Mr. P Belknap
U.S. History & Psychology Grades 11 & 12
Room A-106 Lee Middle and High School
Phone (413)243-2781 ext. 2106
Email: PHBelknap@leepublicschools.net
After School Help – Mondays & Wednesdays
Sociology
Purpose: To provide students with a general overview of the basics of sociology in a half-year course.
Content : In this course , we will examine the history of Sociology, how sociologist examine society and culture, [methods], and the power of social networks. We will also visit social stratification factors including gender, age, wealth, race, and eduacation.
Grading:
34% TESTS
33% PARTICIPATION
33% HOMEWORK
Policies/Procedures: Students are expected to openly participate in class. Homework will be reviewed, collected, and returned on time. 4-5 tests will be given per quarter.
Purpose:
To prepare students with an extensive examination of the period of U.S. History extending from the Civil War to the present time.
Content:
After a review of the Colonial period through the
Civil War, our class will study the effects the
Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Victorian Age and
The Populist Movement had on American Life. We
will analyze the causes and consequences of both
World Wars including the resulting “Cold War”. In
Researching the last fifty years, we’ll examine the
Civil Rights’ and Women’s movement, the Vietnam
Offensive, and conclude with the Iraqi Wars and
their impact on America.
Grading Test 30%
Participation 25%
Homework 25%
Case Studies 20%
Required Material Textbook The American Pageant 10th edition
By Bailey and Kennedy (1994)
Policies and Procedures Students are encouraged to “question the motives”
in this class and with our daily readings and
occasional videos. We do quartly case studies
where we take an in depth look at a period or event
in history and students react with a paper. Tests will
be given weekly.
Purpose:
To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the period in U.S. History from the end of the Civil Was to the present.
Content:
After a review of the Colonial and Pre-Civil War
History, we will analyze the industrial Revolution,
the Gilded Age and the turn of the Century life. We
will study the causes and outcomes of both World Wars
as well as the Cold War. Finally we will research the
last fifty years including the Civil Rights movement,
Viet-Nam, and both Iraqi wars.
Grading: Tests 25%
Participation 25%
Notebook (required) 25%
Homework 25%
Required Material:
Textbook Prentice Hall’s American Pathways to the
Present by Clayton, Perry, Reed, and Winkler (2002)
Policies & Procedures Students are expected to arrive on time, and to
participate in class by asking and answering questions.
Homework is given four days a week on an average and is
reviewed and returned daily. The homework is a
reflection of the student’s understanding of the material
covered in class. Tests will be given at the end of
each chapter. (2-3 times per quarter)
Purpose:
To give an overview of the basic tenants of psychology in a year long course.
Content:
In this course we will study the various fields of Psychology and the numerous methods used to study brain and its behavior. We will also look at the roles that sensations, perception, motivation, emotion and consciousness play in the psychological world. Finally we will examine how humans acquire, process and retain information which ultimately shapes their intelligence and creativity.
Grading: Tests 25% Participation 25% Notebook (required) 25% Homework 25%
Require Material Textbook Psychology and You 2nd edition By McMahon, McMahon and Romano Notebook (70+ pages)
Policies and Procedures: Students are expected to come to class promptly and to Participate in class without fear of “put downs”. (Open Discussions are encouraged) Homework will be Reviewed, collected, and returned on a daily basis. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. (approximately three times per quarter)