US History 2 Honors - Mr. Kevin Heil
U.S. History II Honors will cover the time period of 1877 to
the present in greater detail than the standard track U.S.
History II course, Additionally, students will be writing two
analytical book reviews, delivering class presentations,
preparing essays and producing other work as warranted.
Students are advised that I teach this class as if it were
a college-level history course. Therefore, I expect you to utilize
your textbook in conjunction with your notes for quiz and test
review. Textbooks are to be brought to class every day.
Additionally, as former students of mine will attest, I am prone to
testing on information which I may mention orally in class, although
it may not be contained in your text. All of this is in preparation
for the type of lecture you will likely receive at the college
level. You would not be in this class if you were not college-level
material. Therefore, I will be teaching this class AT (or at least
near) the college-level.
Grading
Your grade for each quarter will be evaluated on the following:
Homework Policy
Students are expected to have homework completed the day after it is assigned, unless instructed otherwise.
Students who are absent shall hand in the assignment the day of their return to school. Students are permitted to e-mail me their homework assignment by 11:59 p.m. on the due date and receive full credit. My e-mail address is kheil@gchsrams.org. Because I accept homework via e-mail, there is absolutely no credit given for a late assignment, nor the opportunity to make up an assignment. RUNNING OUT OF INK CARTRIDGES, PRINTERS BREAKING, CATCHING A COMPUTER VIRUS, OR HARD DRIVES CRASHING ARE NOT LEGITIMATE EXCUSES. WE HAVE PLENTY OF COMPUTERS HERE AT GCHS.
***E-mailing of homework is a privilege which will be revoked PERMANENTLY for the entire class if I begin to notice a constant abuse of it.
Book Reviews
Each semester, you will read and prepare a book review. The books are the following:
Fall - Muzzled: From T-Ball to Terrorism - True Stories that Should be Fiction by Michael Smerconish (due Friday, November 2, 2007)
Spring - The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope by Jonathan Alter (due Friday, February 8, 2008)
**Students are expected to obtain these books on their own. Both books are available in paperback from Barnes & Noble, Borders and all on-line providers.
Current Events Assignments
Much of American history today is based upon the advances made by
those Americans of an earlier time. Additionally, history is
ever-changing and evolving. Now, in the early 21st century, later
generations will look back at our time and examine us in the same
way that we will be examining those who came before us.
Therefore, in order to gain an appreciation for the time in which we live
and the events around us, our class will be participating in current events
assignments.
On designated weeks, three (2-3) students will be called upon to:
Students will receive one week advance notice when they are scheduled
to deliver their presentation. Your current event presentation will
count as one quiz grade for the 4th marking period.
Extra Credit
If you wish, you may also read the following New York Times
bestseller for extra credit:
To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian, written by
Stephen E. Ambrose. This book gives the author’s perspective on
famous events in U.S. History ranging from the creation of our
country through World War II and to modern-day issues such as
women’s rights, racism and immigration.
To receive extra credit, you must write a book report (not
a critical book review) at least 8 pages in length, after which
I reserve the right to question you about various aspects of the
book.
If you wish to complete this assignment, you will be entitled to
an automatic half-grade “bump” in your class grade for the marking
period in which you prepare the book report and submit it to me.
Teacher's Contact Information
Assignments
