American Studies 2000 - 2001
Ms. Sayre / Mr. Davisson

            American Studies is a full year course designed for students who want to explore American literature, history, and culture as a combined study. The course lasts two periods and students receive a double grade equivalent to two courses. American Studies covers the same major historical periods and major novels as United States History and the one semester courses, Expository Writing and American Literature Survey. However, American Studies approaches the course content from an interdisciplinary point of view.

            In American Studies, our class will focus on the question of what makes an American. What values do we have as Americans? How do we differ in outlook and philosophy from our neighbors in Europe, North America, and Central and South America? From our discussions throughout the year, students should leave this course with a clearer understanding of what it means to be an American and what our place is in the world community.

            We will examine four crucial sets of values in American life: self-reliance and independence, freedom and equality, success and the American dream, and responsibility. We will draw upon historical readings, including primary sources, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction to determine the origins of these values and how the affect our society today. First semester we will read The Crucible and Huckleberry Finn. Second semester we will read Great Gatsby and Grapes of Wrath, among other works. First semester will include a research project on family history. Second semester will include a term paper.

Materials:

All students must have ONE 1" single subject, three ring binder which contains ONLY handouts, writing assignments, homework and notes from the American Studies course.

You MUST bring the following items to class everyday: textbook, pen or pencil and notebook (binder).

Food/Drink/Bathroom Policy:

No food or drink will be allowed in class at any time unless your instructors give you prior permission.

Trips to the water fountain, restroom or locker will only be permitted to students at the cost of five points per trip. Points will be taken out of your 100 point bank which is given to you upon successfully returning this contract, signed by your parent(s)/guardian.

Tardies and Absences:

If you are tardy to class, you will receive the standard school consequences as well as a point deduction from your point bank. The school consequences are listed below.

1st tardy = warning

2nd tardy = 1 detention

3rd tardy = detention and a call home

4th tardy = 3 detentions

5th tardy = referral

A referral will be written for each additional tardy

If you cut class, you will receive a zero for the daily points. Any test, quiz or assignments which are due on that day and are worth less than 50 points will also receive a zero.

Tests must be made-up within one week for an excused/unexcused/school sponsored field trip absence. All make-up tests will be in the social studies resource room (237) or the English resource room (140).

It is the student's responsibility to take all possible steps to acquire and complete any assignments or tests which may have been missed during that student's excused absence.

Homework and Grades:

The crucial difference between American Studies and the one semester courses is grading. Each student will receive credit for TWO courses. Each student in American Studies will receive the same grade for both portions of the course. Thus, students who fail American Studies must retake two semesters of U.S. History, one semester of American Literature and one semester of Expository Writing.

All late work worth less than 50 points will be accepted at half credit for the duration of the current unit. Any assignments turned in after a new unit has been started will receive no credit.

If an assignment is worth more than 50 points, it will drop one letter grade for every day that it is late. Late work is better than not handing anything in at all.

Anyone asked to leave the room because of a discipline problem will lose ten points from his or her point bank and will not be able to make up any missed assignments or tests given on that day.

Your grade will be made up of the following categories:

50% = assignments and projects (including your notebook)

30% = tests and quizzes

20% = habits of work*

10% = Final Exam

*The "habits of work" grade is based on the 100 point bank that each student receives. Any infractions involving behavior problems, a lack of participation, or a lack of punctuality can result in point deductions from this category.

Additional Information:

All students will be expected to adhere to the rules set by the Administration of Elk Grove High School and outlined in the student handbook.

All students will REMAIN IN THEIR SEATS until the class bell signals the end of class.

Students will only be allowed to take their five minute passing period inside the classroom.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and completely understand all the rules and policies of the World Studies class. I further agree to follow these rules, understanding that they are subject to change at any time.

Student Signature ___________________________________________________                        Date ______________ 

Parent Signature(s)___________________________________________________                       Date ______________ 

Parent Signature(s)___________________________________________________                       Date ______________