World Themes

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Class Mission

This class will explore the history of the world’s civilizations and societies from the beginning of Islam through the Age of Imperialism.  Students will learn to understand, evaluate and analyze the complex history of civilizations and gain a chronological understanding of historical events.  Upon completion of the course, students will hopefully be able to compare and contrast different civilizations of the globe, and demonstrate empathy towards today’s global community.

Units of Study:

What is history?

Islam and the Muslim Expansion

Medieval Europe

Asian Cultures: China & Japan

Renaissance and Reformation

Age of Exploration and Expansion

Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment

French Revolution

Industrial Revolution

Age of Imperialism in Africa and Asia

Essential Questions:

            What causes a society or civilization to achieve greatness or decline?

            How do cultures develop and change?

            How have individual rights and responsibilities to his/ her society varied over time?

Class Materials

Textbook and Reading Materials
The textbook for this class is Human Heritage: A World History.  This text will be kept at home!  I will have an extra set in the classroom for use during the school day.

Class Notebook
Each of you should have a three-ring binder for use in this class only.  Please fill this notebook with lined loose-leaf paper.  In addition, I would like you to place at least ten (10) divider tabs throughout your notebook.  These will serve to divide your notebook into our major units of study. The first tab should be labeled “What Is History?”  We will label the rest of the tabs as we move through the units.  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. 

*I expect you to bring this notebook to class with you each day.

Class Website

This is it! This website was designed as a tool to aid you throughout the course.  Writing guidelines, history research cites, bibliographic support, and other helpful materials can be found on-line.  If you have any suggestions for additional resources or for website reconstruction, please let me know.  This web page is for you, so make sure that it helps! 
 

Grading System

Each graded piece will have a total possible point value, depending on the scope of the assignment:

Tests and TGAs (Test Grade Assignments)            100 points
                Quizzes                                                                                              30 points
                 Homework                                                                                    4-10 points

At the end of the term, I will add up your total points earned and divide this number by the total possible points to determine your final grade.  A progress report will be given to each of you midway through each quarter to communicate your progress and to give you time to improve your performance.

Late Homework and Paper Policy

This policy will be followed throughout the year; however, if individuals 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 only receive half credit.  Any homework not passed in on the day collected or due, will receive a zero.

Papers &        The due date for papers and assignments will be strictly enforced.  Late papers

Projects:         or projects will be marked down a half a grade for each day they are late.  Your name will be placed on the “make-up board” as a reminder and you will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to makeup the work will result in a zero.

Tests &           All tests and quizzes are to be taken as scheduled.  If you are absent, your name

Quizzes:         will be placed on the “make-up board” as a reminder and you will have one week to complete all missed assessments.  Failure to makeup the work will result in a zero.

MAKE- UP    Makeup folders are located on the side of the room, under the bulletin board.  If you are absent CHECK THE

Work               FOLDER.  It will have your homework assignments or class

handouts that you may have missed.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PICK UP YOUR WORK!!

Extra Help Hours

I will be available after school each Monday and Wednesday until 3:15.  In addition, I will often be after school on numerous days and have prep time in-between classes.  My schedule is posted on-line and on the board so you can track me down.  I encourage you to talk to me about class, assignments, projects or if you have any questions or concerns about the material covered.  Communication is essential to learning! 

Finally…

I am assuming and expecting that you come to class on time and prepared, with necessary work completed.  Also, a critical part of this course is participation.  I cannot stress this enough.  This is your class and you need to be an active part of it.  That means not only speaking, but listening and being present!  It is amazing how much you can miss in one day!

In conclusion, don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for help.  That’s what I’m here for! 

Good luck and welcome to World Themes!