be
the largest part of your grade followed by homework. The class work grade is based on
your effort on tasks during class.

Tests/Papers/Alternative Assessments
Quizzes
Homework
Class work
Final

Texts

We will use different primary and secondary sources throughout our study along with our
textbook, United States History by Prentice Hall.

Course Topics
The Constitution
The Early Republic
Antebellum America and Reconstruction
The West: Expansion, Native Americans and Farmers
World War I/Gilded Age/Roaring 20s
The Great Depression and The New Deal
World War II
The Cold War and Vietnam
Civil Rights and Contemporary America
Class Homework Websites:

http://www2.newton.k12.ma.us/~Eugene_Stein/ - Weekly assignment schedule


www.engrade.com - grades and attachments to assignments

NSHS Google Docs: steine@newton.k12.ma.us

Some Important Classroom Policies

Homework: This is due at the start of class. This includes your work being printed and
in your hands. I will not take class time for students to print their homework. It will be
marked late if this occurs. The school has printers you can use so if you need to get here
early to use the library that should be your priority. Also:

1. I will not accept work on your cell phone. You are at an academic institution
and are expected to be prepared for class.
2. You receive a weekly class syllabus so are well aware of the assignments you
miss. It is your responsibility to make up homework you missed in a timely
manner. If you do not approach me to show me your missing work and more
than 2 days pass, you will not receive full credit for the assignment.
3. MCAS Rules in class you may not use a cell phone or computer in class at
anytime. Make sure to be prepared for lass

Quiz and Test Makeup: You receive a weekly class syllabus so are well aware of the
assignments you miss. It is your responsibility to make up quizzes and tests missed in a
timely manner. If you do not approach me to do this and more than 2 days pass, you will
not receive full credit for the quiz.

Classroom Behavior: The most important aspect of this is that you respect the learning
environment. You are a part of a community and are expected to be respectful to
everyone in the room. This includes both your classmates and the teacher. Some
important parts of this are:
1. No cellphones visible at all. The only exception will be if we are using them for a specific
class activity. I WILL take your phone if this problem persists. I also, WILL give you a
detention and contact your housemaster if it continues.
2. No working on other assignments during class: If this occurs, I will assume you need
more history work and will gladly give you extra assignments due the following day in
detention.
3. Class discussion: This will be a challenge for some of you. It is important that you allow
people to speak and not interrupt them. I know at times you have points you want to add
but need to work on writing them down and waiting your turn.
4. Tardiness: I know this is a big school however, once I close the door to class and you walk
in late without a note, you are tardy. Three tardies equal an unexcused absence.
5. Other Issues: There are other things not listed here that are obvious however at times
some people forget. I will remind you of these as they occur.

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