Modern World History

Ms. Portman

Phone: 650.330.2001 ext. 2332
Free Blocks:

Modern World History

WHY WORLD HISTORY?

For your summer reading project, many of you felt lost or overwhelmed trying to make sense of the global events occurring each day.  It’s difficult to understand what is happening in the world without studying history.

My goal is to give you a context for the modern world so that you will leave this classroom feeling empowered to discuss world issues, and even thinking of yourself as a “global citizen.” OXFAM, a global non-profit organization, defines global citizenship as the following:  “Global Citizenship is about understanding the need to tackle injustice and inequality, and having the desire and ability to work actively to do so. It is about valuing the Earth as precious and unique, and safeguarding the future for those coming after us. Global Citizenship is a way of thinking and behaving. It is an outlook on life, a belief that we can make a difference.”

WHAT IS MODERN WORLD HISTORY?

This course begins with a study of world cultures in the 16th 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. 

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, we will be utilizing a variety of texts, including primary and secondary sources, films, literature and online sources.  

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!

This classroom must be a safe environment where each person feels that he/she can contribute to class discussion without any fear of embarrassment.  Keep an open mind, listen to each other, and give each other respect.

Before we begin each unit, you will receive a “unit handout.”  This handout will include homework questions, 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.

Each assignment will be worth a certain number of points and you will always receive an explanation and point breakdown.  There is no busy work in this class, so be prepared to think as you work through any given assignment.

If you are having a problem completing an assignment, you need to see me BEFORE it is due.  I can be flexible to a point, but if you do not make an appointment to talk to me about why your work is late, I cannot help you.

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.

If you miss class, you need to find out what you missed.  Choose someone in the class who you know is responsible, and make sure that you contact that person to get notes, handouts, or any announcements made.  You can also always email me with any questions.

Most of the assignments in this class will include a great deal of writing.  All out-of-class essays should be typed and free of spelling/grammatical errors.  Although my primary 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 writing rules don’t apply here!  I encourage you to see Ms. Sincoff in the writing center for any writing needs you may have.

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.  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.

I trust you.  Please honor that trust by making decisions that reflect honesty and ethical behavior.

Regular Class Work             (homework, participation, reading quizzes)                                     20%

The Biggies                         (presentations, tests, large projects, take-home essays)             65%

Semester Exam                                                                                                             15%