10th Grade Global History II SYLLABUS[*]

Mr. Roberg

2006 - 2007

The Course –

This class is the second part of a two-part course called Global History. Last year you took 9th grade Global History I where you studied world history from the earliest humans to the French Revolution. You learned about ancient civilizations and the rise and fall of classical civilizations such as the Han Empire in China, the city-states of Greece, the Gupta, Roman, Incan, and Mongol Empires, as well as the causes and effects of cultural contact.

In this class, we will be learning about World History from the 18th century (1700s) to the present day. During the year, we will study themes such as Revolution, Nationalism, Imperialism (empire-building), World War, and the impact of individuals, technology, and geography on the development of the world we live in today. You will be encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the connections between world history and the present day and your role in creating a better tomorrow.

Furthermore, we will work to develop skills that are essential for you to be successful not only in your academic future but also in your daily lives. Distinguishing fact from opinion, analyzing cause and effect, expressing yourself verbally and in writing, and creating presentations are only some of your skills that we will work to improve. We will use traditional tests including primarily multiple choice and essays, as well as alternative methods such as class presentations to assess your understanding.

At the end of the year, you will be required to take the Regents Exam in Global History, which tests your understanding of everything covered in 9th grade Global History I and 10th grade Global History II. This is one of FIVE Regents Exams that you must pass in order to graduate from high school. If you do not pass the exam at the end of the year, you will be required to take it over and over again until you do pass. One of my goals is to help, encourage, and cajole EVERY student in my class to pass the Regents with a score that reflects the best of their ability. Which leads us to the next section of this syllabus…

Our Goals

What is success? In my humble opinion, success is achieved by setting a specific goal, doing one’s best to achieve it, and evaluating whether you achieved it or not. Therefore, the only way to be successful is to set a measurable, reachable, and challenging goal and then do what is necessary to achieve it.

In this class, success and failure will be determined mostly by the amount of effort you choose to put into your own learning. Throughout the year, I will have high expectations for each of you, maybe even higher than you have for yourself. However, there is only one person who can choose to have a positive attitude and exert the amount of effort that will be necessary for you to reach your potential: YOU. You will make many choices this year that will affect your chances for success: choose wisely.

My Top Five Goals for you this year:

Although I have a long list of goals for you during the year, here are my top five:

  • Treat others as you would like to be treated both inside and outside of the classroom
  • Empathize[**] with others by attempting to see things from other people’s viewpoints
  • Develop a greater appreciation for other cultures by understanding other perspectives besides your own
  • Acquire skills and knowledge necessary to develop an understanding of world history and your role in our future
  • Set and achieve your own goals

Class Expectations

Attendance

  • Be in class every day, with the exception of legal absence.
  • Be on time (in your seats before the bell rings)
  • Be alert (get enough sleep!)and ready to learn
  • When you are unable to attend, make up the assigned work.
Preparation: You should bring the following things with you every day:
  • A pen and a pencil
  • 3-ring notebook with dividers and paper (see below for details)
  • Completed homework
  • Agenda book
  • Any additional materials needed for the day
Notebook
  • a one and a half inch (1 ½”) 3-ring binder
  • a generous supply of paper
  • with and five (5) sections:
  1. Essential Questions (EQs) and Goals
  2. Notes and Outlines
  3. Maps and Homework
  4. Tests and Quizzes
  5. Class Handouts

General Policies

Late Homework - I will only accept a late homework if you stay 9th period to complete the assignment within one week of the assignment due date.

Absences the day homework was assigned - A student will have the same number of days they were absent to make up the assignment before it will be considered late. (Ex. if a student is absent for three days, that student will have 3 days from the day of their return to hand in all of the work assigned during that period before it is considered late – see above)

Late to Class– Three (3) tardies also counts as a full absence on your attendance record. Furthermore, if you are habitually late to class, you will be assigned a 9th period.

When there is a substitute teacher – NEVER GIVE A SUBSTITUTE A DIFFICULT TIME!!! If the substitute writes your name down for inappropriate behavior, you will be assigned an 9th period with me when I return. If you are particularly helpful and diligent about the work, I will reward you.

Grading

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Homework33%

Quizzes33%

Tests34%

100%

The first grade of the year will be a 100 pt. Test score

  • signed syllabus (this sheet signed by both parent + student)= 30 pts
  • textbook cover (it is expected that the textbook remain covered all year)= 30 pts
  • complete notebook(3 ring [1 ½ “], paper, 5 dividers)= 40 pts

Let’s start off the year with a… 100 average!!!

All of these things will be due: Monday September _____.

By signing below, you hereby acknowledge that you have read and understood the Goals, Class Expectations, General Policies, and Grading Policies, set forth above.

Student Signature:Date:

Parent/Guardian Signature:Date:

Special Notes for Parents:

The following is the website where you or your child can check homework, download certain assignments, get links to useful websites, and even take quizzes. Please make a note for your reference or bookmark it on your browser.

Also, here is my e-mail. Please send me a message so I can keep your address on file if you would like us to keep in touch via e-mail during the year:

Supply List for the Year:

1 ½“ three-ring binder = Notebook

Five Dividers = 5 notebook sections

Loose Leaf paper

Pens + Pencils

Reinforcements (to fix papers that rip out of the binder)

Colored Pencils or a Highlighter set

Agenda book (purchased at the school ~ $6)

[*] Syllabus – a description of a class, including expectations, requirements, and workload as well as topics covered

[**] empathy = the action of sharing in another’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings.