Course Syllabus Modern World Civilization

Teacher: Mrs. Michelle Combs

Room: H208

Email:

Phone: 859-261-8211 ext. 2083

Periods: 1, 3, 6

Course Overview

To prepare you to learn in and contribute to an information oriented world, this yearlong course will provide a detailed overview of Modern World Civilizations from the Renaissance to the present day. You will learn about the cultural, political, economic, and geographical forces that have contributed to the historical progress of the modern world, specifically focusing on European history and the globalization of Western ideals such as democracy and human rights.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Course: Why Study History?: The World Today
  • Age of Discovery: Renaissance, Reform and Exploration
  • Age of Reason: Enlightenment Ideals, Scientific Revolution
  • Age of Revolutions: French and American Revolutions, Industrial Revolution
  • Two Centuries of Conflict: Franco-Prussian War, Bolshevik Revolution, World Wars I & II
  • Twentieth Century and Beyond: Cold War, Post War independence movements, globalization, terrorism

Course Text:

Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History Modern Times. New York: Glencoe, 2005.

Course Materials/Supplies

  • 1 ½ to 2 inch binder
  • Five divider tabs
  • Loose leaf/filler paper
  • Pens/ pencils
  • Box of twelve colored pencils

Course Policies

Every day when you enter my classroom, I will be ready to teach you interesting and engaging lessons. If you approach this class with a positive attitude, respect for your classmates and a sense of responsibility, you will be successful! My expectations for you are listed below. Make sure you review these expectations carefully and know that I will hold you to these standards of behavior.

Respect: Every person in this class will be given an equal opportunity to express himself or herself in class discussions, group work, writings, etc. Individuals may dress differently, have different beliefs, or communicate in different ways, but I expect you to treat each classmate with respect. In a discussion, a variety of opinions often surface. While you will not be asked to change your way of thinking, you will be expected to listen to others with respect and to express your personal opinions in a respectful manner. If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, you are free to challenge them. However, please take time to consider your classmates’ opinions. The ability to weigh different perspectives and a willingness to change one’s ideas based on the presentation of new evidence are essential skills in today’s information age.

Behavior: I expect ALL students to:

  • Be in class on time
  • Come prepared for class with required materials including your textbook everyday
  • Respect your teacher and classmates
  • Limit trips out of the classroom
  • Turn work in on time
  • Be a benefit to the group, not a hindrance
  • Actively participate in class discussions
  • Accept an academic challenge

School Policies: Any rule stated in the Student Handbook is, of course, a rule in this classroom as well. Please be very familiar with all school rules and policies.

Absences: If you have a planned absence from school, please notify me in advance and I will give you the upcoming assignments. It is always best to make up your work before you leave. If you do have an unplanned absence from school please see me immediately upon your return to class to obtain any make-up work. You may also email me to find out assignment details. When possible, I will email attachments to you. Regardless of the situation, please talk to me personally when you return.

Plagiarism/Cheating: I begin the year with complete trust in each of you. Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest. Learning cooperatively is great, and I encourage students to get together to brainstorm and discuss assignments. When you sit down to complete an individual assignment, however, let the work be yours alone. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism are stiff. If two papers resemble each other too closely, I will split the points. If a paper is obviously copied, whether from a classmate’s work, a book, or an online source, it will receive NO credit.

PLEASE PLACE THIS DOCUMENT IN YOUR CLASS FOLDER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Additional information:

Questions and Help: If you have questions regarding your schoolwork or need extra help you have a number of options. You can see me after class, by appointment before or after school, and/or you may email me.

Signatures: Discuss this course syllabus with your parent(s) or guardian(s). I will collect this page as your first assignment to be turned in Tuesday, AUGUST 20!

I, ______(student print name), have read and understand the Modern World Civilizations course syllabus and course expectations.

I, ______(parent or guardian print name), have read and understand the Modern World Civilizations course syllabus and the course expectations.

Student Signature:______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date:______

Parent Guardian email address:______

Parent Guardian phone number:______