World History

Common Syllabus

Course Objective and Description

This course will enable students to view the world as a series of emerging interdependent systems through the methodologies of the social science disciplines.  These systems include geographical, ecological, cultural, social, and political events and influences.  Students will be able to create, interpret, utilize, and synthesize information from various representations of the earth in order to analyze (i.e., categorize, identify), explain and answer a variety of regional, national and global geographical questions.  They will be able to trace the evolution of the world from the ancient world, through the Middle Ages and the transformation into the modern age in each of the major world areas.  Students will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the problems in the major regions of the world today and what historical events led to these problems.

Specific Learning Objectives

Please see my teacher’s web page to review a detailed curriculum and skill objectives. All assignments given in United States History I will be done to meet the requirements of both documents.

The following units will be studied:

FIRST SEMESTER

1. The Emergence of the First Global Age (1350-1770):  Global Interactions and Colonialism

B. Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment (1350-1700)

C. Age of Revolutions (1750-1914):  Political and Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism, Reform,               and Global Impact

SECOND SEMESTER

1. A Half-Century of Crisis and Achievement (1900-1945): The Era of the Great Wars

2. The 20^th Century Since 1945 (1945-Today): Challenges for the Modern World

3. Contemporary  Issues

WORLD HISTORY

Course Expectations and Procedures

Grading

Grading will be done on a percentage basis and will be divided up into a number of categories including: tests, quizzes, homework, class participation, papers/essays and projects.

Homework  and Class Participation: 20% of marking period grade; Quizzes/FRQ 40%; Tests: 40% of marking period grade

Homework Philosophy:

Homework is an essential part of the learning process.  Having the skills to read, analyze and interpret information in writing are vital to ones success in school and life.  Homework is provided for students to practice these skills on a consistent basis.  In addition, homework is given with the purpose of students acquiring some background knowledge that they can bring to class and use in discussions in groups or as a whole class.  In order to provide a student centered classroom environment, students need to be given information to process in advance that they can bring to critically review, debate and critique in the class setting.  With those concepts in mind, students are given homework assignments that involve reading and response questions, note-taking, and/or answer critical thinking questions that acquire higher order thinking.

You will be given homework on a frequent basis.  Homework is to be handed in on time.  Each day your homework is late, you will be penalized the equivalent of 10% for each day it is late.

Header Format for Assignments

All handed in assignments must have the following information at the top the page:

Name                                                                                                          Date

Assignment                                                                                                          Class Period

Note: You will not receive credit for assignments handed in without your name.

Classroom Rules and Responsibilities

1. Mutual Respect – respect for other students learning (quiet during assessments, questions and comments, raise your hand to comment or answer, no harassment, humor with boundaries, etc.).

2. Responsibility for your own learning.

3. Always Be Prepared for class – (bring your textbook if a classroom set is not available, notebook, writing utensils and other necessary materials to class, be ready to work).

4. Listen carefully and Follow instructions as they are given.

5. Be Punctual – if your body is not completely in the door when the bell rings, you are late.   If you are late, you will receive detention.

6.  Honesty – both in your academic work and your character.  If you hand in work that is not yours you will receive a zero or no grade.  You also will be subject to the school academic honor code.  If you lie to me, I WILL NOT TRUST YOU.  

Discipline Procedures

1^st step – Warning

2^nd step – deduction of points from class grade

3^rd step – detention with me and/or a parental call home

4^th step – administrative action

Severe Disruptions – student will be removed from class and sent immediately to the administration.

*Maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning is of primary importance and measures will be taken in order to achieve that objective.*

Period 10

I will be available during period 10, 2:30 – 3:00 p.m., in room 269 on the bridge for additional instruction, support.