"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure." - Thomas Jefferson, 1787

United States History 2 Course Syllabus
Spring 2008, Mr. Clardy, San Mateo Middle College
 
Office: Building 11, Room 60
Office Phone# (650) 574-6114
Office Hours: Daily 8:30-11 AM and by appointment
clardymichael@hotmail.com
Classroom: 19-105
This course will be challenging! It will be challenging in terms of the level of work I expect from you. You will work on complex essays, collaborative projects and oral presentations (to mention a few). It will also be challenging in terms of how we will actively construct our own assessment of our country's past. We will then use history as a lens through which to see our future.

 The two most important foci will be explaining why events happen and understanding how they are relevant to us today. We will study facts and dates in this class. However, we will spend most of our time reviewing major theories and rationales. Through these two foci, I hope to make this challenging study of United States History interesting and current.

While we examine our past, we will use many sources. We will use music, literature, speeches, documents, our text, primary resources, YOU, art and many other "artifacts" to enhance our understanding of this evolving nation.

The semester has been divided into three thematic units.  Each unit will only cover particular aspects of a given time period.  Therefore, we will revisit the time period each time we cover a new unit.  Ms.Fraser’s English class is following the same themes.  Linking the two classes in this way enables us to develop a richer understanding the historical events we cover.

GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 1: Americans and Materialists
We will look at how Americans use their resources and try to determine whether or not they are being used efficiently.  We will also spend some time comparing our consumption patterns to other cultures.

Unit 2: Americans as Multiculturalists
We will examine the extent to which every person in this country has access to the institutions of power.  

Unit 3: Americans as Militarists
We will analyze the United States’ approach to using its military to address it foreign policy problems.  We will pay close attention to the efforts put forth in order to avoid military intervention.  

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

GRADES

Final grades in this class are based on a weighted system.   Your grade will be comprised of the following percentages:
1. Homework -- 25%    
2. Tests and quizzes – 35%
3. In-class Community Service- 15%
4. Final Examination -- 25%

GRADING SCALE

A    >90%
B    >80%
C    >70%
F    <70%
Please note that you cannot earn D’s in this class.  Therefore, anything less than a C is considered failing.

Please do the following while in class:
 Please do not do the following while in class:
• Be sure that your words and actions respect every member of the class- apologize if this does not happen
• Have a sense of humor
• Do the homework- this will make everything much easier (this is what the “real world” calls preparation)
• Get to class on time- I begin promptly at 1:10PM- you may miss a quiz!
• Actively participate in class discussions
• Stay on task during class time
• Keep all returned work as though they are receipts
• Actively seek help from Mr. Clardy if you feel yourself getting behind
• If in doubt, ask questions

 • Leave on your cell phone- I will remove you from class if it goes off (even silently)
• Be late- if you are, make no noise.  If this is a habit, we will need to discuss the issue in private
• Eat in class
• Use foul language


Final Note

I thoroughly enjoy working with students your age.  I appreciate your energy, your curiosity and the various challenges that you face.  Please know that I am committed to helping you succeed.  If I am hard on you it is because I have high expectations of the students in this program.  So long as you commit to putting forth honest effort, I will give you all the support I can.