10th GradeWorld History II Syllabus

2016-2017 School Year,State College Area High School

Teacher Schedule:

Day A:

Block 1: Prep

Block 2:World History II, 225S

Block 3:World History II, 225S

Block 4:World History II, 225S

Teacher: Jon Schiavi

Office Hours: By Appt.

Contact Information:

(814) 272-8602

Course Website:

Required Course Materials:

1.World History & Geography (McGraw-Hill):This text will be available to the students in class and online.

  1. 3-Ring Binder & Pocket-Folder:Students will be receiving numerous handouts throughout the year. It is their responsibility to keep these handouts in good shape and in the order they are given. Please date all handouts and notes.
  1. Assignment Book/Tracker:In order to properly keep track of due dates I am requiring that every student have and use an assignment book. Relying on memory alone is inefficient, unreliable, and also a waste of valuable energy.

Course Overview:This is the second year of a two-year survey program in World History. This course will provide students with a strong background in the fundamental developments and interactions in the world and an in-depth study of the places, events, and people that affected the history of the world from the fifteenth century through the present. It is integrated with historiography, historical research, primary source analysis, and document-based questions.

Emphasis is placed on using the study of history to develop good academic habits and strong formal writing and research skills. Emphasis is also placed oneffective analysis of historical documents, critical thinking, and the development of oral and written communicative skills. Research skills are stressed, with particular attention given to development and refinement of skills in research organization, application of traditional and on-line resources, and appropriate use of presentation software. The ability to construct, refine, and present objective and fact-based arguments in a clear, logical, and concise way is also a major focus of this course. This course strives to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become responsible citizens in a global society.

Students can expect to:

  • Critically analyze primary documents and resources.
  • Participate in meaningful and high-level discussions.
  • Evaluate sources for their credibility and bias.
  • Discern fact from opinion and develop the skills necessary to recognize the difference.
  • Collaborate effectively with their peers in a community of writers, researchers, and critical thinkers.
  • Employ technology effectively in the research and writing process.
  • Communicate in an effective, respectful, and constructive manner

Assignments/Grading:

We will focus on reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening, research, attention to detail, and real-life connections this year. Students’ grades in this class will be based on a number of different types of assignments. I believe that this enables me to assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in class without placing too much emphasis on any one area. The student is required to keep all course material until the end of the year.Students’ grades will be weighted based on the categories below:

Daily Participation & Interaction: Students are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared, complete the opening writing prompt (Discussion Opener), and participate to the best of their ability.

In-Class: Be prepared to discuss the material in class. Assignments must be completed in order for you to be a successful participant in class discussions.

Ongoing Assessments: Students’ grades in this class will be based on a number of assignments, including, but not limited to:

  • In-class activities/discussions
  • Group and individual projects/assignments
  • Writing assignments (such as research papers reflections)
  • Document analysis and interpretation

Textbook and/or Supplemental Readings: It is essential that students complete the assigned readings. Class discussions and notes will center on the previous night’s reading. Be prepared to be quizzed on the assigned reading.

Tests: Students will be given two types of tests: objective (multiple-choice, true/false, matching) and essay. These tests do not simply evaluate one’s ability to memorize facts, but rather assess one’s comprehension and understanding of the material we cover.

Research Skills: All 10th graders are required to learn proper research and writing skills in order to be successful communicators and educated citizens of the world. Throughout the year we will be doing a number of small and large research based assignments.

Mid-Term/Final Exam: The mid-term and final exam together will account for 10% of your final grade. The mid-term is worth 5% and will be given at the end of the second marking period. The final exam is 5% and will be given at the end of the year. Both tests are multiple-choice.

I will record student grades regularly online. Using the online system, I can post grades online to be viewed by the student and/or parent. If students/parents have a question about their grade, an appointment must be made with me to discuss it. I do not have sufficient time before or after class to discuss grades.

Homework Policy:

In order to be successful in this course, students are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments. Failure to do so will result in a poor grade. Students should expect to receive homework roughly three (3) times per week. Students may hand in homework late for 50% credit. (Subject to change)

Attendance/Make-up Work:

Student success and the success of this course depends on active participation; therefore, regular attendance is required. Please review the attendance policy in the student handbook.

If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments, class notes, and course changes from a classmate or from the course website. It is YOUR responsibility to get work to me or make up missed quizzes, etc.

Bathroom/Hallway Use:

Students do not need to ask to use the bathroom, HOWEVER, if your bathroom visits are frequent I will question whether your visits are legitimate. In other words, DO NOT ABUSE THE BATHROOM PASS.

Electronic Devices:

  1. As laid out in the district’s “Anytime, Anywhere,” policy, students may use their personal computers or electronic devices for educational purposes only at the teacher's discretion.
  2. Personal computers and electronic devices may not be used during paper assessment situations.
  3. The high school’s discipline guidelines will be followed when a student is found to be using a device for a non-educational purpose.
  4. Google Chromebooks will be available to all students for student educational use.

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism: The State College Area High School Student Handbook defines plagiarism as “using someone else’s words or ideas without citing the source of that information.” Consequences will vary depending upon the extent of the plagiarism and the degree of intentionality. See pages 9-10 in the student handbook for consequences. In all cases the grade level administrator and parent will be contacted. If students are permitted to work with someone else it will be explicitly announced.

Examples of plagiarism include (but are not limited to):

  1. Buying, borrowing, or stealing another person’s work, or paraphrasing another’s ideas without giving credit.
  2. Copying from a classmate or another source. (i.e. Cutting and pasting from the internet)

Rules and Consequences: See Student Handbook.

“This class values thinking. The more you think, talk, and write about your thinking, the better your grade will be. There may be wrong answers, but there are no ‘wrong ideas’.”