A. Each chapter in the text has a homework assignment that accompanies it; each of these worksheets will be rated on a 0-10 scale. Two points will be deducted for each day late. Extra credit is only permitted under special circumstances so it is essential to keep up with the reading and homework. Every two chapters a multiple-choice quiz worth 50 points will be given to check the reading comprehension; these quizzes simulate the objective portion of the AP test.
B. Classroom assignments are rated on a 0-10 scale will be given periodically, usually in the ninety-minute block. Cooperative learning tasks (using primary documents from the American Issues collection and using computer programs) are particularly well-suited for this type of assignment. If absent a student should make up the assignment in within a week.
C. Essay tests will be given every three or four chapters. Each test is worth 100 points. Students who have difficulty on the essay portion of the test should see Mr. Houston for extra help because these types of questions make up 50% of the nation-wide AP exam. Document based essay tests will be assigned periodically; these DBQs represent the essays worth twenty-five percent of the AP exam. Periodically essays will be assigned on special topics and documents; these tasks will range in value from 50 to 100 points.
D. Students are required to bring a notebook to class each day; these 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. Half of the grade (25) will be based upon the number of days recorded in the notebook and the percentage of class materials retained; the other half will be based upon a random check on the quality and comprehensiveness of one day’s notes. A list of all handouts and days of class meetings should be maintained on the inside cover of the notebook.
E. A grade for class participation will be given each quarter (50 points). This grade will reflect the attentiveness, focus, and involvement of the student in the day-to-day activities of the class. The score will also reflect the degree to which the student is respectful of self and others, active in the learning process, and effective in communication/collaboration.
F. During the junior year the English and Social Studies departments
assign an interdisciplinary research paper that is worth three test grades
in history class. Details are posted on the class website.
G. Syllabus, assignment copies, review materials, online texts, power
point- presentations and other resources are available at Mr. Houston’s
page on the web: http://harwich.edu/depts/history/amr.htm
Be sure to review the materials at the AP service home page. There
is a link to the page from the class website.
H. Grades are determined by adding together all the points awarded to the students during the quarter and dividing by the number of points available.
I. Review sessions for the AP test will be held in the afternoon and evening in the 3rd and 4th quarters. These sessions are of great help in final prep for the national exam on May 19, 2003.
J. Contact Mr. Houston at 430-7207 or houston@harwich.edu
Students are encourage to exchange phone numbers in order to facilitate
the exchange of information, announcements, make-up work, and notes.