P.J. Givens
United States History I
Grade 8
Course Outline
This course will cover the period from the Age of Exploration through the
U.S. Civil War. As much material will be covered as possible between
the two events. Other major topics that will be covered are Colonization
of the Americas, The Revolutionary War, the creation of our new
government, The War of 1812, and Westward Expansion.
Evaluation
The students will be evaluated in a variety of different ways. Chapter
tests will be given. They will primarily consist of multiple choice, short
answer, and an essay question. Pop quizzes will be given periodically.
The vocabulary will come directly from the text. These quizzes are used
to broaden the students base of vocabulary and also assist in
understanding topics discussed throughout the course. Projects will be
assigned throughout the year. Necessary information will be given
throughout the year. Homework is an important and necessary part of
this course. It is expected that any homework turned in is complete. I
will use the following grading scale:
Homework = 30%
Quizzes, Notebook = 30%
Test Major, Projects = 40%
Extra Credit
Students have the opportunity to receive extra credit once every nine
weeks. The extra credit will replace the student’s lowest nonzero grade.
The extra credit assignment will have designated times to be turned in
during each nine weeks. I reserve the final decision to determine if an
assignment is acceptable to receive extra credit.
Missed Assignments
Students are expected to complete work on time. They will have the
necessary time needed to complete any missed work due to absence. If
a student knows, in advance, of an upcoming absence from school,
he/she should give me at least a two class notice, so the necessary
materials can be organized and assigned. If work is turned in one day late
then 20 points will be taken off. If work is turned in two days late then 40 points will
be taken off. Work turned in later than two rotations will be taken at the
teacher’s desecration. D-Hall’s will be assigned at the teachers
desecration.
Semester Exams
Semester exams will be given at the end of each semester. They will
cover material from the entire semester. Details for the exam will be
given at an appropriate date.
Classroom Rules
Each student is expected to:
* Respect the teacher’s and other students’ rights, feelings and property
* Follow instructions and stay on task
* Come to class prepared to learn
Conferences
Conferences can be scheduled with the Astros team teachers during
our team conference period from 12:30 to 1:00 every Monday, Wednesday,
or Friday. I am also available to meet, if needed at another agreeable time.
To schedule an appointment, call (281) 482-7818 or
e-mail at pgivens@fisdk12.net
Other
All students are encouraged to express themselves in many different
ways in this course. They are expected to participate in every class and
will be asked to read, write and speak in front of the class during the
year. TAKS will be a constant item through the year in this course. Our
text, The American Nation, should be left at home. A classroom set will
be provided. All students must keep some a notebook for warm-ups,
note taking and other activities. This notebook will be graded at the end
of each nine weeks.
Web Site
In order to help inform parents of events in my class, I have created a
homework web page at:
http://teacherweb.com/TX/friendswoodjrhigh/pjgivens
This web site will be updated with major assignments and test dates.
My homework web site my change as the district’s web site is updated.
I will inform you if and when this change has occurred.