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 * Academic US History II ** **Mrs. Fusarelli**

** Course Content ** : US II is a survey course intended to complete your study of American History. This course focuses on the 20th century, the emergence of America as a world power, and the development of the American Dream. We will study political and social movements at home as well as involvement abroad.

** Textbook ** : Your main textbook for the course is //America-Pathways to the Present.// You will use this book for nightly homework. Additionally, we will supplement the text with updated articles and outside readings.

** Materials ** : You will need a three-ring binder specifically for this course as well as 7 tab dividers. You are expected to keep materials organized by unit; including unit outlines, notes, classwork, homework and quizzes. You will need a section for our marking period projects as well. I recommend you use loose-leaf paper because it helps keep your notebook cleaner and more organized. We will practice note-taking and organizational skills in class. Come to class each day with your notebook and writing utensil. Notebooks will be collected and graded periodically.

** Learning Activities ** : Class time will be use as time to present new information, expand upon homework content with different types of activities, and as time to review. Activities include PowerPoint lecture, discussion, cooperative learning activities, informal and formal presentations, debates, video clips, research, reading, individualized student explorations, current events, and quizzes and tests.

** Online Assignments ** : US History Wiki – Students will join the class wiki where they will be able to access class materials, plan and discuss unit material, and share and evaluate student work. The course wikipage is http://academicus2.wikispaces.com.

Most written assignments must also be posted to __turnitin.com__. Your course, Academic US 2, is course #4107054 and the password is “ush2”.

** Rules and Regs ** : My expectations focus on RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, COMMUNITY, and COMMON SENSE! Learning is an ongoing, interactive process that I expect you to engage in when in the classroom. Action will be taken if the learning process is disrupted.

** Hall Pass Policy ** : It is a very simple policy, if you are not physically in class, you are not getting your money’s worth! Students can have one “out” per week, be it locker, bathroom, drink, nurse, etc. You are required to get teacher permission and to sign out and in on the classroom clipboard. Only one person is allowed out of the room at a time and again, you still need my permission to leave. It is at my discretion to send you places while working on in-class projects.

** Absences and Late Assignments ** : You will have homework on a nightly basis and will have a monthly calendar of assignments. Homework is an easy way to earn points. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to keep up with the assignments you miss. All classroom handouts can be found in the clear “Yaffa” block next to the windows. Assignments are expected to be turned in the day they are due, which means before or during class; however, I will accept homework for half credit the following day. This does not apply to projects/papers/presentations! Projects due on the day of an absence are due on that day regardless. The teacher will determine on an individual basis if special circumstances warrant any exception to this policy. In general, the late penalty for major assignments is a 10% daily deduction. Tests are to be completed within three school days from the date of absence, students are responsible for arranging testing time with the teacher. Extended, excused illnesses are the only reason to not have all work turned in before the unit exam. Unexcused absences are automatic 0’s! Get your notes in and show them to me. As a high school and college student athlete, I understand that several of you are involved in sports and other activities that will cause you to miss class occasionally and put extra demands upon your time. Having been in that position myself, I know I worked extremely hard to keep up with my academics and I will expect the same effort from you. Extracurriculars are an opportunity to learn valuable time management skills as well as responsibility, they are not an excuse for being late with homework or long term assignments. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of planned absences and field trips in advance, and to obtain all classwork and homework assignments for the absence.

** Grading Policy ** : Student grades are accessible online, all the time. I post assignment grades as quickly as I can…tests and major projects may take a few days. I use a cumulative points total, with major projects, tests, and marking period projects worth more points. I will stress that you must put in good, independent effort and complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability if you wish to be successful. I fully expect students to demonstrate academic integrity in all assignments.
 * Please note, extra credit always shows up a 0% because assignments are out of 0 points.

** Contact Information: ** I firmly believe in open lines of communication between home and school. I encourage you to seek the assistance of your classmates, your parents, and your teacher (me) when you encounter a problem and I stress the sooner you do so the better! I can help you much more effectively if you don’t wait until the day something is due to let me know there is a problem. As my AP English teacher once told me, “Failure to adequately prepare on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” (I didn’t have enough sources for a research paper and didn’t tell her until the day before it was due). The quickest, easiest, and most sure way to contact me (if you’re outside the building) is by email. Also feel free to stop by my room or schedule an appointment. Best of luck and I look forward to learning with you this semester!

** Voicemail: 215-233-6030 ** ** Email: ashley_fusarelli@sdst.org ** ** Class Wikipage: http://academicus2.wikispaces.com **