Syllabus/ Social Contract for AP US History, Mr. Bivens

WELCOME! This is going to be a great year. I want all parents/Guardians to communicate with me whenever they want. My e-mail address is [email protected]. I will check my e-mail every day and will be happy to answer any questions I can.

Course Description: The students will gain knowledge of the History and Geography of the United States. The US was not created by accident. The US has a long and intricate history that caused its’ unique development. The students will gain an understanding of the events and people that shaped the US into the great country that it is today. My goal is for the students to understand what a special country they will inherent.

 Class Procedures:

• Always bring something to write with, your book, and your notebook!
• Be prepared! The key to this class is reading the book!
• Keep the discussion orderly! Raise your hand and wait to be recognized.
• No eating/drinking in class. (Except water)
• Be on time!
• Ask permission to use the RR! One person at a time, sign the RR log.
• Be Respectful!
• You are on the edge of adulthood; I will treat you like an adult as long as you let me!

Students not following procedures will be warned. If the problem continues a parent or guardian will be contacted. If there is still no improvement the student will be referred to the administration.

Students will be allowed to make up tests and projects in accordance with school policies. Quizzes will not be made up, but missed quizzes will not count in total average. Homework will be graded on effort instead of correctness. Correction will come later.  Homework must be turned in on time for credit!

Grading policies: Standard grading scale, homework will count 10% of total grade, quizzes and projects will count 30% of total grade, Tests will count 60% of total grade. Book quizzes will count double in the gradebook.

Homework: Will be given weekly. It is very important that students read the chapters because it is the foundation of the information being taught.

Tests will occur approximately every 3 weeks, quiz’s every 3-5 days.

Students are expected to participate in all classroom activities; participation is the key to understanding.

Students will be issued a textbook:  The American Pageant.  The students will be expected to read daily!

Outside Reading: Students will be expected to read the following books for discussion and a grade in class;

            1776, David McCullough - Last week in August

            The Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas –Mid. October

            Nashville, 1864, The Dying of the Light , Madison Jones -Thanksgiving

            Band of Brothers, Stephen Ambrose –March

            The Great Leader and the Fighter Pilot, Blaine Harden –first of April

Syllabus/ Social Contract for AP European History, Mr. Bivens

WELCOME! This is going to be a great year. I want all parents/Guardians to communicate with me whenever they want. My e-mail address is [email protected]. I will check my e-mail every day and will be happy to answer any questions I can.

Course Description: The students will gain knowledge of the History and Geography of Europe. They will gain understanding of Europe’s influence on the modern world by examining its’ past.

 Class Procedures:

• Always bring something to write with, your book, and your notebook!
• Be prepared! The key to this class is reading the book!
• Keep the discussion orderly! Raise your hand and wait to be recognized.
• No eating/drinking in class. (Except water)
• Be on time!
• Ask permission to use RR pass! One person out at a time, sign RR Log
• Be Respectful!

Students not following procedures will be warned. If the problem continues a parent or guardian will be contacted. If there is still no improvement the student will be referred to the administration.

Students will be allowed to make up tests and projects in accordance with school policies. Quizzes will not be made up, but missed quizzes will not count in total average. Homework will be graded on effort instead of correctness. Homework must be turned in on time for credit!

Grading policies: Standard grading scale, homework will count 10% of total grade, quizzes and projects will count 30% of total grade, Tests will count 60% of total grade.  Book Quizzes will count double.

Homework: Will be given weekly. It is very important that students read the chapters because it is the foundation of the information being taught.

Tests will occur approximately every 3 weeks, quizzes every 3-5 days.

Students are expected to participate in all classroom activities; participation is the key to understanding. Students will be expected occasionally to present information to the class and to take part in group activities.

Students will be issued a textbook:  The Western Heritage, AP Ed. Since 1300 They will be expected to take good care of the book and use it frequently.

Outside Reading: Students will be expected to read the following books for discussion and a quiz grade in class;

            The Walking Drum, Louis Lamour –due 8/22

            The Prince, Machiavelli –Due mid September

            Candide, Voltaire –due in November

            The Wreck of the Medusa, Jonathan Miles –January

            A Night to Remember, Walter Lord -March