World HistorySyllabus
Instructor:Matt Williams
Room:A-8
Phone:940-325-4408 (Ext. 1028)
Conference:7th period (2:25-3:05)
Email:
Course Description:
This course covers the study of history from the beginning of recorded time, when people lived in total isolation, to modern times, when people live in an era of global interdependence. Students will learn that by studying the past, they gain insights on the present. They will also see parallel cultural developments throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. Students will realize the important relationship between geography and the course of human events and will appreciate modern times because they have learned to value past experiences.
This class is intended to provide students with an overview of the history of humankind. We will focus primarily on Western Civilization beginning around 3500 B.C.E., but will touch on other civilizations to examine how they interacted with the West. Our plan is to move chronologically through history as the school year progresses and arrive at the Modern World during the last six weeks of the academic year.
Along the way, we will examine aspects of humankind, such as social and cultural development, political systems, philosophical/religious traditions, economic systems, and forms of government. One desired outcome of this class is that students gain an understanding that the past often shapes our future. It is the goal of the World History class to develop global learners.
Course Timetable
1st Six Weeks – Early Civilizations; Classical Civilizations
2nd Six Weeks – Middle Ages in Europe, Asia, and Africa
3rd Six Weeks – Renaissance and Reformation; Global Commerce
4th Six Weeks – Scientific, Economic, and Political Revolutions
5th Six Weeks – Global Conflicts (1914 – Present)
6th Six Weeks – Tying It All Together with Emphasis on the United States
Textbook:
World History: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt
Grading System:
Daily Grades – 50%, Test grades – 50%
Students are expected to complete, as homework, any work missed when absent from class. Tests will be made up before or after school.
Students who fail a test will be given an opportunity to correct the work with a maximum grade of 70 allowed. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the teacher and it must be done within 3 days of receiving the failing grade.
Classroom Rules of Conduct:
*Bring supplies listed below to class every day
*Students will be expected to display conduct that is respectful of all students and the teacher
*Students must be in their seats when the tardy bell rings
*Students must follow the rules in the Student Handbook
*Everyone in the classroom will respect the property and belongings of everyone else in the classroom.
*Everyone will be engaged in the daily work of the course and be accountable for his/her own learning.
*Don’t do anything behaviorally or academically that will bring shame to your school, your family, or yourself.
Supplies:
Pen/Pencil/Map Pencils
Binder with notebook paper
Spiral Notebook (3 subject)
Communication:
Email is the quickest way to reach me. Parents, please feel free to email or call any time regarding your child.
I have read Mr. Williams’ Syllabus and will come to class prepared each day.
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Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature