Leah HurguyRoom #CC310

Voice Mail #(623) 376-3241

World History

Course Description:

In this course we will explore roughly 4,000 years of World History from Ancient Greece to modern day globalization. We will analyze the events and issues that shape our world today. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of learning situations: individually, in small groups and as a whole class. You will also have a chance to explore historical topics that reflect your passions and interests. Critical thinking skills, decision making, problem solving, and critical reading and writing will be emphasized. In order to be successful, you must take responsibility for your learning. This course is aligned with Arizona Common Core Standards and national standards and supports the school wide efforts to increase student achievement. I am here to help you succeed. I am looking forward to a great year!

Course Objectives:

Course Standards and Objectives:

By the time the student completes this course of study; the student will know or be able to perform the following:

  1. Use research skills to interpret historical data.
  2. Identify key ideas, cite strong and thorough textual evidence and determine author’s point of view of information texts.
  3. Examine historical patterns and apply those patterns to compare and contrast historical happenings to contemporary events.
  4. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
  5. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on various historical topics, primary and secondary texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Units of Study:

Concept 2: Explain the development and contributions of ancient civilizations

Concept 3: Explore how the Middle Ages were a time of transition.

Concept 4: Analyze the results and impact of the Renaissance and Reformation.

Concept 5: Explore the interactions between Europeans and natives during early exploration

Concept 6: Explore the Age of Revolutions.

Concept 7: Analyze the causes and effects of the Imperialism.

Concept 8: Analyze the causes and effects of both World Wars and the Cold War.

Concept 9: Describe significant events and developments in the contemporary world religions.

Classroom Rules and Consequences:

The following rules are in place in order to create a healthy classroom environment.

  1. Come to class prepared with completed assignments, necessary materials and ready to learn.
  2. Show respect to all people in the class.
  3. Participate in class everyday by paying attention and contributing to discussions.
  4. Listen and follow all directions given in class.

Consequences for not following the above guidelines may include any of the following:

-Parental contact.

-Immediate removal from the classroom.

-Referral to the office.

-Conference with parent/student.

Grading:

Percentage breakdown of grades

Assessments, Tests, Quizzes, and Projects 40%

Homework, Class work 30%

Participation, Notebook 10%

Final Exam 20%

Grading Scale:

A = 90% - 100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%

F = Below 60%

Report cards will be mailed home on January 10th, 2015 and May 30th, 2015. Please check student progress regularly on Power School using the same login for one or more students. For Mountain Ridge parents/guardians without home computer access, a computer with guest log-in capability is available in the Counseling Conference Room.

Power School Online Access:

Grades and attendance may be accessed 24 hours a day online with your Power School access code. Access codes are available in the Administration Office Monday – Friday 7:00 – 3:30. You must provide picture ID to be issued a code.

Academic Assistance/Office Hours:

In addition to the Academic Prep times built into our schedule each week, additional assistance/tutoring is provided on a weekly basis both by MRHS and individually by instructors. These “office hours” will be posted in the classroom and/or on my website at the start of each week. I will demonstrate to the students how to find my availability each week. I also encourage your son/daughter to write down my availability each week in their Mountain Ridge planner (provided by the school) so that you, too, are aware of my weekly availability.

Make up and Long-Term Project Policies:

It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher after an absence for information on missed work, tests, or quizzes. One day is given to make up work (including tests and quizzes) for each day with an excused absence. Any student swept and wanting credit for an assignment missed must turn in the assignment the same day that they are swept. The student is also responsible for getting the next day’s assignment on the day that he/she is swept. Work or tests missed because of an unexcused absence may be turned in, but will not be awarded points.

Excused and Unexcused Absences: Afteran excused absence, a student has one school day for each day missedto make up work/tests, regardless of the number of days absent. If many days were missed, please schedule an appointment with me to formulate a plan for the completion of make-up work. Make-up work for extended absences (over 3 days) may be requested through the Counseling Office and picked up there.

Class work missed as a result of an unexcused absence will result in a zero for that day. This includes quizzes, tests, labs, projects, participation points, etc. that were completed that day.

Recommended Supplies for this Course:

  1. One one subject notebook to use exclusively in World History. We will begin using this notebook Tuesday, 8/12.
  2. Blue or black pens
  3. Pencils, mechanical or wooden

Technology: At times, technology may be integrated into the curriculum to reinforce learning, and may include the use of personal cell phones. Proper usage of technology will be modeled for students before its use. If a violation of school policy occurs while using a cell phone for a curricular purpose, consequences will be enforced in accordance with the Mountain Ridge Student Handbook.

Long Term Project Policy: A long-term project is a project that is assigned at least two weeks before the day it is due. Long term projects are due at the beginning of the hour on the assigned date as defined in writing in advance by the teacher. If turned in at the office, projects must be time-stamped to be officially submitted. There are no exceptions to this policy and this supersedes the make-up policy. If the student is absent or the class does not meet that day, the project is still due on the day assigned. If the project is not turned in on the due date and on time the student will not receive credit for the assignment.

Retake Policy: One test may be retaken per semester with proof of remediation. Proof of remediation will be demonstrated by complete notes, classwork and homework for the unit. The students must schedule a time with me OUTSIDE of regular class hours to review their notebook and to approve and then schedule their retake. Additionally all retakes must be completed BEFORE the test for the subsequent unit.

Integrity and Character Counts: Integrity can be defined as: “How you act when no one is looking” Any incidence of cheating will be handled in accordance with the MRHS student handbook. Students who choose to cheat and or plagiarize will receive no credit for that work and will face further consequences as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Video Viewing:

Throughout the year, the following video clips may be shown with accompanying assignments to enhance the curriculum:

-Assignment Discovery

-Discovery Education Series

-Engineering an Empire Series

-Mankind- The Story of All of Us Series

-America in the 20th Century Series

-Edge of War Series

-Commanders at War Series

-All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

-Hotel Rwanda (PG-13)

-TV PG clips that pertain to the understanding of the curriculum

Continuous Classroom Improvement: In order to increase student’s ownership of their learning and to align with District initiatives, we will be using continuous classroom improvement methods throughout the class. Students will identify effective learning strategies and tools and monitor their progress throughout the year. Students will also participate in evaluations of strategies and in goal setting and tracking. We will review how to do this in the first weeks of class.

Textbook

McDougal Littell World History: Patterns of Interaction- Student's Edition Grades 9-12 2003

Secondary Readings

Various primary and academic secondary sources will be used to supplement the textbook.

______

Please sign and return– this is your 1st homework assignment.

I have read this syllabus and understand what is expected in World History class. I give permission for my students to view the films/video clips outlined in the syllabus.

Student Name (PRINT) ______

Period ______

Please initial the following statements:

______I understand that I have access to grades via powerschools.

______I authorize my child to view videos with the rating of G, PG or PG-13.

______I understand what defines cheating. If my student is caught cheating, he/she will receive a zero for the assignment and a possible discipline referral.

______I understand that my child will not receive credit for late work that does not follow the excused absence procedures.

Student Signature ______

Parent Name (PRINT) ______

Parent Signature ______

Parent Emails: (Please print)

Student Emails: (Please print)

Date:______