U.S. History I, 1600-1880
North Kingstown High School
Social Studies Department
Mr. Mooney
Room 212
Email: liam_mooney@nksd.net
Class Website: www.ushistory-mooney.wikispaces.com
Extra Help/Makeup Work
Tuesdays and Thursdays (Late Bus Days) or by Appointment

Introduction:
United States History I is a course that studies American History beginning with the Colonization period in the early 1600’s carrying on through the 1880’s and the Reconstruction Era. Over the course of the year students will use course textbook, primary sources, interactive websites/electronic databases, as well as a variety of multimedia resources to help students learn about Early American history. The end goal of this course to prepare students for their role as civically minded Americans in a functioning democracy.
Units and Essential Questions
Each unit will use the study of U.S. history in an attempt to develop understanding to the following essential units and topics. These units and topics only serve as a starting point; other areas will arise as the students interact with history.
FIRST QUARTER: Europeans Transform North America, 1600-1776
  • European Colonization of North America
  • England and its Colonies
  • Growing Dissent in the Colonies

SECOND QUARTER: Building a New Nation, 1776-1790
  • Revolutionary War
  • Forming a New Government
  • Analyzing the Constitution

THIRD QUARTER: Growing Pains of Young Nation, 1790-1850
  • Leadership from Washington to Jefferson
  • Regional Economies
  • Trail of Tears
  • Social Reforms
  • Westward Expansion

FOURTH QUARTER: A Nation Divided, 1850-1880
  • Politics of Slavery
  • Civil War
  • Reconstruction

Materials
1) A pen or pencil for every class!
2) Textbook
  1. a. All students will receive a textbook username from the school.
  2. b. This will allow them to access the course textbook anywhere with an Internet connection.
  3. c. Any students without a computer or Internet connection at home will be provided with a hard copy textbook.

3) Three Ring Binder
  1. a. All students must have a three ring binder that is at least 1.5” thick (a larger binder is recommended) and bring it to class each day.
  2. b. The binder must contain loose-leaf paper.
  3. c. Access to a hole puncher is required.
  4. d. All work must be organized and secured in the rings of the binder.
Grading Policy (subject to change quarterly)
The student’s grade will be assigned based on the following assignments:

15% Daily Homework and Class Assignments (almost daily) – the daily homework assignment is intended to prepare students for the following class activity and discussion. Homework is designed to take approximately 30-45 minutes.
15 % Quizzes –The quizzes will be given in the form of multiple-choice or matching along with one or two short responses.
35 % Performance Tasks/Projects – These assessments ask students to apply what they have learned in class to a specific task. These tasks may include written, oral, or visual communication projects.
35% Final Unit Assessment (one per quarter) These assessments are intended to measure whether students have met the goals of the intended unit. These assessments will be constructed in the standard test fashion.

Late work
Late work will be penalized 10% for each day beyond the due date. You may hand it to me personally. Do not email work. It is always best to turn in the assignment, even if it is late. Keeping up with the assignments, including readings for discussion is key to success in this class. No extra credit will be allowed if previous assignments are incomplete.