Mr. Potteiger                MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY SYLLABUS            Room A-150

Potteigerj@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us       

COURSE DESCRIPTION

                Welcome to Modern American History.  This course is intended to be a study of the United States from 1980 to the Present.  We will be spending time studying key topics including the Iran hostage crisis, “Miracle on Ice”, Challenger disaster, Iran-Contra, Exxon Valdez, Gulf War, OJ Simpson trial, Oklahoma City bombings, Clinton impeachment, 9/11, and the Iraq War. Broader topics such as the presidential elections, the Cold War, technology, disease, and terrorism will also be covered. There will be an emphasis on cultural and social history of the time period. We will do all of this with the goal of better understanding the United States today. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

This class will focus on topics and areas of the world that you may be unfamiliar with. If you are having trouble with the material, COME SEE ME, and we will discuss the problem and create solutions so you can reach your potential. I am available in the morning if you need to see me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a three ring binder for this course. Come prepared every day with your textbook, chromebook, headphones/ear buds, notebook, and something to write with.

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

We will be utilizing Google Classroom and Google Apps for Education (GAFE) on a regular basis. This can be accessed by the students using their school provided Google login on any connected device. Paperwork will be distributed electronically so students can make copies if the original is lost.

GRADING

• Homework- Homework will mostly be written responses to articles or prompts. Research skills will be used to develop an understanding of events that can be further discussed in class.
• Class Participation- You are expected to participate in class discussions.  Questions, observations, and informed opinions are all welcome during class. The more you contribute to class, the more you will get out of this course. As an elective course, there is more room for discussion and debate than other classes you may have had with me. There will be a grade in each quarter based on participation.
• Projects- There will be various graded projects and group work assignments throughout the semester.
• Quizzes- Will be announced in advance. Expect them to be like my tests, but shorter.
• Discrepancies- Keep all of your graded materials.  If there is a discrepancy in your grade, I expect you to be able to produce the grade/grades in question. 
• Grades- All grades will be determined by points earned/points available.

EXPECTATIONS

Class rules and behavioral expectations revolve around the ideas of respect and responsibility. 

1. The more you contribute to class, the more you will get out of this course. Questions, observations, and informed opinions are all welcome during class.

2. Be respectful and others will respect you in return.

3. Take responsibility for all of your actions (accomplishments AND mistakes).

GOOGLE CLASSROOM EMAILS

                Google Classroom will automatically send individualized emails for your student. In order to sign up for this feature, please contact me with the email address you would like to use for this feature. I will enter it into the system, and you should receive an email from Google to complete the setup. Since parents cannot access the Classroom page, this is a great way to stay informed about what your student is doing in my class. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.