Phone: 650.330.2001 ext. 2332
Free Blocks: A, C, E
Modern World History
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Modern World History begins with a study of world cultures in the 17th century
and ends with an analysis of challenges facing the world today. Because world
history is clearly a massive subject, we will be highlighting the major events,
ideas and people that have worked together to shape the world into what it
is today. Themes we will be covering include:
- World’s Together, World’s Apart (How are different regions, cultures, historical time periods in the world similar and how are they different?)
-Exchange and Migration of Culture, Ideas, People, and Products (CuPIP)
-Conflict and Resistance (What causes conflicts, and why is war often the result of conflicts?)
This course is about analyzing history and its relations to the contemporary world, not memorizing a bunch of facts, so prepared to think, discuss, and write a lot this year. Besides the textbook, you will be required to examine a variety of texts, including primary and secondary sources, films, literature and websites.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY and EXPECTATIONS
My first priority is that you come away from this class with an understanding
of modern world history— the events that constitute the history and
the concepts that impact our lives today. In order to reach this goal, you
will be expected to participate in a variety of activities, as well as complete
given assignments. Each assignment I give to you has a purpose; there is
no busy work!
I am not out to trick you in fact I’m a very straightforward teacher, but I do have certain clear expectations. I want this classroom to be a safe environment where each person feels that he/she can contribute to class discussion without any fear of embarrassment. Try to keep an open mind, listen to each other, and give each other respect.
You will need a separate history three-ring binder with a sufficient amount
of paper. Keeping class handouts, photocopied reading assignments and class
notes together
and
organized is essential for projects and test preparation. And trust me, you will be receiving lots of handouts.
UNIT HANDOUTS
Before we begin each unit, you will receive a “unit handout.” This
handout will include homework questions, key terms, outside resources, your
essay questions for the test, test format, and all other relevant information
for that unit. The unit handout should be used as your study guide for test
or project preparation.
ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS
Each assignment will be worth a certain number of points and you will always
receive an explanation and point breakdown. All assignments, including homework,
essays, and projects should be turned in on time. I am a stickler for due dates.
If you are having a problem completing an assignment, you need to see me BEFORE
it is due. If an assignment is late, your grade will be lowered by a half a
letter grade each day (an A will become A-, then B+, then B, etc). I will remind
you the first day your assignment is late, but it is your responsibility to
get the work in to me. If you do not turn something in at all, you will receive
a ZERO, and that will be averaged into your grade.
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the assignment. Choose
someone in the class who you know is responsible and make sure that you call
that person to find out what you missed.
Tests and due dates for projects will always be announced at least one week
in advance. If you know beforehand that you will not be in class the day of
the test or due date for a project, then you must arrange to take the test
or turn in the project before the specified day.
Most of the assignments in this class will include a great deal of writing.
I expect all out-of-class essays to be typed and free of spelling/grammatical
errors. Although my main concern is that your content is strong, I will take
into
account grammar
and style in the overall grading process. Just because this is not an English
class does not mean the same rules don’t apply here! I encourage you
to see Ms. Sincoff in the writing center for any writing needs you may have.
ACADEMIC
HONESTY
Do not plagiarize. You may work on homework with your friends, but do NOT copy
your friend’s answers or ask your friend to tell you about the reading
when you did not do it. This does neither of you any good. We will go over
specifics of plagiarism in class, but in the mean time, use your own judgment
to determine which words and direct ideas are yours versus someone else’s.
Do not cheat on tests. Besides the obvious ways someone could cheat, I also
ask that you NOT discuss information on a test with students who have not
yet taken the test. Even if your good friend asks you, please tell him/her
that
you cannot discuss the test.
Any cheating will result in a grade of ZERO and a report to Mr. Lapolla (I
have done this in the past).
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Regular Class Work (homework, participation, reading quizzes) 30%
The Biggies (presentations, tests, large projects, take-home essays) 50%
Final Exam 20%