WORLD
HISTORY
2007-2008
This course surveys the
history, cultures, and geography that have shaped the modern world. We will examine the major turning points
that have shaped our world since the late eighteenth century. The following major units, aligned to the
California Framework, will be studied:
The Rise of Democratic Ideas. This unit
connects past learnings related to Greek, Roman, Renaissance, and Reformation
history to the development of modern western democracies beginning with the
American, French, and Latin American revolutions.
The Industrial Revolution. The radical transition from an agrarian
economy to an industrial economy, beginning in eighteenth century England. This "revolution" has caused major
worldwide changes in politics, economy, culture and the environment.
The Rise of Imperialism and Colonialism. The nationalistic aspirations of the
industrial nations and their demand for natural resources and markets lead to
major cultural and nationalistic conflicts.
World War I and its Consequences. The
growth of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism resulting in the collapse of
old empires, threats to democratic development, and disillusionment.
Totalitarianism in the Modern World: Nazi
Germany and Stalinist Russia. The aftermath of World War I planted the
seeds for another world war and created a supportive environment for the
development of totalitarianism. Major totalitarian states evolved, successfully
extinguishing political freedom, and amassing total control of society under a
single party and leader.
World War II: Causes and Consequences.
An examination of the expansionist, nationalistic and militaristic policies of
Japan and Nazi Germany which developed in the aftermath of World War I. These
policies caused unprecedented destruction and death, and resulted in a
shattered world divided by a cold war.
Nationalism in the Contemporary World.
Today, major forces such as nationalism and the desire for ethnic, religious,
and economic independence impact life in many areas of the world. Regions of the world most impacted by these
forces will be studied.
Unresolved Problems of the World. Overpopulation, war and terrorism, the
struggle for human rights and democracy, health and environmental issues, and
nationalism will be studied during this unit. A brief regional study of India,
Africa, China, and the Middle East will tie together issues of concern.
It is expected that students
will master major historical, cultural, and geographic concepts in this course.
In addition, students will further develop their skills in reading, writing,
teamwork, thoughtful discussion, paying attention, note taking, and managing
paper work.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Regular and timely attendance is
required to be successful in this class.
Poor attendance (tardies and absences) will result in disciplinary
action and lower your grade.
Tardies: Students are
expected to be in their seat when the bell rings. If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are
tardy. Possible consequences for
Tardies are as follows:
First
and second Tardies will result in warnings.
Third
tardy results in a classroom detention
Fourth
tardy results in a classroom detention and notification to parents
Fifth
tardy results in office referral and administrative discipline.
Tardies will hurt your
grade. Students who are tardy will automatically receive a 0 on the first
assignment of the day (the bell assignment).
Absences:
Students
whose absences are not "excused" will receive a 0 on all assignments
missed because of the absence.
Students
whose absences are "excused" may make up work except for assignments that are part of the ongoing class activity
work (e.g., bell assignments, class participation, etc.). This means that excessive absences of any type will lower your grade.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
There are five basic rules that
are important to follow in this class.
1. RESPECT PEOPLE. Everyone has the right to express their
opinions in an appropriate manner.
One of the critical goals of this class is to learn to be respectful of
different opinions even if you disagree with them.
2. RESPECT PROPERTY. Do not touch or take things that do not
belong to you. This includes school
property. If you need to borrow
something, ask permission.
3. COME TO CLASS
PREPARED TO WORK. Always bring your
pen, pencil, notebook, and textbook unless told otherwise. DON'T come to class expecting to be given a
pass to look for missing materials or to go to the bathroom.
4. DO NOT DISTURB THE
LEARNING PROCESS. Take off your
hats when you enter the room. Settle
down and go to work when the bell rings.
Do not talk or disrupt when the teacher is giving instruction. Do not play with your Walkman, Hacky-sac,
make-up, etc. If you have these items
out during class they will be taken and given to administration, and your
parents will have to come to school to pick them up.
5. NO FOOD OR DRINK IN
CLASS. Finish your eating and
drinking, candy sales, etc., before you come into the classroom. If I see it in the classroom, it gets thrown
away.
TEXTBOOKS
A textbook will be checked out to you, and it is your responsibility to take good care of it. It is required that all books be covered. Books are checked out by number and you will be required to check in the book with the same number. Students who lose books will be charged $60. Damaged books will be charged based on the amount of damage.
MILLION WORD CHALLENGE
You
will be required to read and report on one book from an instructor provided
list during the school year. This will be required and graded.
GRADING
Your grade will be based on a point
system. Successful students will attend regularly, participate in class, and do
all the assigned work. Points are
awarded almost everyday in class. In this class almost everything has a
grade:
·
Bell
assignments (first assignment at beginning of the period)
·
Classwork
assignments
·
Classroom
participation
·
Homework
·
Exams
and quizzes
·
Unit
projects
·
Interactive
notebook
·
Book
report(s)
Everything receives points. All points are added and divided by the total
number of points possible to calculate a percentage score. You will then receive your grade based on
the percentage score you accumulated:
90
– 100 = A
80
- 89 = B
70
- 79 = C
50
- 69 = D
0 -
49 = F
Late Work: Routine class and homework may
be handed in late (except where unexcused absences are involved). However, points will be taken off for late
assignments. Once the notebook section has been graded, work will not be
accepted for that section (roughly every three weeks).
Projects: Each unit we study will end with a project. Project grades will make up a significant
part of your class grade. Each project will involve different kinds of
performances and ways of expressing what you have learned during the unit. Examples of the kinds of performances you
will be required to do are: make a
newspaper, produce an annotated timeline, write a set of historically accurate
letters, participate in a conference, etc.
At the end of every project there will be a class "debriefing"
where students will share their work and engage in self-evaluation activities.
Project
assignments will always be given to students well in advance of due dates. Because most students will choose to do the
work in groups, and because there is always a class debriefing the day projects
are due, LATE PROJECTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Excused
absences are not an excuse. This
means that a critical aspect of successful project work is planning ahead, and
making sure work gets done on time and is delivered to school on time. Projects may be delivered early. If you are sick, have someone deliver your
work the day it is due.
Notebooks: Another class requirement is creating a class notebook. The purpose of the notebook is to require
all students to build an organized portfolio of their classwork and a resource.
Keep close track of your notebook because your work is not replaceable. You
are walking around with your grade in the class. (See handout for
Interactive Notebook).
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Students will need a notebook
(the Mead Five-Star 150 page is best); paper, a black or blue writing pen, and
various project supplies as needed (i.e., poster board, markers)
GENERAL PURPOSES OF THE COURSE:
This course has as its major
purpose the development of an understanding and appreciation of the major
historical movements that have shaped the modern world. These historical movements are embodied in
the structure of the units, or themes, around which the course content is
organized. In addition to the
historical goals of the course it is our objective to help each student learn
to become successful in the broadest sense.
Thus we aim to teach:
Responsibility and reliability: Students are required keep track of their
responsibilities, be on time, and meet performance deadlines.
Working cooperatively with others: Much of the work done in this course is done in
groups, and requires cooperation and teamwork.
Students are required to learn to make wise selections regarding
teammates
Utilization of multiple skills and abilities: Students are required to
demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. Class projects and assignments provide a variety of ways that
students can show that they have learned.
How to work hard and successfully deal with demanding requirements: This course is not easy and
there is a great deal of work. The
ideas, concepts, and historical movements covered are challenging. On the other hand, the course is structured
so that students who are willing to work can be successful. As understandings and interconnections are
learned the subject becomes extremely interesting. Many students begin to produce wonderful pieces of work; some
students produce the best work of their life.
I have had the opportunity to read
these course requirements to better understand my responsibilities:
__________________________________________
Student
__________________________________________
Parent or guardian