AMERICAN HISTORY CLASS SYLLABUS
Mr. Thomas R. Brown

COURSE OUTLINE
   
This introductory course of American History covers a time span from before the 
colonization of America up until the American Civil War.  Special  emphasis will be 
placed upon the study of the United States Constitution.  Students will 
study the time period from the Civil War to present day during tenth grade.  This new 
social studies curriculum reflects many changes in RiverviewÕs ÒScope and SequenceÓ for 
 grades K-12.  These changes will help all students master general as well as complex social 
studies skills, so that they can achieve success with the new M.E.A.P. tests.  M.E.A.P. tests 
will be administered during the 5th, 8th, and 10th grades.  Current events will also be 
discussed on a daily basis in my classroom. 


PHILOSOPHY 
   
My history class is designed to explore American History by using a simple 
survey method.  This method allows me to stress the reasons why events happened, and 
the important results of these events.  I believe that in order for students to learn, they 
must want to learn.  I try to accomplish this goal by making history interesting and relevant.
  Instead of trying to force students to memorize numerous dates and facts, I try to prove to 
them that in order to do well in the present, we need to understand the past and how it 
affects our daily lives.  I also stress how present day events will affect their future lives.  
Furthermore, I place an equal importance on teaching them skills that they may use 
during the rest of their lives (see list below).  In addition, I hand out a page of chapter 
objectives and key words at the start of every chapter, so that all students as well as 
parents know exactly what is to be expected for each chapter.  It is an honor to have 
your child in my class this school year.


STUDENT SKILL OBJECTIVES
1.  To develop skills in taking verbal and written notes.
2.  To increase their critical thinking skills.
3.  To develop skills in taking part in class discussions.
4.  To gain skills in extracting main ideas from reading assignments.
5.  To learn how to analyze trends and evaluate information.
6.  To develop skills needed for good study habits.
7.  To learn the effectiveness of brainstorming.
8.  To develop skills in cooperative learning.
9.  To improve their skills with using computers, CD Roms, and the Internet. 
10. To pass the new social studies MEAP test.


TEXTBOOK 
THE AMERICAN NATION,  by Prentice Hall, 1997.  Numerous additional 
facts, informative stories, videos, and ditto sheets will supplement the textbook.


CLASS RULES
Each student receives a complete listing of my classroom rules, 
grading system, citizenship requirements, and class expectations.  The schoolÕs code of 
conduct is strictly enforced.


TESTS
  
All tests will be announced at least two days in advance.  On the day prior to the 
test, there will be a review, which is administered like a spelling bee.  The winner or 
winners of the review will have his/her test grade increased ten percent - one full grade.
Page 2

GRADING SYSTEM
  
All grades are recorded as points.  For example, a test may 
equal 428 points and a homework assignments 30 points.  I compute a studentÕs grade by 
totaling all possible points and dividing these points into the cumulative points earned by 
each student.  A simple and fair percent system is then used to compute the studentÕs point 
total to a letter grade.  Computerized grading lists will be posted weekly.  Names will be 
listed using a confidential number code.  The percent system I use is: 

98.0 -   100+ = A+           78.0 - 79.9 = C+
93.0 -   97.9 = A            73.0 - 77.9 = C
90.0 -   92.9 = A-           70.0 - 72.9 = C-

   

88.0 -   89.9 = B+           68.0 - 69.9 = D+
83.0 -   87.9 = B             63.0 - 67.9 = D
80.0 -   82.9 = B-            60.0 - 62.9 = D-				

CITIZENSHIP
  

To earn a Ò1Ó (excellent), a student must:

	1.  Be prompt in completing all assignments.
	2.  Be neat in work habits and assignments.
	3.  Take an active part in class discussions.
	4.  Take pride in the classroom and be a leader.
	5.  Work well with other students and the teacher.
	6.  Be courteous to a substitute teacher, librarian, and assistant librarian.
	7.  Follow all classroom and school citizenship policies.	

HOMEWORK
  
Homework of some type is given every day!  Students will be expected to read 
and take notes daily from their text book, review class notes, and  study for tests.    
These notes are to be kept in their notebooks, which will be checked on a daily basis.  
In addition, I expect each student to spend at least ten minutes per night reviewing 
his or her class notes or making-up flash-cards.

FLASH-CARDS
 
I highly recommend that students make and use flash-cards on a daily basis as 
part of their homework.  Important words such as names, places, and events should 
appear on the blank side of the flash-card, with the answers on the lined side.  
Use the Òkey wordsÓ (hand-out ditto) to find the important words of the 
chapter.  This flash-card technique reinforces the important names, places, and 
events that we just studied, and it also allows the student as well as the parents to 
have a tangible tool to help prepare and study for the tests

EXTRA CREDIT
  
Students may earn extra credit.  For example, besides doing the reading notes, a 
student may also do the ÒRead To LearnÓ questions at the beginningof each section.  
Furthermore, several times per week I will ask students to investigateand answer 
classroom questions and concepts that we will be discussing.  There is no limit on how 
many extra credit points a student may earn.


TELEPHONE CALLS
 
Phone calls are initiated by me.  I call all parents for various reasons.  Most of my calls 
are positive in nature.


COMPUTERIZED PROGRESS REPORTS
  
In the middle (5th week) and end (10th week) of each card marking, all students will be 
given a computerized progress report which must be taken home and signed by their 
parents and returned back to me.  Returning the progress report signed and dated 
will earn each student 100 possible points.  This computerized report card will show 
the exact percent amount and grade that your child is earning.  It will also list every 
homework assignment, quiz, test, etc. your child has taken and the grade for each.
Furthermore, it will show the points earned and grade per every assignment and 
clearly demonstrate if there are any missing assignments, incomplete assignments, 
and if there was any cheating.  In addition to the two mandatory times of sending 
home the computerized progress report, I can send home additional computerized 
progress reports during the marking period upon parent request.


ONLINE GRADES
 

I have created an online web site to help my students and parents! 
The web site is http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tbrown117735MI  
or simply type seitz.has.it. This site contains secured student grades, 
assignments, as well as daily and weekly homework. One can even 
email me at  seitzteacher@yahoo.com

All student assignments, tests, and grades will be posted online.  To be able to see one's
grades one needs to enter a secured nine-digit student number plus a four digit student pin
number.  I can also send an email attachment of student grades.
 

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
  
Your role in making your childÕs progress in school successful is very important!  Make 
sure that your child knows that you are aware of my class expectations, rules 
and syllabus.  Try reading them together!  Be conscious that they should have 
approximately a total of one hour of homework for all classes every night!  Students
 will have homework every day from my class.  They will not be able to finish it in 
school!  Communicate daily with your child about their school day.  If you believe 
that your child is not bringing home their text-book, notebook,assignment book, 
or homework, on a daily basis, or if you believe they are not doing their best, then tell 
them that you will call Mr. Brown.  Check to see if your child is keeping and bringing 
home a daily assignment  book that the school hands out to every student at the 
beginning of each card-marking.  Also, donÕt forget to sign the assignment book every 
weekend.  Every Monday, A2 teachers will check to see if the assignment book has 
been properly filled out by the student and has been signed and dated by the
parent.  The computerized progress reports will go home with your son or daughter 
twice per card-marking.  Please sign and date this progress report so that they may earn
 the maximum 100 points.  Hopefully, this computerized progress report will help you 
become better aware of your childÕs progress.  Seitz is open every night at least until 
8:00 pm.  If your child forgets their homework or text-book, make them come back to 
school and get it.  If they are having difficulty, help them by quizzing them with using 
their flash-cards, key words, or notes.  If your child still needs extra help, tell  them 
to see me either before or after school.  I am usually available one half hour prior to the 
beginning of the school day and one hour after school.  To make this school year 
successful, I need your help and support!  Please call 285-2043, if you ever have 
any questions.  Please sign and date this syllabus on the front page.

Thank You!


Monday, December 22, 2003