World HistorySyllabus 2012-2013

In this course, we will explore the history of our world from the 16th century to the present. You will be challenged to explore new cultures and ideas and it is my hope that you leave this classroom with a deeper understanding of the historical roots of the challenges our world faces today.As upper classmen, it is also imperative that this year you master the skills thatcollege professors will be looking for: the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, to adapt to change, and to take responsibility for yourself and your learning.

World History Essential Questions
  1. How have ideas changed the world?
  2. How is the responsibility of a government to its people determined and maintained?
  3. How did political and economic inequalities provide a pattern for change through revolution?
  4. How does might (power) affect what is right (allowed)?
  5. How does the world balance the desire for national self interestand self determination of government’s withthe desire for civilian equality and human rights?

What are we going to study?

Term 1
Absolutism in Europe
Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment French Revolution
Napoleon Bonaparte
Revolutions in Latin America (1500-1820) / Term 2
Nationalism in Europe
Industrial Revolution in Europe
Early Indian society
European encounters with India
Early Chinese society
Term 3
European encounters with China
Early African society
European encounters with Africa
World War 1
Roots of the modern Middle East
Russian Revolution / Term 4
World War II/Holocaust
The Cold War/Soviet Union collapse
Nationalism in Africa, Asia, Latin
America and the Middle East
Apartheid in South Africa
Modern Middle East

*Please notethat Ms. Mongogna reserves the right to alter this schedule as the year progresses

Class Expectations:

We will learn from each other

We will treat one other with respect & accept difference

We will participate and try our best at all times

We will come to class prepared and ready to work

Your rights:

To be treated with respect

To be challenged as a learner

To question the teacher and ideas/content presented in a respectful manner

To have a teacher that works hard to make every lesson engaging

To have a teacher who is available upon request before, during &after school

To have a teacher that won’t give up on you

To receive timely feedback on your work

To be evaluated on your present level of performance only

Your Responsibilities:

Bring a notebook and pen/pencil to class everyday

Be on time every day

Be prepared to work, participate and do your best

Be respectful other others and their learning

Complete assignments on time and as given

Follow classroom norms/routines agreed upon as a class

Grading policy

Assessments / Tests, Essays, Quizzes, Projects / 20% of grade
Notebook and Classwork / All assignments/activities completed in class (student as facilitator activities, debates, etc), including an up to date notebook with summaries / 30% of grade
Homework / Any assignment completed out of class time / 25% of grade
Participation / Actively participating in discussions/group work / 25% of grade
  • There is a mid term and final assessment which is worth 20% of final grade
  • Tests will be announced 1 week in advance. Quizzes may be given at any time. Make up tests will only be given to students with an excused absence and the student will have 3 class days from their return to make it up.
  • Students should take notes everyday from the board, discussions, and readings. These are the notes that will ensure the student can pass the class

Homework policy: Larger homework assignments will be given at least three times per week. It will be collected the following day unless otherwise stated. LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE REDUCED BY ONE LETTER GRADE EVERY DAYit is missing unless the student has an excused absence or a prior agreement was worked out with me. If school is canceled homework is due the day we return.A short written summary on the notes pageof the day’s lesson will also be required every day from each student and graded at regular intervals per term.

Copying/Cheating/Plagiarism: will not be tolerated. Students caught copying homework will both receive a zero, conference with me, & a letter sent home to parents. Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero, conference with me, and a letter sent home to the parents.

Students who violate either rule a second time will again score a zero on work, attend a conference with me, Ms. Gilbert-Smith, and your parents as well as further academic punishment.

Attendance and Punctuality: I believe in making the History classroom as fun as possible. In order to plan longer activities, excellent attendance is VERY important, particularly when there is group work involved. It is your responsibility to complete any assigned work from that day/days.

What should I do if I fall behind?

  • All materials that we use in class will be organized in the class binder which is kept at the right side of the room.
  • Daily lessons (powerpoints & worksheets) and homework are also posted online every day on our class website (unless otherwise noted):
  • Students are expected to be in class every day. It is your responsibility to collect any work you missed while absent and make it up. These will be in your student folderin the front of the room upon your return to class or you can access materials on the class website from home by the end of the day.

NOTE ON AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS AND EXTRA HELP

With very few exceptions I will always be available before and after school for extra help or make-up work. I arrive at school at 6:45 a.m. and can stay as late as you need me to. I will do everything in my power to make sure that you stay on track in this class.

I am confident that you will be an active and positive participant in our learning community this year. But from time to time, everyone makes mistakes or bad choices. However, remember that you will be assessed on your growth and how you take responsibility for your actions, over any one mistake made. To help with this, all norms, routines and consequences will be decided upon as a class in the first week of class.

Remember, this class is a collaborative learning environment where everyone will be heard and everyone is expected to contribute. If that is kept in mind, you will remain on the pathway to success!

Melissa MongognaAnother Course to College 2012-2013