World History - Syllabus

2007/2008 Syllabus

Welcome to World History. Cicero said, “Not to know what happened before one was born is to be a child.” Cicero’s statement tells us that history is more that a record of past events. History is a dynamic process in the study of human beings moving through time. In looking at the process of history, we will attempt to achieve a deeper understanding of the world, indeed of ourselves. Accordingly, history still deals with the past, but we can draw concepts from events of the past through critical analysis of those events. To that end, we will see that the past is in constant dialog with the advancing present. Through that “dialog”, we will obtain answers to important questions and see fresh insights into the human condition. As students, this is your task—to grapple with evidence from the past and to cast it into logical, convincing interpretation.

The primary textbook is World History, The Human Experience, by Mounir A. Farah and Andrea Berens Karls; (Glenco/McGraw-Hill), 1997.

FIRST QUARTER

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Map of the United States
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Africa Project
Chapter 7
Chapter 11

SECOND QUARTER

Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Brave Heart Video
Chapter 16
Map of Europe
Chapter 19
Monarch Project

THIRD QUARTER

Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24, Sect 1
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Map of Asia
Chapter 28 (WWI)
WWI Project
Chapter 29 Sect 3 & 4
Chapter 31 (WWII)
Swing Kid Video

FOURTH QUARTER

Modern Events Project
Chapter 32 (Cold War)
Map of Central/South America
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Timeline Project
Chapter 36
Chapter 37 (optional)

Exams and Quizzes

There will be both tests and quizzes as evaluation tools for this course. Two tests will be conducted each quarter on material from the textbook, supplemental readings, discussions, and lectures. The design of each exam will be multiple choice and essay questions. At times, take home exams will be issued as a means of providing students more time to evaluate complex issues. A quiz will follow each unit. Tests will be worth 40% (weighted) of the students’ grade. Quizzes will be valued (weighted) at 30%. Students need to take exams and quizzes on time. Students missing exams/quizzes will have one school day after returning to class to make up the exam/quiz. For each day the student fails to make up the evaluation, the student will be docked by 25% of his/her grade. Homework and class participation will also be a part of the evaluation process.

Semester Exams and Class Participation

The course follows the school’s exam exemption policy (see student handbook). Students earn points by actively participating in class: students should take good notes, take an active leadership role in helping to explain concepts, problems, or answers to problems; students can engage in dialogues of historical significance; students should always be ready to address questions asked by the teacher—correct answers need not be the absolute standard, but the student should demonstrate that he/she has been following the discussion/lecture. Homework assignments: reading assignments, completing identification terms, and recopying notes. Notebook checks will be done every quarter to ensure students have proper notes. Homework will be evaluated and have a 10% grade value.

Grading Standards

Tests: 40%
Quizzes/Essays/: 30%
Homework: 20%
Participation: 10%

Course Goals:
Goals of this course include the ability to (C-1 through C4)

-- master a broad body of “relevant factual knowledge” about World History to highlight intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social, and economic developments.”
-- demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology.
-- use historical data to support an argument or position.
-- differentiate between different schools of historical thought.
-- interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, maps, statistical data, works of art, pictorial material, etc.
-- effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast.
-- work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems
prepare for and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam.
-- demonstrate a command of “writing analytical and interpretive essays

Course Objectives

Knowledge of the way people have lived and the way events and ideas have shaped our lives helps us understand the world at present. As we grapple with some difficult questions in this course, I hope you will emerge with:

1. An enjoyment of--or at least some satisfaction with--the learning process itself
2. A broad knowledge of (the history) world history
3. An appreciation of some of the political, economic, social, and intellectual cross- currents in the continents’ rich histories.
4. The acquisition of skills useful to an ongoing study of history and the social sciences.
5. An enhanced understanding, through the study of contemporary events, of the role nations still play in today's world.

Classroom Policies and Procedures

1. Attendance: Students will be on time and in their seats before the bell rings. Student restroom practices are given individually and on a “first come, first served” basis.

2. Students will follow the policies as identified in the Seton Catholic High School Handbook and the honor code that each student signed. Students will acknowledge that honor code on all written work, e.g. tests, quizzes, homework, projects, etc.

3. Students will be prepared for class. All reading and other assignments must be completed with due. Reading assignments are vital to learning the material assigned and to active class participation which is expected of all students. In addition, students must have their own books, pens, pencils, notebook, homework, and paper for class. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers to retrieve their belongings once class has begun.

4. Late assignments will not be accepted unless the teacher pre-approves them. A late assignment (e.g. homework, essays, etc.) will result in 25% off for each day late.

5. Absent students must turn in work due on absent days within 3 days upon return. After 3 days, late work will be docked 25 percentage points for each day late. Students can check with the teacher on line, in-person at school, or by phone to confirm what work was missed. Moreover, students can check the class web site for all information regarding the class; students may not take class time to do this. This is the students’ responsibility. Sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. extended absenteeism); accordingly, a make-up plan will be coordinated with the teacher, parent(s), and student.

6. Students missing class due to scheduled field trips, mass, athletic events, or other scheduled events must turn in their work before they leave for the event. Assignments not turned in before scheduled events will be counted late and the work will be downgraded 25% for each day late. Students missing tests, quizzes, or making presentations must complete the work between the 8th hour the day before and the day after the event. The student is responsible to make arrangements with the instructor.

7. Reading is expected of all students. Participation should be consistent, positive, and respectful during all class activities. Students are expected to lead class prayers throughout the year. Students may be required to lead the class in discussion of events/issues in the assigned chapter on an impromptu or assigned basis. Preparation and participation are key “operative” words as guidelines for the course.

8. I will edit on-line grades in a timely manner but at least weekly per school policy. Course assignments and results will be provided on line.

9. Each student is expected to behave with maturity and in accordance with the guidelines stated in the Seton High School Handbook. Negative behavior and comments will not be tolerated. Students are expected to:

a. Be on time and be in their assigned seats prior to the bell.
b. Raise their hands to get the teacher’s attention.
c. Remain in their seats throughout the class unless otherwise instructed.
d. Treat each other and the teacher with respect.
e. Discuss topics, materials, homework, tests, quizzes, etc., in an appropriate manner. Wasting the class’s time with disruptive talk and/or actions will not be tolerated.
f. Allow one person to speak at a time during the class period. All students raising their hands will be given the opportunity to speak.
g. Students will remain with their class when moving on campus as a class.
10. On occasion, videos indicated above may be shown on Friday afternoon after school to save class time. Extra credit will be given to those students staying, watching the video, and completing the required report.

I am available before school by appointment and Monday through Friday from 3:00-3:30 P.M. in room E3. My voice mail number is (480) 963-1900, ext 3070. You may also contact me through e-mail at Tdarby@SetonCHS.org. Please by sure to put your name in the subject line or I will not open it.