Course Description

Over the next year we will examine significant events, movements, and patterns that have helped shape the modern world. While our emphasis will be on the 19th and 20th centuries, we will delve deeper into history to connect modern forms of democracy, culture, and conflict to their historical roots.

Our textbook is World History: Patterns of Civilization.

Objectives

In this class you will:

• Identify the effects of new and old ideas on major eras and link them to modern modes of thought.
  
• Develop an understanding of current world problems and relate them to their historic, geographic, cultural, political, and economic contexts.
  
• Trace the founding and development of democracy in addition to its impact.
  
• Examine the age old struggle of humankind to achieve freedom, fight oppression, overcome tremendous barriers, and fail attempts to attain set goals.
  
• Become familiar with cultures and religions different from your own.
  
  

Grading

1. Class Participation (10%) - This includes being prepared, following rules, regular attendance, participation in class discussions, participation in group work.
   
   
2. Homework, Classwork, Projects (40%) - Includes everything but tests and quizzes. Homework, classwork, daily journals, and any larger projects. Assignment logs containing all course work will be turned at the end of each unit. It is the student’s responsibility to keep papers for each unit. Late assignments are accepted for partial credit.
   
   
3. Quizzes, Unit Tests, Final Exam (50%) - There will be 1-3 quizzes per unit. Each unit will culminate in a unit test. A final exam covering all materials from the semester will be given during finals week.
   
   
4. Grading Scale: 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60%=D
   

Absences

A. Many assignments are completed in class only and cannot be made up if you are
absent. BE IN CLASS! Excessive absences will affect your grade.
B. If absent, you are responsible for finding out what you missed. Check someone’s
calendar, assignment board, or ask the teacher!

House Rules

1. Respect self, others, and property
   
   
2. Come to class prepared and ON TIME
   
   
3. Raise your hand before speaking or getting up from
   your seat
   
   
4. Stay in your assigned seat until the FINAL bell rings
   
   
5. No food, drinks, or gum in class

Some specific rules include:

• When the bell rings you need to be in your seat and starting the assignment on the board or overhead.
  
• You may drink water in a clear bottle.
  
• You will receive two bathroom passes for each semester.
  
• Raise your hand when you wish to make a comment or ask a question.
  
• Ask permission to get up from your seat.
  
• The teacher dismisses the class, not the bell. The classroom must be neat and all students must be in their seats before dismissal.