______Modern World History______

Mrs. Poia

Room H203

(951) 304-1890 ext. 6203

"Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward."Soren Kierkegaard

Course Description

Students in grade ten study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present, including the cause and course of the two world wars. They trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. They extrapolate from the American experience that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable and are not practiced everywhere in the world. Students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students consider multiple accounts of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives. (CA State Standard for Teaching)

Academic Objectives

* Gain a basic factual knowledge of various historical concepts;

* use historical data to support an argument or position

* interpret relevance and apply data from multiple sources;

* effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast

* develop the ability to assess and think critically about historical issues and how people interpret those issues;

* work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems

Major Units of Study

*Tentative schedule and subject to change

Fall Semester: Geography & Study Skills, Formations of Democracy, Exploration, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, Review & Finals

Spring Semester: WWI,Pre-WWII & Communist Revolutions, WWII, Formation of Israel, Cold War & Fall of USSR, Review for State Testing; Review & Finals

Grading Scale

90 – 100%A

80 – 89% B

70 – 79% C

60 – 69% D

0 – 59%F

* In order to receive high school credit (for graduation), you need to earn a D or higher. However, universities will only give credit for a class with a grade of C or higher. Grades will also be updated on the school websiteAeries.Net on a regular basis.

* Grading will be cumulative during the semester. The semester is broken up into three grading periods. Every assignment will be given a point value. This course does not have weighted grades.

Grading

* Essays, projects, tests, assessments

* Classwork, homework, quizzes

* Primary and secondary source readings

* Participation(Attendance is crucial for success in this class.)

* Final Exam

Attendance / Promptness

In accordance with the school’s tardy policy, students are expected to be in their seats prior to the bell, and begin immediately.

Make-up Work

• Late assignments (unless the student has an excused absence, see next paragraph) may be turned in within one class meeting of the due date for a reduced grade of half credit. No other late work will be accepted. This penalty will apply regardless of the reason the assignment is late.

-If you have an excused absence, you must submit make-up work within one day of your return from the absence to avoid the late penalty.

-Tests and quizzes may be made up only following an excused absence, and must be completed during a time designated by the teacher or during PRIDE period. If a student signs up for PRIDE period and doesn’t show for the make-up they will receive a zero for that assignment.

  • Requests for work for future absences

-It is solely your responsibility to obtain any work that will be missed due to a planned absence (this includes extracurricular activities). Because of the ever-changing needs of a course such as this, I can only give one week of work in advance. Coming to me after the fact will NOT be acceptable. Failure to make arrangements in advance will result in your not being able to make up the work missed.

Haiku

The majority of activities and forms distributed in class are also available on the class Haiku page. The class will make daily use of it and it is a primary tool for success in this class. If a student misses a class they can access the work before returning to class. It is an efficient way to keep up with the class. There will be assignments where students will need to access this in order to complete an assignment. The site is open to parents as well. I cannot stress the importance of this site for students to view assignments, lectures, and activities, access due dates, and view additional links.

Bathroom Passes

It is the policy of MMHS that passes are used for emergency bathroom use only. It is to the teacher’s discretion if/when a school pass will be issued to a student. Students need to learn how to prioritize their time outside of the classroom.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

There will be absolutely no cell phone usage in the classroom. All cell phones will be turned off and put away while in the classroom; cell phones will be confiscated if they are visible or are in use. If a parent needs to get in touch with a student, the parent can contact the office and a message can be delivered to the classroom. No other electronic devices are permitted without permission ahead of time. If a student is listening to music or playing a game, the device will be confiscated. Please see school rules regarding consequences for electronic devices.

Food & Drinks

In compliance with MMHS’ Code of Conduct, food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom. Only bottled water that is capped will be permitted. Starbucks, sodas, and food will be properly disposed in the trashcan upon entry into the classroom.

Supplies

Students are required by MMHS to come to class prepared to learn. To be prepared for this class, all students must bring a pen, pencil and binder with paper.

Acceptable Classroom Behavior:

The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote learning and growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of others seeking to learn, respect or the professionalism of the instructor, and the general goals of academic freedom are maintained…Differences of viewpoint or concerns should be expressed in terms that are supportive of the learning process, creating and environment in which students and faculty may learn to reason with clarity and compassion, to share of themselves without losing their identities, and to develop an understanding of the community in which they live… Student conduct, which disrupts the learning process, will lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class. Students need to come to class prepared to learn and engage with others.

Academic Integrity

The practice of fraudulent and deceptive acts for the purpose of improving a grade or obtaining course credit will not be tolerated. Any student who plagiarizes, lies, cheats, or otherwise misuses the academic environment or other students or their work will be suspended per school district policy. The grade for the assignment(s) or test(s) in question will be converted to an “F.” Moreover, anyone who observes this conduct and does not report it will be considered for the same.

======Detach and return bottom portion.Retain rules in your notebook. ======

I have read and understand the class expectations.

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