United States History & Government ORANGE (SOC300-4)Mr. Spencer & Mrs. McJury PINK (SOC300-5)Mr. Spencer

Mr. Spencer Classroom: 100E Classroom Phone: Twitter: mrspencer_oly FaceBook: facebook.com/mrspencer.info Website:

For ORANGE (SOC300-4) only: Mrs. McJury Classroom: Classroom Phone:

“What is the class all about?”

Good news… this isn’t Global History!

Historical Foundations: Colonies, Principles of the American Revolution and the ConstitutionHistorical Foundations: Colonies, Principles of the American Revolution and the Constitution The New Nation: The Constitutional Convention, The Constitution and impact of early presidents and political leaders in the forming and development of the United StatesThe New Nation: The Constitutional Convention, The Constitution and impact of early presidents and political leaders in the forming and development of the United States The Constitution Tested: Western Expansion, Sectionalism vs. Nationalism, the Civil WarThe Constitution Tested: Western Expansion, Sectionalism vs. Nationalism, the Civil War Industrialization & Immigration: Industrial Growth in the north while the south is rebuilding after the warIndustrialization & Immigration: Industrial Growth in the north while the south is rebuilding after the war The Progressive Era: Industrialization led to a series of reform movements in the United StatesThe Progressive Era: Industrialization led to a series of reform movements in the United States US Domestic Policy: The impact of foreign policy on domestic issues, civil liberties in times of warUS Domestic Policy: The impact of foreign policy on domestic issues, civil liberties in times of war US Foreign Policy: Neutrality, Imperialism, Containment and InterventionUS Foreign Policy: Neutrality, Imperialism, Containment and Intervention Current Events: Examining historical events and issues from 1990’s through the present dayCurrent Events: Examining historical events and issues from 1990’s through the present day

We will go through these units, using the Presidents as guideposts. In addition to learning about the events that created and shaped our nation, we will also look at the American system of government (sounds exciting, doesn’t it?). But don’t worry… it will be easier than Global.

“How will I be graded?”

To receive graduation credit you must pass both the course and the Regents exam at the end of the year.

Notes Summaries: 25%

Quizzes: 25%

Writing Assignments: 25%

Multiple Choice Exams: 25%

All assignments can be retaken to improve the grade.

I want you to learn the material. If you want an “A” in this course, you can get it if you’re willing to put the time and effort.

Like retakes, late work will be accepted only up until the information it covers is tested on.

My website (at the top of the first page) will have our work posted on it daily. If you’re absent, you can get it there and not fall behind.

Regents Exam: To graduate, you must pass the New York State Regents Exam in United States History & Government exam. It is a three hour exam taken in June.

The exam has four parts:Part I: 50 Multiple-Choice QuestionsPart II: Thematic EssayPart III: Document Based Question Essay, which has two parts: III A: DBQ Scaffolding Questions III B: DBQ Essay The exam has four parts:Part I: 50 Multiple-Choice QuestionsPart II: Thematic EssayPart III: Document Based Question Essay, which has two parts: III A: DBQ Scaffolding Questions III B: DBQ Essay

You will be well-practiced for the exam. We will spend a significant portion of the year preparing for it and the lessons and activities throughout the year are designed to develop your skills to make the test easy. My goal is not for you to just pass it, but score above 85%. Sound crazy? Each one of you can do it and I’ll show you how.

Frequently asked questions about Mr. Spencer:

“Who is this guy?”

“Why is he so mean?”

I believe that I have a responsibility to you to prepare you to have a successful life. My rules, including the crazy ones, all play some part in teaching you how to get where ever it is you want to go.

“What are this crazy teacher’s rules?”

I believe very strongly in rules. I will enforce all District and school rules more than any other teacher you’ve ever had.

This class is a Red Zone unless I specifically say otherwise. No one is allowed to leave class for the first and last five minutes of class.

Communication is a skill that we all need to develop throughout our lives.

Despite my reputation, I’m a very reasonable guy who is here to help you.

All students can learn and achieve. You can do very well in this course.

You can kind of view me as a sort of personal trainer for your brain.

I have some really crazy rules and procedures that I’ll list here (each has a purpose):

Your heading must be COMPLETELY filled out on any papers you turn into me to receive credit

Your work must all be done in blue or black ink

Capitalization counts (you will not get credit for answers not capitalized that need to be)

Spelling counts (you will not get credit for misspelled answers)

There is no partial credit in this class

Names of foreign people, places and events need to be said out loud to remember them

65% is not an acceptable grade… we need to aim higher

If given a choice between success and failure, why not choose success?

For ORANGE (SOC300-4) only: What is ESOL?

For ORANGE (SOC300-4) only: How will ESOL support help me?

SOC300-4 will be called “ORANGE.” SOC300-5 will be called “PINK.”