Course: United States History (2014 2015) Instructor: William Bussert

Room: Library 202 Wbussert@oakwoodfriends.org

Goals:
This course is intended to prepare you for a college-level history course. To do this, we will
be dispensing with conventional textbooks on a regular basis, and will instead be using many
original documents and thesis-oriented sources pertaining to the subjects were studying. In
contrast to textbooks, these documents do not profess to be neutral. By using these texts, we
will come to see how even where there is agreement about the basic facts of history, there is
seldom agreement about what these facts mean. Throughout the class, we will also make an
effort to link the events of the past with more modern-day occurrences as the saying goes,
History repeats itself.

Although we will be generally following a chronological timeline of American history,
we will have a central focusing theme for each term. The fall term will focus on the birth of the
United States and the Constitution. In the winter we will look at the Civil War, Reconstruction,
the Gilded Age and work our way to the First World War. Our studies will conclude in the
spring term with a study of American domestic and foreign policy throughout the 20
th
and
21
st
Centuries.


Materials:
-Dont Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis

-The Words We Live By by Linda R. Monk

-The Cartoon History of the United States by Larry Gonnick

-A Journal or notebook only used for this history course.

-www.oakwoodhumanities.weebly.com/will-bussert

Grading:
Tests / papers / projects 30%

Homework & reading quizzes 30%

Class participation & class assignments 30%

Journal 10%

Homework:
Homework and reading will be assigned daily and will be due the next class period unless
indicated otherwise. Homework may be submitted late for reduced credit, but without
extenuating circumstances, it must be submitted no later than the next class period. Generally
speaking, written responses should be between a half page and a full typed page in length.

Participation:
Class participation includes the expectation that you maintain an open mind and treat your fellow
classmates with respect. Everyone is required to participate fully in discussions; however,
participation involves listening as well as talking. Ask questions if you do not understand
something or want further clarification and accept the fact that differences in opinion may arise
and may not be resolved in class.

Academic Honesty:
It is an expectation that all students will do their own work. Any incident of academic
dishonesty will be reported to the Head of the Upper School. Plagiarism is a severe violation of
the trust Oakwood Friends places in its students and those who do so risk failure in the course,
long-term suspension, or dismissal. If a question or concern over plagiarism arises, come speak
with me and ask for clarification.

Other Reminders:
No cell phones, for any reason.
If you miss a class it is your responsibility to be proactive and catch up on any material or
notes you may have missed. I will put handouts in your mailbox but it is up to you to find me if
you want further clarification on any of the material you missed.
You may not eat or bring food to class but drinks will be allowed. If drinks become a
distraction or you make a habit of not cleaning up your trash, this privilege will be revoked for
the entire class.
Computers or other electronic devices should not be used unless you have a waiver for
computer usage. There will be times, however, when computers/tablets will be allowed for
taking notes.