Oakcrest High School

Hello Falcons!

Here is some information about my education and my involvement here at Oakcrest.

• Bachelor's Degree in History for Secondary Education from Widener University

• Currently acquiring my Masters in Teaching Students with Disabilities from New Jersey City University

• I am a Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor during the Spring. In this course I teach students about different ways to deal with mental health challenges and how they can help others that deal with mental health challenges.

• Currently the weight room coordinator after school

US History 2 Syllabus:

Instructor: 

Mr. Garry Voss

Email: gvoss@gehrhsd.net

Course Information

- Course: United States History II

- Grade Level: 11

- Credits: 5

Course Description

United States History II is a college preparatory academic course designed for students performing at or above grade level. This course is designed to address and achieve the goals set forth in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies. It emphasizes three areas of humanities: history, citizenship, and geography. Embedded in these content areas are economic, cultural, anthropological, sociological, and global perspectives. The course will continue from where U.S. History I left off, covering major periods in history as delineated in the Standards for Social Studies. Students will study the following periods:

- The Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II (1929-1945)

- Postwar United States: Cold War, Civil Rights, Social Change (1945-1970s)

- Contemporary United States: Domestic/International Policies and Interconnected Global Society (1970-Present)

Throughout the course, the organization and operation of the various levels of government, as well as individual rights, will be emphasized as events are studied. Additionally, there will be a special unit on the Holocaust and Prejudice Reduction, which will engage students in projects and assembly presentations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret historical events and their impact on society.

2. Understand the role of citizenship and government in the United States.

3. Recognize and appreciate the diversity of cultures and perspectives within the United States.

4. Evaluate the significance of global interconnectedness in contemporary society.

5. Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving through research, analysis, and discussion.

Grading Policies

Grades in this course will be based on the following criteria:

- Class participation: 20%

- Homework and assignments: 30%

- Quizzes and tests: 40%

- Projects and presentations: 10%

Expectations for Student Behavior and Participation

- Attend all classes and arrive on time.

- Actively participate in class discussions and activities.

- Respect the opinions and contributions of others.

- Complete all assignments and submit them on time.

- Follow classroom rules and guidelines.

- Use appropriate language and behavior during class.

Breakdown of Lesson Topics and Assignments

Introduction to United States History II

- Course overview and expectations

- Introduction to major periods in history

The Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II (1929-1945)

- Causes and effects of the Great Depression

- Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal

- World War II and its impact on the United States

Postwar United States: Cold War, Civil Rights, Social Change (1945-1970s)

- The Cold War and its impact on American society

- Civil rights movement and its leaders

- Social changes in the 1960s and 1970s

Contemporary United States: Domestic/International Policies and Interconnected Global Society (1970-Present)

- Domestic policies and their impact on society

- International policies and global interconnectedness

- Current events and their historical context

Special Unit - Holocaust and Prejudice Reduction

- Study of the Holocaust and its lessons

- Projects and assembly presentations on prejudice reduction

 Review and Exam Preparation

- Review of major topics and themes

- Exam preparation and study guides

Please note that this syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher. Any modifications will be communicated to the students in a timely manner.

Cell Phone Policy:

We will be utilizing the Red light/Green light poster at the front of the classroom. 

• Green light means you may have your cell phone out during class.

• Red light means that you may not have your cell phone out during class.

• Inability to follow this rule will result in a detention or another form of discipline (lunch detention, etc.)

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence:

Cheating on tests/quizzes/projects is strictly prohibited and will result in a voided grade for that assignment. 

This includes:

• Copying off another student during a test.

• Using a cell phone during a test.

• Using AI to write a paper or answer a prompt. (Exceptions made at the discretion of the teacher)

Zero Period availability:

• A & B days for both sessions