AP U.S. History is a challenging course. Students should be ready to work hard. The district curriculum guide recommends that students "read above grade level and rank in the top 10% of the class." There will be reading assigned daily, as well as rigorous two-day unit tests approximately every three weeks. Students are expected to think critically and express opinions in class, as the interest level of our discussions will be dependent on student contributions.

• gain insights into the interrelationships of American culture, geography, religion and politics.

• learn to become an independent thinker, and not a mere reflector of other people's thoughts.

• understand the subjective nature of historical inquiry by examining the issues from diverse perspectives.

• grow in written expression about the issues of American history.

• become sufficiently proficient in the content and interpretation of U.S. history to perform well on the AP exam.

It is intended that the objectives above will be achieved through the largely traditional means of reading, writing, discussing, thinking, and analyzing in individual and group situations.  As in any course, each student must take personal responsibility for his or her educational growth. Throughout the learning process in the various Parts of this course, the Illinois Learning Standards for high school students of American history will be covered, namely:

STATE GOAL 16: Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of … the U.S.

• All members of the class will show respect for all other members of the class.

• All students will attempt to do their best in class.

• Students will attempt to help other students do their best in class.

These rules assume that the main purpose of this course is for education, for learning. Therefore, every student in the class should be attempting to do their best.  That is the academic expectation.  The behavioral component is that each student should be helping other students do their best.  Talking without being recognized by the teacher, fooling around, disturbances, sleeping, laying one’s head on the desk, non-responsiveness, disrespect, are all examples of actions that are out of step with all three rules.

Consequences. Before and after school detentions, referral to the deans, conversations with parents are the consequences that will follow infractions of these rules, not to mention the natural negative consequences which result from failing to live up to a high academic ideal.

Percent Letter Grade
90-100 A      80-89 B      70-79 C      60-69 D      0-59 F

B. Note on grading.  The final grade is determined by the total points earned in all assignments and assessments. These are weighted approximately as follows:

• Homework daily assignments, 25%
• Quizzes and tests, 50%
• Project(s) and the final, 15%
• Attendance, in-class contribution and participation 10%.

C. The following considerations are used to grade every assignment which is turned in to Mr. Pahl:

1. Coherence. If the assignment involves writing or a map, does it make sense?
2. Accuracy. Are answers and statements in the assignment correct?
3. Neatness. Is what is presented done neatly? Is it free from smudges and cross outs?
4. Timeliness. Is the assignment turned in when it is due? Late assignments are penalized.
5. Creativity. When used in appropriate ways, individual creativity can demonstrate personal understanding of a subject, and bring to light new insights.

E. Extra Credit Policy. Students can always do work for extra credit as long as all the required class work has been turned in.  Except for extra credit that might be part of any homework, quiz or test, no extra credit will be allowed while the student still has class assignments not yet completed.  If all required assignments have been turned in, any student desiring extra credit can arrange for it with Mr. Pahl. The rubric for points to be issued for any approved extra credit work will be issued at the time Mr. Pahl approves the extra credit request.

F. Accepting Late Work, Make-up Policy. I will accept work that is late, with a 10% penalty for every day the work is late. Some assignments may be excluded from this policy. If a student is absent, it is that student's responsibility to find out what work was missed. 

G. Attendance Policy. Attendance is part of the grade in this class. (See above). District U46 is committed to the philosophy that "Daily attendance, contribution, and participation are necessary for the successful completion of student course work."