Western Studies
Ms. Portman
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Western Studies is a survey course that begins with the Renaissance
and ends with challenges facing the world today. The first semester
will be dedicated to learning about the development of modern
Europe, and the second semester we will shift the focus to global
history. This course is about analyzing history, not memorizing
facts, dates, places and events. Besides the textbook, you will
have the opportunity to examine a variety of texts, including
primary and secondary sources, literature and websites. By the
end of the year, you will have gained an understanding of how
our world developed into what it is today.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY and EXPECTATIONS
My first priority is that you come away from this class with an
understanding of Western Studies- 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. This class,
however, is not just about learning content. Each assignment I
give to you has a purpose; there is no busy work! Consequently,
I expect you to make a consistent effort in fulfilling the requirements
asked of you. 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.
REQUIRED TEXTS and SUPPLIES
World History: The Human Odyssey by Jackson J. Spielvogel
Candide by Voltaire
Maus (I and II) by Art Spiegelman
You will need a three ring binder with a sufficient amount of
paper (no spiral notebooks). An organized notebook will help you
to be organized for projects and test preparation. You do not
need to bring your book to class unless I tell you the day before.
CLASS WEBSITE
The address for the class website is: http://sun.menloschool.org/~sportman/westernstudies/
What can be found at this website:
CHAPTER HANDOUTS
Before we begin each chapter, you will receive a "chapter
handout." This handout will include key questions, presentation
figures, your essay questions for the test and all other relevant
information for that chapter. The chapter 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 break-down. 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 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!
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Please 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.
Please 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% |
EXTRA HELP
Feel free to set up an appointment with me either after school,
or at a mutually designated time during the day, if you want help
or want to discuss how you can improve your grade. My free blocks
are A, D, and G. You can also reach me via email. I check at least
once a day and my address is: sportman@menloschool.org.
THE CLASSROOM
This is a very nice classroom with new furniture. Do not write
on the furniture or walls. If you must doodle, then get out a
sheet of paper. Do not stick gum under the desks. Do not leave
garbage on the floor. Respect the environment around you.