History of Kansas City

ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL

Course Title: History of Kansas City

Class Meeting Room: 151

Instructor: Mr. Timothy Waris

Email: [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will focus on the local history of the Kansas City region from the beginning of European settlement to the present. Students will learn about local Native American tribes and the effect of European settlement on their development, the controversies surrounding the admission of Missouri and Kansas into the United States, Kansas City’s role in westward expansion, the Civil War and its effects on the region, the emergence of the Populist movement in Kansas, the involvement of Kansas City in World War I, the development of Jazz in Kansas City, the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, the Pendergast Political Machine during the Roaring 20s and Great Depression, the growth of the suburbs in Kansas City area, desegregation and its effect on Kansas City and the region and other local topics. 

CLASS PARTICIPATION & EXPECTATIONS

Given the nature of the course, active participation from all students is required. All comments and questions should be appropriate for a classroom setting. Opinions expressed by students will be respected at all times. 

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be based on the St. Pius X High School grading scale. Grades will be composed primarily of class/homework, discussion, papers, projects, presentations, and extra credit. The final will be 15-20% of the final grade.

LATE WORK

Unexcused late submissions will be penalized as follows:

• 10% will be deducted for the first day late

• An additional 10% will be deducted for the second day late

• On the third day, the assignment will only be worth 50% of the original grade

• Submissions more than two weeks late will receive zero credit

Excused absences should be promptly communicated to the teacher. Missed work should be made up at a reasonable pace depending on the circumstances. If special circumstances arise, they must be communicated. Any student who misses ten or more days will not be allowed to turn in any work for credit.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

• Students should be seated and prepared for class when the bell rings

• Go to the restroom before class; do not ask when the bell rings

• Students are expected to bring their book, a writing utensil, notebook, and planner to class everyday

• Students are expected to use their notebooks which they will be able to use for quizzes

• Tardiness is not allowed

• Always respect the teacher and other classmates

• Active listening and participation is expected

• Chromebooks/Laptops are to be used only for school-related tasks during class. Any student caught playing games on a Chromebook will receive a demerit or referral.

• The teacher’s desk, chair, and computer are off limits to students

• Students are prohibited from going outside to the parking lot for anything

• Must check in at the office if you need to go outside

• Students are expected to focus on schoolwork. If a student is not working after being asked, a demerit will be issued.

• No food or drink is allowed in the classroom (except water)

• Use of cellphones, laptops, and tablets are prohibited without explicit permission

• Must leave phones on your/my desk when going to the restroom

• All expectations outlined in the student handbook

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity and honesty are expected for all courses. Students are expected to complete all coursework and assignments individually unless otherwise stated. Outside discussion of class materials is encouraged. Severe penalties will ensue if a student is caught cheating on coursework. Any form of plagiarism is prohibited. All cheating and plagiarism is reported to the Vice Principal. It is in the best interest of the student to take responsibility for their learning.

TOPICS COVERED

• The Growth of Kansas City

• Transportation in Kansas City

• Wartime Efforts

• Crime & Politics in Kansas City

• Suburbanization and Reurbanization

• Paris of the Plains