This class examines our Nation's history from Washington's administration to modern times.
Quarter 1: This class investigates events that occurred and affected the United States from the 1790's through the 1800’s. Topics that will be examined will be the Antebellum US (pre-Civil War era), the Civil War, Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, immigration and the Progressive Era.
Quarter 2: This class investigates events that occurred and affected the United States in the 1900’s to present day America. Topics that will be explored will be World War I, the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression Era, World War II, Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, and recent history.
Grading Policy
Grades will be weighted as follows:
Assessments (80%): All tests, quizzes, and projects.
Homework (20%).
Percentages and letter grades are as follows:
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87-89% - B+ |
77-79% - C+ |
67-69% - D+ |
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93-100% - A |
83-86% - B |
73-76% - C |
63-66% - D |
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90-92% - A- |
80-82% - B- |
70-72% - C- |
60-62% - D- |
< 59% - F |
Testing for Mr. Downs’ Classes
All students will take the first part of the test consisting of first level (knowledge) questions – usually multiple-choice, matching, and true/false type questions. You cannot get an “A” on the test just by taking this test.
Those students who score at least a “B-” (80%) or higher on the first part of the test will have the opportunity to take the second part of the test the next day. The second part of the test consists of short answer and essay type questions which require critical thinking and can be on material not specifically covered by the instructor in lecture or on an assignment (e.g., from the text or assigned readings).
If you take the second part of the test and do poorly you still cannot get a test grade lower than a B-.
Retest Policy
Students can retake one test a quarter if they fail the first part of the test. The student has to request a retest and give a good reason why it should be allowed (i.e., why did you fail the first time?) The student then has to make a plan and show it to the instructor on how they will improve their test score (make study cards, outline notes, time spent studying verified by a parent or guardian etc.) and then they can retake the test in a different format. The highest grade one can receive on a retake is a “C”.
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