World History Syllabus
Ms. Brenda Fields
2015-2016 School Year
Welcome to World History! I am excited to accompany you on a journey as we examine major turning points that impact the world in which we live.
The Department of Public Instruction for North Carolina describes the course as follows: “The World History course will address six periods in the study of World History, with a key focus of study from the mid 15th century to present. The standards of this course are grouped in a way that reflects accepted periodization by historians. The learning standards of this course have been written to focus around a basic core of chronologically-organized periods and events in history in order to have a set of learning standards that can be reasonably taught and learned with some depth and not just memorization of facts, within the time available for classroom instruction. However, local districts and teachers are encouraged to elaborate on what is included here, to add topics that they feel are important, and to organize material into Concept-based Units of study.”
North Carolina’s Essential Standards for World History
1. Apply the four interconnected dimensions of historical thinking to the Essential Standards for World History in order to understand the creation and development of societies/civilizations/nations over time.
2. Analyze ancient civilizations and empires in terms of their development, growth and lasting impact.
3. Understand how conflict and innovation influenced political, religious, economic and social changes in medieval civilizations.
4. Analyze the political, economic, social and cultural factors that lead to the development of the first age of global interaction.
5. Analyze exploration and expansion in terms of its motivations and impact.
6. Understand the Age of Revolutions and Rebellions.
7. Understand how national, regional, and ethnic interests have contributed to conflict among groups and nations in the modern era
8. Analyze global interdependence and shifts in power in terms of political, economic, social and environmental changes and conflicts since the last half of the twentieth century
Following the Essential Standards, this course will examine major turning points in World History while strengthening historical skills, including but not limited to, analyzing sources, map reading, and critical thinking. It is my hope that this course will help prepare you for upper level Social Studies courses and provide skills that will be useful at the collegiate level, or in entering the workforce, at the end of your high school career.
Course Grading Criteria (as recommended by PSRC)
Projects 25%
Classwork 20%
Homework 10%
Tests 30%
Portfolios 15%
*Please note that the exam counts as a percentage of the overall grade at the conclusion of the course. See more details below.
Maintaining a Class Portfolio
Students must maintain a 3-ring binder for World History notes and assignments only. This will become an excellent resource for review at the conclusion of the semester in preparation for the state exam. Furthermore, this notebook will be checked periodically in a variety of ways to fulfill the portfolio requirement for the course. In addition, all written assignments for this course must be completed in pencil or black/blue pen only. Failure to comply with this rule may require students to redo and resubmit work for grading.
Projects
There were will be a minimum of four independent projects completed this semester. In addition, collaborative and in-class projects may be assigned upon the teacher’s discretion. Directions and grading rubrics will be provided in class and digitally throughout the semester.
Classroom Behavior:
All school policies will be followed as outlined in the student handbook. In addition, students are expected to run errands, use the restroom, etc. between classes. My classroom expectations are as follows:
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Raise your hand, gain recognition, and get permission before speaking.
3. Be courteous and respect the rights of others.
4. Be alert, attentive, and actively involved in all classroom activities.
5. When the bell rings, be in your seat and working.
6. Water and small snacks will be allowed if they do not disrupt the class.
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home every 4 ½ weeks. Additional progress reports may be sent home periodically as deemed necessary by the classroom teacher. Parents will have access to an online gradebook in which they can monitor student progress. Details about accessing this gradebook will be provided shortly after the beginning of the semester. (All progress reports supplied are required to be returned with parent signature for this course. Returned progress reports will count as a grade.)
Cell Phone/Electronic Policy
Our school is in the middle of a technological conversion. Therefore, many lessons for this course will be designed around the use of the provided technology. I strongly suggest that your child utilize the iPad provided by the school. (Alternate assignments will be made available as needed.)
While technology is encouraged in my classroom, I intend that it will only be utilized for educational purposes. Please refrain from contacting students during class time. All calls should come through the main office in the case of emergencies. In an effort to maintain engagement in the classroom, the following policy will be enforced in regards to electronic devices:
1. First offense: verbal warning
2. Second offense: confiscation of device for remainder of class period (to include lunch period if applicable)
3. Third offense: confiscation of device and parent contact (device will not be returned until parent contact is made)
4. Fourth offense: confiscation of device, parent contact, and after school detention
5. Fifth offense: referral to administration (all prior offenses will be noted on referral; could lead to ISS or loss of school device)
Missing Work
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and make up any missing assignments. Students will need to take the initiative to gather missing assignments in the event of absence being mindful of when to ask. (If a student knows they will be absent, it is best to ask before missing class.) I will not delay class to explain missing assignments; therefore, students should ask during starter activities or independent assignments. (Five days will be given to turn in missing work due to absence. After five days expire, deductions begin. In the event a student is not absent, deductions begin immediately at 10 points per day.) Utilize the online gradebook and website to keep track of assignments and makeup work.
Final Exam
The final exam for this course is required by the state of North Carolina. The MSL (Measures of Student Learning) consists of both multiple choice and critical response (written) portions. This must count as 25% of the overall grade for the course per PSRC. The required notebook will assist in preparation for the MSL.
Students and Parents
Please feel free to contact me when you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. I am dedicated to the success of all students and are committed to the highest standards in education.
Messages may be left with our staff at (910) 671-6050
Teacher Email:
WORLD HISTORY
Please sign and return the signature portion of this syllabus. It will count as the first quiz grade for your student this semester.
The information portion of this syllabus should be kept in the front of the required notebook.
By signing below, I am verifying that I have read and understand the expectations outlined in this course syllabus. I understand and agree to follow the class rules and procedures as outlined. Please write legibly.
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Please use the space below to list any information that may be pertinent to the health or educational needs of your child in the classroom.