IB History SL

Biotechnology High School

2015-2016

Mr. Thomas Evancho

Overview:

“…History is more than the study of the past. It is the process of recording, reconstructing and interpreting the past through the investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives people an understanding of themselves and others in relation to the world, both past and present.

Students of history should learn how the discipline works. It is an exploratory subject that poses questions without providing definitive answers. In order to understand the past, students must engage with it both through exposure to primary historical sources and through the work of historians. Historical study involves both selection and interpretation of data and critical evaluation of it. Students of history should appreciate the relative nature of historical knowledge and understanding, as each generation reflects its own world and preoccupations and as more evidence emerges. A study of history both requires and develops an individual’s understanding of, and empathy for, people living in other periods and contexts…

…The content of the history course is intrinsically interesting and it is hoped that many students who follow it will become fascinated with the discipline, developing a lasting interest in it, whether or not they continue to study it formally.

The international perspective in Diploma Programme history provides a sound platform for the promotion of international understanding and, inherently, the intercultural awareness necessary to prepare students for global citizenship. Above all, it helps to foster respect and understanding of people and events in a variety of cultures throughout the world.” – The International Baccalaureate Organization

Objectives:

The goals of this course as stated by the International Baccalaureate Organization are to:

  • promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations
  • encourage an understanding of the present through critical reflection upon the past
  • encourage an understanding of the impact of historical developments at national, regional and international levels
  • develop an awareness of one’s own historical identity through the study of the historical experiences of different cultures.

IB Assessments:

BTHS Assessment:

Course Grade / Marking Period
20% Marking Period 1
20% Marking Period 2
20% Marking Period 3
20% Marking Period 4
10% Midterm
10% Final / 60% Major Assessments
• Tests, Major Assessments, Paper 2s, Presentations
30% Minor Assessments
• In-Class Assignments, Paper 1s, Quizzes, Minor Assessments
10% Homework
• Homework, Participation

Late/Missing Assignments:

  • All assignments are due at the beginning of the period that the particular section meets, or at the given time/date in the case of electronic assignments. Unless there is a legitimate school absence, no credit may be given for late homework or minor assessments. In the event an absence, students should hand in any owed assignments immediately upon returning to school and will have 24 hours to make up any work missed, unless a special exemption is granted by the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what it was that they missed, and to make up work or obtain class notes. In the event of a prolonged absence, special arrangements should be made through the guidance department.
  • Late Major assessments/projects/essays will have a 10% reduction in grade per school day.

Academic Integrity:

  • Plagiarism can be understood as either the intentional or unintentional use of another’s ideas or words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. Academic dishonesty may include handing in another’s work as your own, cheating on an assignment/test/project, or the unauthorized reuse of an assignment created for another class. Both plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious violations and may result in disciplinary action against the student/s according to the student handbook.

Required Course Materials:

  • Mimmack, Brian, Eunice Price, and Daniela Senes. History: 20th Century World: Authoritarian and Single-Party States. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2010.
  • Palmer, R. R.. A History of the Modern World. 2d ed. New York: Knopf, 2007.
  • Rogers, Keely, and Jo Thomas. History: 20th Century World: The Cold War. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2008.
  • Notebook and Folder or Three-Ring Binder
  • Writing Utensil

Classroom Behavior:

  • Students are expected to be respectful & attentive in class. Class participation is an essential component of the course. Students must prepare before class to be able to successfully contribute to it. Participation is a significant part of the course grade.
  • To be counted as on time to class, you must be in your seat with what you are required to bring that day (binder, assignments, pens/pencils) and be ready to work when the bell rings. Otherwise, you will be counted as late to class.
  • Follow all school rules at all times within the classroom. Respect everyone and always follow your conscience when making a decision or participating in a discussion. Always allow me to teach and others to learn.

Miscellaneous:

  • Students are expected to check the provided wiki and/or their email regularly for any assignments given.
  • Many of our assignments will be submitted electronically this year. Please be prepared to satisfy those requirements.

Pedagogy:

Listed below are a series of personal, educational principles I believe to be paramount to success for this class and its students.

  • I believe that education and learning are ways of life, and do not simply occur from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
  • I believe that all students can learn, but not all students learn in the same way.
  • I believe in an active, democratic classroom where students feel respected by their teacher and their peers.
  • I believe that learning takes place on an individual and group level, that cooperation and collaboration are hallmarks of a successful environment.
  • I believe that the material engaged throughout this course is meaningful and influential to a student’s growth and development.

Course Topic Outline:

Causes, Practices and Effects of War

World War I

World War II

Chinese Civil War

The Russian Civil War

Spanish Civil War

Authoritarian and Single-Party States

Mao and China

Stalin and the Soviet Union

Hitler and Germany

Mussolini and Italy

The Cold War

What Was the Cold War?

Responsibility and Process

Proxy Conflicts

The Close of Conflict

Communism and Crisis 1976 – 1989

China

The USSR

The Eastern Bloc

Questions and Concerns:

If you have a question or concern about class work, want to schedule make-up assignments, or have a question about a grade, I am always available to meet with you by appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.