AMERICAN HISTORY Honors Mr. Houston
I. Homework assignments are rated on a 0-10 scale. Assignments usually
include questions about readings in the text. Two points will be deducted
for each unexcused day that the work is late. All work must be passed in
at the beginning of class, or it will be counted as late. Extra credit
is not allowed so it is essential to keep up with day-to-day assignments.
II. Class assignments are rated on a 0-10 scale. Cooperative learning
tasks using computer programs, primary sources, and discussion in the 85-minute
block are particularly suited for this type task. Students who are absent
on the day of a graded project must make up the assignment within one week
unless other arrangements are made ahead of time with the teacher. For
computer projects done in class, students who have been absent should see
Mr. Houston after school to make up the work.
III. Tests usually cover two or three chapters in the text. They include
essays, multiple choice questions, short answer identifications, and map
questions. Each test is worth up to 100 points. Preparation for these tests
should include a review of the text, studying notes, reviewing power point
projects/links on the website, and watching the class work aired on Channel
18. Students who have difficulty on the essay portion of the test can see
Mr. Houston for extra help prior to the next exam. Writing rubric standards
are listed on the class website. All tests and quizzes missed because of
absence must be made up after school on the day the student returns to
school. Special arrangements can be made in the case of long-term absence.
Quizzes are given periodically; they range in value from 20 to 50 points.
IV. Students are required to bring a notebook to class each day. The
notebooks will be graded during the last week of each quarter (50 points).
All handouts, articles, and other class materials should be organized in
the notebook. The date for each class should be listed. A list of all handouts
and dates of class meetings must be kept on the inside cover of the notebook.
Twenty-five points will be based upon the total number of dates listed;
the other 25 points will be based on the comprehensiveness of one day's
notes chosen at random. A three-ring binder is recommended.
V. A grade for class participation will be given each quarter (50 points).
This grade will reflect the attentiveness, focus, cooperation, and involvement
of the student in the day-to-day activities of the class.
VI. Periodically essays will be assigned on special topics and documents;
these tasks will range in value from 50 to 100 points. Ten percent of the
value will be deducted for each day late.
VII. During the junior year the English and Social Studies departments
collaborate on a research paper (300 points); teachers in both areas work
with the students to produce a well-researched and well-written thesis.
See website or class handout for list of requirements. The Harwich Historical
Journal on the website includes outstanding examples of student projects.
Students not enrolled in English III should see Mr. Houston for an alternative
research project.
VIII. Access Mr. Houston's website for homework, power point review
projects, extra copies of assignments, notes, essays, research requirements,
and other helpful materials: http://harwich.edu/depts/history/amr.htm
XI. All texts must be covered as soon as they are issued in September.
Notebooks and pens/pencils must be brought to class every day or points
will be deducted from the notebook grade at the end of the quarter. The
textbook must be brought to class whenever the 85 minute block is scheduled.
X. Quarterly grades are determined by dividing the total number of
points awarded by the total number of points available in the quarter.
Students are encouraged to keep a running total on the inside cover of
the notebook. Mr. Houston can be easily contacted by phone (430-7207) or
e-mail (houston@harwich.edu). It is also strongly recommended that each
student get the phone number of several classmates to call when questions
arise about the class.