Syllabus for Honors US History

Instructor: Mr. Garza

Email: [email protected]

Course Description
Finding Frontiers in America is a survey of United States history from the colonial period to the
present. Students will examine the American experience from multiple perspectives and use a variety
of sources, with a particular focus on the concept of the Frontier. From the pre-revolution era to
today, the literal and figurative Frontier has played an essential role in the development of the
American identity. Topics include, but are not limited to: the Revolutionary Era, the Market
Economy, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Manifest Destiny, Immigration, Imperialism, Civil
Rights Movements, and the Space Race. In this course, students critically engage a variety of sources
through close readings, refine their analytical writing through thesis-driven assessments, and
participate in collaborative projects, which include debates, visual products, and seminar-based
discussions.

Course Expectations
● Complete assigned work
● Be curious, ask questions
● Be respectful
● Be proactive in your preparation and communication

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is a concept founded upon honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
These ideals are absolute and necessary while promoting/protecting our community and its mission.
As educators, we hope to instill a bond between intellect and character in order to prepare our
students for life beyond the classroom. Students must review and sign the St. Andrew’s Honor Code
prior to each test or major assignment:

“As a member of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School community, I accept personal responsibility for
my actions and their impact on other members of the community. At all times, I will exhibit
academic integrity, cultivate a safe and respectful environment, and encourage all others to do the
same.”

Common violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarizing,
unauthorized collaboration in addition to the unauthorized use of generative AI. Over the course of
the year, we will cover these violations in order to ensure that students fully grasp the importance of
academic integrity. If students are found dishonest in their work, they will be reported for formal
disciplinary action.
Generative AI Policy
The S&RS Department recognizes the changing nature of academic tools available to students.
While we are encouraged by the possibilities of generative A.I., we have crafted the following policy
as a baseline for how it should be ethically used in a classroom setting.

​Unless otherwise noted/specified, Artificial Intelligence tools, such as but not limited to ChatGPT,
cannot be used for any assignment/assessment without teacher approval. Should a teacher grant
authorization, that teacher will provide the necessary parameters and instructions.

Cell Phone Policy

Students may not use their cell phones or wear smartwatches on campus from 8:00 a.m. until the
end of the academic day, 4:00 p.m. Upon arriving at school, students must turn off their cell phones,
smartwatches, and other unapproved technological devices and store them in their backpacks and
bags. By limiting access to cell phones and smartwatches during the academic day, we ask students to
be present and attend to their coursework, community, coaches, and teachers.

Grading Policy
This course is graded via weighted percentages. Categories include:
● Quiz (40%) - includes quizzes (can be unannounced), short writing assignments, seminars,
debates, and other sundry assignments
● Exam (60%) - includes tests, essays, and major projects

Work When Absent

When absent from school, students must be prepared to turn in their previous assignment/s in the
proper time frame upon their return to school. Students should consult the school’s Attendance
Policies, Procedures & Expectations for specific guidelines about work when absent.

For extended absences, students and parents should reach out to their advisor and/or Nuala Judycki
(Director of Learning Services and Upper School Learning Specialist) for guidance on setting up a
plan to complete missing work.

Retake/Redo
Generally, students are NOT allowed to retake/rewrite daily grades or quizzes. The only option for
retakes occurs when the student earns below 50% on a test/major assessment. Students MUST
retake major assessments if they scored less than a 50%. IT IS UP TO THE STUDENT TO
FOLLOW UP ON RETAKES - all retakes/make-ups will be taken in the Study Hall Rm, 1004.
Additionally, students MUST rewrite a paper/essay if they earned below 50%. Students have two
weeks to retake/rewrite the assessment and cannot score above 70%. If, for any reason, the
assessment was late or the student had been granted an extension, retakes are NOT available. There
is a 2-week timeline in which an assessment (daily grade, quiz, test, etc. . . ) can be retaken.
Fifty/Zero/One Policy
From the Upper School Handbook:
● If a student has made a satisfactory effort to complete and turn in an assignment, the lowest
grade they may receive is a 50%. Teachers will designate which assignments and assessments
are eligible for a retake (See Retake Policy above).
● Teachers will inform students of their Late Policy and Extension Policy at the beginning of
their course. Depending on the type of assignment/assessment, this may include a
progressive deduction of points by day late or an automatic zero.
○ Late work that is eligible for submission past the due date will be entered with a
placeholder of 1. If a student exceeds the parameters set forth by the teacher’s Late
Policy, the grade will convert to a zero.
● Once an assignment/assessment is marked as 0, it cannot be changed.
○ Any Final Exam must be completed in order to earn credit and some courses may
designate assessment

Late Work
For daily assignments, we will use our Zero/One Policy.

The assignment will be marked a zero in the grade book as well as with an "M" for missing and
there will be no opportunity to be made up. If the assignment is marked with a “1”, students have
the opportunity to submit the assignment within two weeks. IT IS UP TO THE STUDENT TO
FOLLOW UP ON MISSING ASSIGNMENTS. The exception is for major assignments. Major
assignments are due on the date assigned and any late major assignments will be penalized 1/3rd
letter grade for every day that it is late. A day is defined as a day on which class is scheduled.

Extension Policy/Late Policy

● Must contact 24+ hours before with request
● ⅓ letter grade deduction for each day late

Required and Recommended Materials

Textbook: Give Me Liberty!: An American History (brief 7th edition), Eric Foner, Kathleen DuVal and
Lisa McGirr

Teacher Availability
I am generally available during my free periods, which include blocks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7. Students are
encouraged to make appointments either in person or via email.