UNITED STATES HISTORY

Ms. Bianca Woodard

Course Syllabus 2025-2026

Course Description

This course aims to investigate the United States, its people, institutions, and heritage.  The course emphasizes political, cultural, and social issues, as well as the role of the United States as a global leader and the challenges it faces today.  Since you are an American (or, at least, living here presently), you must understand what it means to BE an American.  We will do that by studying the United States.  The best way to study our nation is by learning its history.  We are the way we are because of our past.  Those who do not understand the past are doomed to repeat it. 

Textbook

NATIONS CONCEIVED AT LIBERTY-CONSUMABLE BOOK

Unit/Concept Names

UNIT 1-CONNECTING THEMES 

UNIT 2-COLONIALISM 

UNIT 3-AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND CONSTITUTION 

UNIT 4-EARLY REPUBLIC, EXPANSION, AND REFORM 

UNIT 5-SECTIONALISM, CIVIL WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION 

UNIT 6-EXPANSION AND REFORM 

UNIT 7-WW1 AND THE ROARING 20S 

UNIT 8-GREAT DEPRESSION, NEW DEAL, AND WW2 

UNIT 9- COLD WAR AND CIVIL RIGHTS 

UNIT 10- MODERN DAY UNITED STATES  

Major Course Projects and Instructional Activities

At least one project will be assigned each grading period. This project will extend or enrich the concepts discussed. Students will have 1 to 3 weeks to complete each project, depending on its complexity. Some tasks and/or projects will be completed in class (specifically, the unit culminating tasks—these MUST be completed in class only).

Coursework/Classwork 

Students will receive a variety of assignments designed to enhance their learning. If a student is absent, they are responsible for completing the missed assignment.

Students are expected to submit work on time. Doing so demonstrates pride in producing quality work and fulfilling one's student responsibilities. This work habit is a behavior that supports academic achievement and demonstrates characteristics outlined in our Richmond County School System's Profile of a Graduate. Late work can negatively impact learning and your ability to demonstrate mastery of the standards.

When the assignment calls for students to produce original work, they will not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate the assignment. Assignments are given to help students learn and demonstrate what they know. While there may be appropriate times for students to use AI during the learning process, using AI to generate original work in place of the student's work is considered Academic Dishonesty and can be punished according to the rules outlined in the Code of Conduct.

See RCBOE IHA-R Grading Practices

Late Work (Grading Policy- See RCBOE IHA-R Grading Practices) 

Students may have their scores reduced by 5% per school day, up to a maximum of 25% reduction (five school days). Late work submitted after the fifth school day will only be accepted at the teacher’s discretion.

Make-Up Work (Grading Policy)

Students are expected to make up any missed assignments and assessments resulting from school absences. Upon returning to class, students are responsible for asking teachers for the make-up work.

Make-up work should be completed by the student within the time specified by the teacher. Students have 7 days after returning to school to complete missing work. The given and due dates will be noted in the comments section on Infinite Campus for the assessment.

Evaluation (Grading Policy)

·       Minor Grades (Quizzes, Class work, Graded Writing Assignments, Group Work, etc.)

·       Major Grades (Unit & Chapter Test, Projects, Tasks)

Relearn and Reassess the Plan

Students can submit a relearning plan for parent and teacher approval for any major assessments. Upon satisfactory completion of the plan, as determined by the teacher, students will be given a minimum of ONE opportunity to be reassessed. Only students scoring below 70 on a primary assessment can complete a relearning plan, unless they are exempted with parental approval.

Reassessments may be different from the original. The reassessment score will replace the original score (the scores will not be averaged). Reassessments should be completed within 7 school days of receiving the original grade. Teachers should have the discretion to extend the timeline to address extenuating circumstances.

See the teacher's class page for Relearn/Reassess 

Classroom Procedures & Expectations

The overarching expectation in this class is to represent WAR (Wholehearted, Accountable, Respectful)

Below are the expectations for how to W.A.R. in class!

Course Materials

*  3-ring Binder and College Rule Loose Leaf Paper                                                      

* Pencils/Pens/Highlighters                                                                                                                                                                 

My contact information:

Email: woodabi@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us               

Resources: CANVAS

Thank you, 

Ms. Woodard