Instructor: Mr. Lozano

School phone: (602) 569-1101

jlozano@aaechighschools.com

 

Hello, my name is James Lozano. I teach social studies and sponsor student government at AAEC-Paradise Valley. This is my second year at AAEC and I look forward to meeting and working with many wonderful people this year. I have a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in Secondary Education, and I am excited to be able to share my passion for history with my students.

American Government

Course Description: The basis of a successful, functioning democracy is an informed, actively involved citizenry. Using this theme as a basis for this course, we will be studying the structure and function of the American system, the issues facing our nation, and the methods and opportunities for students to become involved in the political process both locally and nationally.

 

Estimated Timeline: Our planned curriculum is as follows:

Unit 1: Foundations of American Government: Origins, the Constitution, Individual Rights and Liberties, and Federalism

Unit 2: Political Behavior: Political Parties, Voter Behavior, and the Electoral Process

Unit 3: The Legislative Branch

Unit 4: The Executive Branch

Unit 5: The Judicial Branch

U.S./AZ History

Course Description:  The study of history is more than the memorization of dates. History changes daily. It is what molds and changes us. It is not enough to learn history; one must learn from history. This course is designed with that purpose. We will not focus on dates.  Instead, we will analyze the events and people that have shaped our history. Students will be provided with practical knowledge of U.S and Arizona history, practical exercises in critical thinking, and instruction in effective writing techniques that will better prepare students for life after high school.

 

Estimated Timeline: Our proposed 1st semester curriculum is as follows:

Unit 1: American Beginnings to 1783

Unit 2: A New Nation

Unit 3: An Era of Growth and Disunion

Unit 4: Migration and Industrialization Change Society (if time allows)

                        Second Semester

                                    Unit 5: Modern America Emerges

                                    Unit 6: The 20’s and the Great Depression

                                    Unit 7: WWII and its Aftermath

                                    Unit 8: Living with Great Turmoil

 

World History

Course Description:  This course will examine the development of human civilization from the Dawn of History (approximately 5000 years ago) to the development of the modern world. This semester of the course will focus primarily on the Western world and will include events, places, and people from the Mediterranean region. The second semester will focus on the events and people of the latter half of the 19th century and beyond

 

Estimated Timeline: Our proposed 1st semester curriculum is as follows:

Unit 1: Antiquity

Unit 2: The Middle Ages

Unit 3: Entering the Modern Age

                        Second Semester:

                                    Unit 4: An Era of Change

                                    Unit 5: Nationalism, Imperialism and WWI

                                    Unit 6: Totalitarianism, WWII and Beyond

Expectations and Goals: This class will be project based, fast-paced. Not only will you be expected to keep up with assigned readings, but also to participate in impromptu games, in-class activities, and home-based projects. Because AAEC is a college preparatory, student will be held to high standard. Sloppy work or anything not in the proper format will not be accepted.

 

Participation: Students are expected to attend class every day and to engage in class activities and discussions. From time to time, students’ binders may be collected and points will be awarded according to each day’s entry.

 

Extra Help: If you are in need of extra help, be sure to let me know so that we can arrange an appointment before you feel overwhelmed. Don’t wait until the day before something is due to ask for assistance!

 

Grading: All coursework will be weighted equally and each will be worth a certain number of points whose value will be listed on each assignment and packet so as to assist you in keeping better track of your grade.

Materials: You will need: World History text (provided), a three-ring binder with dividers, college ruled loose leaf paper, pencils, and pens (black or blue). Art supplies for in-class projects will be provided when needed.

 

Notes: Note taking is part of your grade. I will, from time to time, check your notes to be sure that they are in the proper format. Also, I will not give out copies of the notes unless you have a special accommodation. So don’t ask.

 

Late Work: I do not accept late work. You are expected to turn assignments in when I ask for them. If you do not have an assignment when I ask for it, you may turn it in by the end of the day for half credit. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

            If you are absent you are responsible for finding out what you missed (this includes notes, assignments, etc.). You will not be given extra time to complete assignments! Your best bet is to always contact me via e-mail to find out what you missed.

 

Make-Up Exams: Students have one week to make up any missed exams or quizzes. If the exam has not been made up after one week, the student will receive a zero for that exam or quiz. All make-up exams or quizzes must be made up before or after school. Students are not allowed to take make up exams during regular class time. Students will not be able to make up exams missed due to an unexcused absence.

 

Grading Scale:             100-90:            A

                                    89-80:              B

                                    79-70:              C

                                    Below 70:        F

 

Please note that D’s will not be given. In order to demonstrate proficiency in the course material students must earn a 70% or better. Also, if you have five unexcused absences, your grade will be dropped one full letter grade (i.e. from a B to a C).

 

Format: Headings for all assignments will appear as follows:

 

First and last name                

Course title

Date                                                                                                               

Instructor

                                                                                                           

Plagiarism policy:  Plagiarism is defined as passing someone else’s ideas off as your own and includes copying off of your classmates or any other source on any assignment. If you are caught knowingly committing plagiarism, you will automatically receive a zero for that assignment and will meet with the principal to discuss further disciplinary action.

 

Restroom Policy: Each of you will only receive two restroom passes per semester. Use them wisely. Students may not go to the restroom during the first and last 15 minutes of class.

 

Classroom Procedures:

  1. Upon entering the room, students will take their seat and turn off their phone.
  2. Next, students will take out their materials and place their bags on the floor.
  3. Students will then answer the question on the board in their warm up log.
  4. If you have a question or comment you must raise your hand to be recognized
  5. Students will not begin packing up until they have been dismissed by the teacher.

Classroom Rules:

  1. No food, drink or gum in class. Bottles with screw tops are ok.
  2. Hats and hoodies will be removed upon entering the classroom.
  3. Backpacks, bags, purses, etc., will be placed on the floor. The only thing on the table should be your notebook/binder and something with which you will write.
  4. No vulgar, inappropriate, or offensive language.

First offense: verbal warning

Second offense: referral

  1. No personal grooming in class. This includes brushing hair, applying make-up, etc.
  2. No studying for other classes or finishing work for another class, unless all  of your work for this class is complete and the instructor is finished with the lecture. This includes videos.

Personal Electronics:

At the beginning of each class, students will take out their cell phones and turn them off. Once this task is complete, the phone will be placed face down on the table in front of them.

Students can use their laptops to take notes; However, if I see that you are surfing the internet or playing games during a lecture, you will lose this privilege. During videos or movies, laptops will be closed.

 

Every student has the ability and opportunity to achieve success in this class. Let’s have a great semester!

The instructor reserves the right to alter the class syllabus at any time. Students will be informed of any changes in class.