World History I: Honors

Mr. Grady

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Course Description 2009-2010

 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:

·         To understand and apply social studies skills; i.e., communication, interpretation, reading, data collection, critical thinking, higher order problem-solving and process writing.

·         To explain and evaluate political, social, and economic institutions, as well as geographic concepts which shape the world.

·         To analyze, explain, and evaluate the chronological order of historical events and to recognize the complexity of historical cause and effect.

·         To compare and contrast, and to show an empathetic appreciation of diverse world cultures, as well as individual and societal roles and responsibilities in today's global community.

This class will explore the history of the world’s civilizations and societies from the “Fall of Rome” in 476 A.D. through the European Enlightenment of the 18th century. A major focus for this course will be to understand, evaluate and analyze the complex history of civilizations while simultaneously uncovering the complicated process of history.  Through our discussions, readings of primary and secondary sources, lectures, notes, and videos, our class will investigate the systematic yet subjective study of history while exploring rich and unique civilizations, each of which has contributed to and shaped modern society.         

 

Units of Study

Byzantium and Russia

Islam and the Muslim Expansion

Societies of Africa

Medieval Europe

China’s Golden Age

Heian and Tokugawan Japan

European Renaissance and Reformation

Societies of the Americas and the Age of Exploration

Absolutism and the Rise of the Nation State

 

Class Materials

 

Text

The textbook for this class is McDougal Littell’s World History: Patterns of Interaction.  In addition, primary and secondary reading handouts will supplement your text and form a large part of your reading material. 

 

Class Notebook  

Each student should have a three-ring binder to be used specifically for this history class.  This binder will hold everything (aside from your text) that you will need and use for this class, including handouts and class and text notes you will take throughout the year.  Organization of this notebook and note-taking are important parts of this class and will contribute to your final grade.  You will be expected to bring this binder to class each time we meet.  

 

 

Grades and Assessments

               

Your grade = your total points/total available points.                                                                                                                                                                                             

Assessments are likely to take the following form:

 

Tests                                                                                                      value: 100 points

Reading quizzes                                                                                   value: 10-20 points

Announced quizzes                                                                             value:  20-40 points

Participation                                                                                          value:  50 points per quarter

Homework (for accountability and/or content)                               value:  up to 10 points

Projects/papers and other major writings                                        value:  80-100 points

Short writings and other class activities                                          value:  10-40 points

 

 

 

Late Homework and Paper Policy

This policy will be followed throughout the year; however, if you have emergencies or personal matters, please come and talk to me.  
 

Homework:

   Homework is due at the beginning of the class.  Any homework that is handed in late (even at the end of the period or later in the day) will receive only half credit.  Any homework not passed in on the due date will receive a zero. 

 

Papers and Projects:

 

The due dates for papers and assignments will be strictly enforced.  Late papers or projects will be marked down a half  grade for each day they are late.   You will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to make up the work will result in a zero.

 

Tests and Quizzes:

                All tests and quizzes are to be taken as scheduled.  If you are absent, you will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to make up the work will result in a zero.

 

Extra Help

Extra help will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:15 p.m.;  however, I will be after school most days, so simply let me know if you would like to speak with me. 

 

Email: grady_richard@doversherborn.org –feel free to use it when necessary.