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Class Activities & Expectations
Level 1 Reading Assignment (see at bottom)
Syllabus (1)
American History
Fugett Middle School
2007-08 School Year
E-mail: tswift@wcasd.net
Web site: www.swiftnotes.com
Phone: 484-266-2925
Introduction:
My name is Mr. Swift. I am truly excited to be your American history teacher
this year. This class will be exciting and challenging and you will be an
“active learner.” Class discussions and projects will be a large part of the
class’s activities and grade. It is my hope that each student participates at
least once per class period. I will attempt to incorporate as many creative
activities as possible during class. My goal is to have you enjoy learning
about history and look forward to coming to class each day. Monumental goals, I
know. Nevertheless, I believe with work and cooperation we can accomplish these
goals together.
Expectations:
I expect you to come to class prepared, all class assignments completed, and ready to participate. You are in the eighth grade. You should know the traffic and flow patterns of the school by now. Therefore, I expect you to be seated when class begins. Without a pass or valid reason, tardiness will not be accepted. There will be no eating or drinking in class and trips to the water closet should be requested only for an absolute emergency.
The amount of work in this class may seem daunting at first; however, I believe that after you become acclimated with what I expect, assignments will be both enjoyable and educationally rewarding. You will be asked to do a considerable amount of reading and writing in this class. Written assignments are expected to be free of grammatical and spelling errors, typed or word-processed and coherent. I realize that for most of you there are places that you would rather be than in a history class. With that it mind, I will make assignments as enjoyable as possible for you. As a student, you can expect me to be fair, prepared and enthusiastic. I expect no less from you. There is one fundamental guideline to this being a successful class: follow the Golden Rule. With that it mind, please make sure you are respectful and courteous to the person speaking in class. When I am speaking, I expect you to quietly listen and respond when appropriate. Conversely, when you are speaking, your other classmates and I will show you the same respect you showed us. I do not anticipate a problem with this. However, if a student does disrupt the class, he or she can expect disciplinary action. Obviously the general rules outlined by the school are also applicable to this class.
Policies and Procedures:
Homework will be given on a regular basis. In addition, you will be given long-term projects to complete. I expect homework to be handed in on the day that it is due. If it is late, you will receive no credit if we discuss the homework in class. If the homework is not reviewed, you may turn it in late for up to half credit.
If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a day that homework is due, you will be given an additional day to make up missed assignments. It is solely your responsibility to make all necessary arrangements to complete missed work. Please note that if you are absent the day that a major long-term project is due, I expect the project to be turned in the first day you return.
All homework assignments, projects, tests, quizzes, etc must have your name, date and period number on it.
If you would like to participate in class discussion or have a question, it is imperative that you raise your hand.
You must come to class fully prepared with all necessary class materials. I have a classroom set of textbooks; therefore, you will not need to bring your American history book to class. However, please bring your notebook, assignment book and a pen or pencil. I will not provide school supplies if you forget.
Units of Study:
Unit I: Our Colonial Heritage
Unit II: A New Nation
Unit III: The New Republic
Unit IV: The Nation Expands
Unit V: The Nation Breaks Apart
Unit VI: A Growing America
Unit VII: The Beginnings of Modern America
Resources:
You will use our new textbook, United States History, Beginnings to 1914, In addition to your textbook, we will be using many supplementary primary and secondary sources to complement the text. Furthermore, I encourage you to visit my website: www.swiftnotes.com. This site will include unit topics, key words, some notes, assignments, links, and other information that I think pertain to this class and is useful to you. Previous students have found my website to be an invaluable tool. I hope you also take advantage of what the site has to offer, too. If you are unable to access the internet, let me know and I will provide you with a printed copy of what you desire. You should, however, be able to access the internet within the school, if not at home.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in a number of ways. I want each of you to do well in this class. Therefore, you can expect to have many assignments during each marking period. Having a large number of assignments will provide you with the opportunity to achieve a “fair” grade in this class. A pre-assigned point value will be given for each assignment. Your grade for each unit will be based on the number of points you accumulate over the number of points available. Some of the ways in which you will be assessed include:
- Reading assignments from the textbook
- Exams and quizzes
- Unit projects
- Written homework assignments
- In-class assignments
- Internet assignments
- Class participation
Contact:
I will try to make myself very accessible to you. If you have questions, concerns or need to talk with me, you have several options. I may be in the classroom both before and after school for an extended period of time. I am generally at school from 7:15 a.m. until after 5:00 p.m. You can stop by any time. Although “walk-ins” are always welcome, you might want to check with me first to make sure I do not have a meeting or other commitment. If you need to meet me, I will be more than happy to try to accommodate your request. Additionally, I am proactive in checking e-mail at home. If you need to reach me after school hours, logon to my website or send me an e-mail!
What you can expect from this class:
1. Have fun
2. Work hard
3. Learn
4. Participate in class discussions, debates and answer questions when asked
5. Work on in-class projects
6. Use computers and other forms of technology
7. “Note days”
8. Go on a fieldtrip*
9. Discussion of current events
10. Participate in a National History Day contest
11. Participate in Early America Day
What I expect from you:
1. Have fun
2. Work hard
3. Learn
4. Participate in class discussions, debates and answer questions when asked
5. Complete all homework on time
6. Come prepared to class with everything you need (attitude, pen, pencil, notebook, reading material, textbook…)
7. Show respect for the teacher and your fellow classmates
8. Observe all classroom rules
9. Take content-oriented notes on “note days”
10. Be prepared with pertinent current events when we have “current event days
11. Make-up policy: you will have one day for each day of absence to make up tests or quizzes. After this make-up period you will receive a reduction in the grade. You must see me to find a mutually conducive time to make up work. I WILL NOT pursue you to have you make up work. You must take responsibility for this.
12. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see me or a responsible student to obtain any missed assignment. Being absent is not a valid excuse for skipping an assignment. Find a homework buddy!
13. Homework policy- Homework must be turned in on time to receive full credit. If a homework assignment is not completed and we review and discuss it in class, I will not accept it late. If we do not discuss the homework in class, you may turn it in late; however, you will receive half credit!
14. Behavioral expectations
- You are expected to be in your seat when class begins; otherwise you are late to class!
- You are to remain in your seat at all times unless given permission to move.
- The teacher has the right to assign seats for students.
- Proper language will be used at all times in class.
- You are expected to treat your fellow classmates, your teacher and all property with proper respect and manners.
15. Progress Reports are to be signed by parents and returned to the teacher!
16. Grade scale- The district’s new ten (10) point scale will be used.
17. Extra credit- Students may complete one (1) extra credit historical visit per marking period. Additionally, I may assign one (1) optional extra credit project per marking period.
Tips for Success in Mr. Swift’s American History Class:
(In no particular order…)
1. Participate in class discussions & activities (class participation counts toward your grade!)
2. Be prepared in class (be on time & have all worked finished)
3. Ask questions (there are NO “dumb” questions)
4. Answer questions
5. Be creative
6. Study (obviously, there is a correlation between studying & doing well)
7. Seek help when needed (that’s why I am here!)
8. Visit my website often
9. See me before of after school if you have a problem or concern
10. Turn assignments in on time (you will lose significant points otherwise)
11. If you’re absent, make up work quickly (you will lose points otherwise)
12. Pay attention during class (you may have your questions answered & learn something cool about history in the process!)
13. Respect EVERYONE in class
14. Take advantage of extra credit when it is offered
15. Plan ahead…don’t procrastinate on assignments (good time management skills are vital to future success)
16. Participate in extra-curricular history activities, like National History Day…
17. Read a book about something we’ll discuss in class
18. Have fun & learn!
Current Event Days
Most Tuesdays will be “Current Event Day” in class. This is how it works:
v Search the week’s newspapers, internet news, weekly periodicals…for information related to what we will study in this class
v Read the article
v Cut out or print the related article & bring it to class on Tuesday
v At the beginning of class, I will ask students whether they have any current events they want to share
v You may then share your article with this class
v Hopefully, your article will spur some class discussion on the topic
As a reminder, the following themes will be covered in this class:
1. European Exploration of the Americas
2. Colonial America
3. The American Revolution
4. The development of the Constitution & the U.S. government
5. The Growing United States: early beginnings & industrial revolution through 1840
6. The Reform Movement and Westward Expansion
7. The Union divided & Civil War
8. Reconstruction: 1865-1877
9. Westward Expansion & the treatment of Native Americans
10.The 2nd Industrial Revolution & the Progressive Era
What’s in it for you? Besides being fun, you will have a better understanding of current events and you can help your grade in the process! Participation in these “Current Event Days” will count heavily toward your overall class participation grade. I should remind you that your class participation grade counts for a sizeable chunk of your overall quarter grade. Additionally, you will be given current event homework assignments throughout the year. So, it is in your best interest to keep up with daily news…
We are very fortunate to be living in a region with deep roots in American history. There are a number of opportunities for people in this area to visit historic sites and learn first-hand about a variety of different topics. By touring a historic site or museum, history often comes “alive” to the visitor.
In order to encourage each of you to visit different sites in this area, I will offer you extra credit. If you visit any of the following destinations and complete what is required, I will reward you with up to Ten (10) Extra Credit points per trip!
The details:
- One (1) trip per marking period per student
- You must present physical evidence that you where there (a ticket stub, picture of you at this site…)
- Write at least a one page paper on your experience, what you learned and possibly how it relates to our class. (The paper should be typed and double-spaced)
- Rather than write a paper, you may create a PowerPoint presentation and show it to the class. (the PowerPoint presentation should be at least five quality slides)
- All extra credit assignments MUST be turned in no later than one week before the end of the marking period.
That’s the deal…good luck and have fun! So go ask mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, classmate, or friend to join you in a history fieldtrip!
Listed below are a several historical sites or museums that might be interesting to you. If you decide to choose one on your own, make sure you clear it with me first. Have fun!
1. Chadds Ford Days (CFHS) on Sept. 8 & 9; Chadds Ford, PA (It is FREE this year & a great time!) http://www.chaddsfordhistory.org/
2. Brandywine Battlefield Park; Chadds Ford, PA (610) 459-3342
3. Brandywine River Museum; Chadds Ford, PA (610) 388-2700
4. Chester Country Historical Society; West Chester
(610) 692- 4800 http://www.chestercohistorical.org/
5. Winterthur; Wilmington, DE (800) 448-3883
6. William Brinton 1704 House; West Chester (610) 399-4588
7. Valley Forge Historical Society; Valley Forge, PA
(610) 917- 3651
8. Valley Forge National Historic Park; Valley Forge, PA
9. Chadds Ford Historical Society; Chadds Ford, PA
10. Fort Mifflin; Philadelphia (215) 685-4167
11. Gettysburg National Historic Park; Gettysburg, PA
12. Historic Germantown Preserved; Philadelphia
(215) 844-0514
13. Historic Yellow Springs Inc.; Chester Springs, PA
(610) 827-7414
14. Muhlenberg House-Historical Society of Trappe; Trappe, PA
(610) 489-7560
15. Stenton; Philadelphia (215) 329-7312
16. American Swedish Historical Society; Philadelphia (215) 389-1776
17. Eastern State Penitentiary; Philadelphia (215) 236-3300
18. Independence Hall/ Historical Park; Philadelphia
19. Congress Hall; Philadelphia
20. Liberty Bell Pavilion; Philadelphia
21. Franklin Court; Philadelphia
22. National Portrait Gallery; Philadelphia
23. Betsy Ross House; Philadelphia
24. National Museum of American Jewish History; Philadelphia
25. Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum; Philadelphia
26. Chester County Day Chester County (October 6th)
27. Pea Patch Island Delaware City, DE
28. Reenactment at Brandywine Battlefield on September 8 & 9 (See me about FREE student tickets!) http://www.brandywinebattlefield.com/
29. National Constitution Center; Philadelphia, PA
30. Hopewell Furnace Elverson, PA
31. A history trip of your choosing… (make sure I okay the site)
8th Grade American History 2006-2007
8th Grade American History 2007-2008
Last year, the entire eighth grade took an enjoyable and educational field trip to the Franklin Institute and the King Tut exhibit. An entire eighth grade field trip may be scheduled this year, too.
In addition, for the past two years, nearly ninety (90) eighth grade students attended a special field trip to Washington D.C. in June! These students were motivated to study and participate in history events. Some participated in a Gettysburg Address Contest. Some students took part in National History Day or helped with a Candlelight Christmas open house exhibit and Chadds Ford Days with the Chadds Ford Historical Society. Others wrote essays for Jamestown’s 400 year anniversary. Finally, several students helped with Historic Sugartown Days. A majority of students participated in more than one activity- many participated in three or four! The reward for these students was an exciting trip to our nation’s capital.
We hope to be able to take a similar trip this year.
There are a number of ways to “qualify” for such a trip. In addition to possible opportunities listed below, there may also be other chances that arise during the school year. When this happens, you will be informed of them.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Opportunities change from year to year. We will keep you abreast of all opportunities to become active history learners.
- Due to limited space (about 50 seats per bus), not everyone may be able to attend such a trip. The more active students are in history, the better their chances of attending this trip.
- A special history field trip must be approved by the administration and the school board, so it cannot guaranteed.
Level 1 Reading Assignment
Due by: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 50 Points
Reading is an essential ingredient in obtaining a good education. Reading helps one become an informed citizen and to develop a deeper knowledge in a particular subject. Studies have shown that students who are active readers do better in all of their academic subjects. They have a larger vocabulary and greater appreciation of the English language. Reading can promote analytical thinking and deductive reasoning. In short, reading is good for you!
With that said, you will be required to read at least one (1) history book (not your textbook!) this year. I have provided you with a list of over fifty excellent books and have highlighted nearly twenty that I think would make particularly interesting and enjoyable reading. These books are available through the Chester County Library (www.ccls.org) and may also be obtainable though Fugett’s interlibrary loan system. If you would like to choose a book not on this list, please consult with me about your selection.
Read at your own pace and when you are finished, you must review the book by answering the following questions:
The book review should be single-spaced, typed and at least two full pages. Good luck and happy reading!
Some of the books that are recommended reading (by topic):
General American History:
Presidents:
Colonial America:
American Revolution:
a. Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer, 2004
b. A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier by Joseph Plumb Martin, 2001
b. A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff, 2005
c. 1776 by David McCullough, 2005
d. The Glorious Cause by Robert Middlekrauff, 1982
The Constitution & Federal Era:
Antebellum & Civil War Era:
Post Civil War:
Bold and Underlined Titles are HIGHLY Recommended Reading!