Political/Historical Studies
by Carol Braun
August 26, 2010
Teacher Information
Name: Mr. Ringen
Position: Social Studies Teacher at Southern High School
Room: 205
Email: mringen@esu5.org
Education: Undergraduate and Graduate at Peru State College
Degree: Bachelors in Secondary Social Studies & Masters in
Instructional Technology
Certification: Nebraska Department of Education
Recent Workshops: Moodle Technology; Classroom Management; From L to J Learning Strategies; Teaching Nebraska Social Studies
Coaching: Assistant Girls’ Basketball & Assistant Track
Sponsorships: S-Club
Mr. Ringen’s Daily Schedule
Before School: Arrive at 7:15-7:30 (earlier if students need help)
Period #1- Fundamentals of Social Studies—9th Grade Standards
Period #2- OT Government
Period #3- 7th Grade Career Education
Period #4- 8th Grade US History
Period #5- Political/Historical Studies Period #6- Planning
IAP- Room 205
Period #7- Government/Economics
Period #8- 8th Grade US History
After School 3:32-4:00- Student help/meetings
After School 4:00-6:00 Sport practices (winter/spring)
Junior & Senior Political/Historical Studies
The purpose of Political/Historical Studies is to educate Southern High juniors and seniors about key social studies information that every United States citizen should know (current events, street smarts, continuation of 11th grade Gov/Econ) and research of a National History Day Project.
This course will focus on the research and development of a National History Day project. Additional studies will include an in depth look at current events and modern problems in the state, nation, and world today.
Textbook
Magruder’s American Government 2008_Pearson Prentice Hall_TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COVERED!!!
Semester Grade
There will be no semester tests for this class at this time. Subject to change with discretion of the teacher.
However, each quarter will be weighted differently into your semester grade. This is because Q2 & Q3 are the heavy focus on the NHD project.
Semester #1 Grade:
Quarter #1=40% of grade Quarter #2=60% of grade
Semester #2 Grade:
Quarter #3= 40% of grade Quarter #4= 60% of grade
Quarter Grading
*More to be announced in the future by the teacher.
-Q1 & Q4 will include mainly homework, projects, & current event quizzes.
-Q2 & Q3 will include mainly research assignments and the final grade for the NHD project
More on Grading/Homework
Regular Homework-Any assignment might be collected…even notes. So do all of your work! Be prepared by doing each assignment thoroughly.
Check for Understanding Quizzes- These quizzes will be given at the conclusion of a lesson discussion. Students can best prepare for these quizzes by simply listening and participating in class discussion when we cover content material.
Moodle - Homework, quizzes, discussion posts, special projects, and other assignments using the Moodle online technology.
Research Work Days- Points given for research completed on History Day Project.
History Day Project- As a large portion of Political/Historical Studies, we will participate in the National History Day competition. District competition will occur in early spring as students will create a project over a point of personal interest in history that ties to this year’s overall theme. More on this large project in the future.
Honesty
Practice academic honesty!
Therefore…
Do not copy others work. Do not allow others to copy your work. Both are considered equal offenses.
Late Assignments
Late homework will result in a 10% deduction off of the total assignment grade for the first day of being late.
* If a student continues to have late assignments on a regular basis, the teacher may assign work times as an additional consequence. These work times will not be recorded as detentions unless the student skips this session.
Required Materials
• Textbook (supplied by school)
• Notebook (for regular notes)
• Writing utensils.
