September 4, 2014

Dear Modern World History Student and Parent/Guardian:

Welcome to Modern World History - College Prep! My name is Mr. Collins and I am excited to be working with you as we explore modern world history through a series of thematic units.

This required course represents the foundation of the Social Studies program at the high school and is designed to give students an international perspective on the historical forces that have shaped the global community. Students will analyze the complex and interdependent roots of the political, social, cultural and economic structures in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. The impact of current issues and challenges will be discussed in every unit. Through this approach, the course enables students to examine important themes that influence human interaction across time periods. Students will assess the historical impact of each of these themes on our modern world.

The course is divided into six thematic units which investigate overarching essential questions:

1 – Understanding Thematic History

In what ways can the study of history be organized?

2 – Cultural Diffusion and Exchange

How does cultural diffusion impact society?

3 – Revolutionary Progress

How does a society evolve and change? Why do revolutions occur?

4 – War and Peace

What causes conflict among people? How can a lasting peace be achieved?

5 – Balance of Global Power

How do interactions between powerful nations influence global relations?

6 – Human Rights

How has the idea of individual human rights evolved over time? To what extent does the global community protect human rights?

We will explore the content material through our textbooks, supplemental historical and contemporary readings, primary documents, photographs, video, audio, and multimedia presentations, and various online resources. Instructional methods include teacher lectures, reading and note-taking, writing, discussions and simulations in individual and group activities.

As you can see, we have a full year planned for you. Therefore, we are counting on you to come to class each day and be a contributing member of this classroom community.

Classroom Requirements and Procedures: 2014-2015

I – Classroom Rules

  1. All rules and regulations as enumerated in the LHS Student Handbook will be enforced.
  2. Appropriate dress and use of technology will be observed within the classroom.
  3. Show respect toward classmates, teachers, administrators and yourselves (i.e. use appropriate language, do not interrupt others, respect others’ property, etc)
  4. Come to class prepared and on-time.
  5. Complete all work and assignments in a timely fashion

II - Required Materials (must be brought to class every day)

  1. Three Ring Binder/Notebook specifically for MWH – 1.5 inches, loose-leaf paper and tab dividers. This is where your notes and returned materials will be kept.
  2. Highlighter, pen and pencil
  3. Note on Textbook: The course textbook – Modern World History (McDougal Littell) can generally be kept at home. If needed in class I will let you know in advance.

III – Assessments

As we move through our units of study, students will complete a variety of assignments to assess their learning and progress. These will include essay and other writing assignments, tests and quizzes, projects and homework, in addition to quarterly and final exams for the course.

IV – Grading Policy

Grading will be done on a point basis based on the length, difficulty and significance of the assignment. Grades will be posted in a timely basis and can be viewed online. Please note at the beginning of the marking period grades may be skewed based on the minimal amount and type of assignments.

  • Essays and other writing assignments – generally 20-50 points based on the rubric assigned.
  • Tests – generally 80-100 points, announced at least a week in advance
  • Quizzes – generally 20-50 points, announced at least a week in advance
  • Projects – generally 25-50 points. These assignments will be graded upon the rubric assigned in advance and may require individual or cooperative efforts.
  • Homework – generally 5-15 points but will make up no more than 15% of the quarter grade. Most collected homework will receive a grade. Homework will typically consist of textbook or worksheet or on-line readings including completion of guided questions.

Homework will be given two to three nights per week. All assignments and due dates will be posted on my teacher pageon the school web-site under Modern World HistoryAssignments. The Student Handbook provides more detail regarding Homework and Assessments (p. 7), Grades and Grading (pp. 8-10) andAcademic Integrity, Cheating and Plagiarism (p. 43). We will review these topics in class during the first few days of the term.

V – Deadlines, lateness and absences

  1. An assignment not handed in the due date will be considered lateand will generally be marked down 25-50%. If it is not handed in on the second class day after it is due it could receive a zero grade.
  2. If you happen to be absent on the day an assignment is due, I will accept the work on the FIRST day in which you return without penalty.
  3. If you happen to be absent on the day of a major test or quiz, you will make it up within two class days of your return. (exceptions will be made for duration of illnesses or absence)
  4. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK THAT YOU MISS IN CLASS! It is your duty to come to me for missed work and notes before class or after school.

VI. Communication, Questions or Concerns

I strongly encourage you to contact me if you have any issues during the year. I can be reached through email, by phone (through the school), or by requesting time to talk to me in person, either during the school day or after school on Tuesday through Friday, generally be in Room E182. It is important that you let me know if you have run in to a problem (especially with group work) before it is too late to amend the situation.

Phone Number – 973-535-8000 x 5486

Email -

I am looking forward to getting to know you - I hope you will have a successful and fruitful year! Good Luck!

Mr. Collins

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Please sign and return by Monday-Tuesday,September 8-9, 2014.

I, ______(student print name) acknowledge having read Mr. Collins course syllabus. I have thereby been informed and made aware of the policies, procedures, and expectations for theirModern World History class.

I, ______(parent/guardian print name) acknowledge having read Mr. Collins course syllabus. I have thereby been informed and made aware of the policies, procedures, and expectations for theirModern World History class.

______

Student Signature DateParent/Guardian Signature Date

Final Note to parents and guardians

Is there anything you would like me to know about your child? (Favorite courses, after school activities or sports, expectations for this course et al.)