World History Syllabus

“WHY STUDY HISTORY?”

 

This is a question posed throughout the textbook and also a question you may be asking yourself at this moment.  While the answer to this question is not simple, it is important to remember that civilization would not be where it is today without the contributions of civilizations of the past.  Therefore, while it is important to learn the history of our country, that learning is incomplete without also understanding the history of the larger world.  Throughout the course of this class, we will learn about past civilizations and their contributions to our present world.  By identifying common themes across time, you will discover that, while history changes, people across time and lands are actually quite similar. 

 

MATERIALS

  1. Students will be provided with a textbook.
  2. Students will be expected to bring textbook, paper, academic planner, and a writing utensil to class every day, unless instructed otherwise ahead of time.

3.  Because the final exams draw upon all information learned throughout the semester, it will be to your advantage to stay organized!

 

CLASSROOM RULES

 

  1. Show Respect
    1. Respect the thoughts, opinions, and property of fellow classmates and the teacher.  You do not have to agree with everything that others say, but you do owe them your respect and attention.
    2. If you wish to contribute to class, raise your hand.  Talking out of turn or while others are talking will not be tolerated.  All students are expected to behave in a manner that will not disturb the educational environment.  Also, if you refuse to do the work, this will be considered disobedience to the teacher and proper consequences will follow.
    3. Respect school property.  This means:

                                                              i.      Keep feet off of desks and chairs.

                                                            ii.      Do not sit on top of the desks.

                                                          iii.      Do not write on books, desks, walls, or any school property.

  1. Be on time-On time means you are in your seat when the bell rings.  Nearly on time means you are inside the door when the bell rings.  Be prepared
    1. Textbooks, paper, and a writing utensil are to be brought to class every day.
    2. Complete homework and reading assignments by the assigned due date.
  2. Remain in seats
    1. All students MUST remain in seats until the bell rings for dismissal.  Lining up at the door before the bell rings will not be tolerated. 
    2. If you need to sharpen your pencil or get a Kleenex, please do so by creating as little distraction as possible.
  3. No sleeping
  4. No gum, food, or drinks
  5. No cheating
    1. If cheating occurs, all parties involved will receive automatic zeros and calls will be made home. 
    2. There is a fine line between cheating and helping…do not cross this line.
    3.  

PENALTIES

In most cases, the old saying about the “punishment fitting the crime” will apply.  Possible consequences include the following:

§       Verbal warning

§       Guidance referral

§       Green sheet (discipline referral)

§       Phone call home

 

 

 

 

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

  1. Assignments and Activities
    1. Assignments will include worksheets, maps, writing assignments, cause and effect charts, analyzing primary sources and political cartoons, and other types. 
    2. Individual and group activities will be assigned throughout the semester. 
  2. Tests and Quizzes
    1. Tests will be given at the end of chapters and/or units.  Tests will/could include multiple choice, matching, and fill in the blank items, as well as essay questions and maps.
    2. Planned quizzes will be given periodically.  This means there will not be pop quizzes unless the class appears to really want a pop quiz.  The quizzes will be designed to help you prepare for the tests.

 

  1. Expectations
    1. Be prepared for class every day
    2. Complete assignments on time
    3. Participate in class discussions and activities
    4. Behave appropriately
    5. Ask questions
    6. Enjoy history!

 

ABSENCE POLICIES

  1. Excused Absences-Students have one day for each day missed to make up assignments.  For example, if you are sick on Monday and Tuesday, any missed work will be due on Friday. 
  2. Unexcused Absences-Students may only make up work missed as a result of an excused absence.  An unexcused absence will result in zeros for any missed work.
  3. Planned Absences-If you know you are going to be absent for some reason (dentist appointment, family event, etc.) please obtain any assignments before you leave.  Assignments will be due the day you return to class.  Failure to follow this procedure will result in partial credit.

**If you are absent and you missed work, please do not bombard me before class.**  Ask a classmate what the work was, and if it was a worksheet, come to the front, find the file folder labeled whatever day of the week you were gone, and get the worksheet.  It is YOUR responsibility to make up the work and to remember to hand it in if it was something that was needed for a grade.

  1. Tests and Quizzes
    1. If you are absent on the day of a test/quiz and were aware of the text/quiz, be prepared to take the test or quiz on the day you return.
    2. If you are absent several days and are not aware of the test/quiz you will have as many days as you were absent to take the test/quiz.
  2. You are responsible for obtaining missed assignments, notes, and scheduling a time to take a missed test/quiz.

 

GRADING POLICIES

  1. Homework
    1. Homework must be turned in on the day it is due before or during the correct class period for full credit.
    2. Late work will be accepted (but not happily accepted), but only at partial credit and only one day after the assigned due date.  Therefore, late work will be accepted the day after it was due and the highest grade you can receive is a 50%.
  2. Tests and Quizzes
    1. Tests and quizzes will be the largest determinant of grades in this class.
  3. Participation and Planner Checks
    1. Participation points will be monitored daily and recorded weekly.
    2. Surprise planner checks will take place at times and points will be given.
    3. Points will accumulate and may be the difference between an A and a B.

 

GRADING SCALE

 

A+   98-100%                    A   93-97%                       A-   90-92%

B+   87-89%                       B   83-86%                       B-   80-82%

C+   77-79%                      C   73-76%                       C-   70-72%

D+   67-69%                      D   63-66%                       D-   60-62%