JH Reagan High School

World HistoryCourse Syllabus

2014-2015 School Year

10th Grade

Course Description

The World History curriculum is a rich, integrated study of historical events with significant consequences for the evolution of man, culture, institutions, customs, thought, ideas, and philosophy. Students will read and frequently examine historical events and perspectives to obtain knowledge and comprehensive skills while developing into a global citizen. In order to achieve our goal of excellence in World History and to master the objectives within the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), the students in this course are expected to be present, be prompt, be prepared, be polite, and be productive. Each student will be held accountable for class work and homework.

Textbook

Glencoe World History – Texas Edition

Grading Policy

The following are the approximate percentages awarded per grading area per teacher.

Major Grades (Tests, Projects, Essays and Quizzes)60%

Daily Assignments/ Homework40%

Academic Dishonesty

Except during designated group work, you are expected to complete homework, class work and tests on your own. If you use someone else’s work, even a phrase, in an essay or assignment, or talk during a NO TALKING assignment, such as a quiz or test, you will receive a ZERO and your parents will be notified of what has occurred. In the event this should happen, you will also be assigned detention. Cheating is morally unacceptable as well as counterproductive to your learning and will not be tolerated.

Discipline

The primary goal of discipline is to create an atmosphere in which students engage in activities that promote a positive educational process. The disruption of this process in unacceptable. Discipline procedures outlined by the district, school code of conduct and Reagan High Schoolwill be adhered to at all times. This will insure the safety of you the students and make the classroom a positive place for learning.

First Semester Topics:

  • Debates on Civilization
  • Revolutions in Agriculture
  • Empire Builders
  • Feudal Europe
  • Islamic World
  • The Byzantine Empire and the Crusades
  • Chinese Innovations
  • Then Mongol Empire
  • The Americas before Columbus
  • European Conquest and Exploration of the Americas
  • Renaissance in Europe
  • Protestant Reformation

Second Semester Topics:

  • Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
  • The American and French Revolutions
  • Industrialization
  • The Rise of Free Enterprise
  • Imperialism
  • Economic Systems
  • Russian Revolution
  • World War I
  • World War II
  • The Cold War
  • Spread of Communism
  • An Evolving World: Independence Movements, Genocide, Globalization, and Terrorism

World History Classroom Expectations

  1. BE PROMPT. Be in your seat when the bell rings. I will strictly enforce the tardy policy to eliminate wasted time.
  1. BE POLITE. Respect the opinions of others. You do not have to agree with them, but you do need to listen to them. During class discussions, I expect everyone to participate and not feel embarrassed to share their opinions or questions.
  1. PARTICIPATE in class. Part of your grade is based upon your classroom participation. The lessons, including note taking require your participation. Your participation shows me you are thinking and processing the information you need to learn and helps the class run smoothly.
  1. DO ALL OF YOUR WORK. The easiest way to fall behind in the class is to fail to complete your work (including absent work). Grades are taken from a variety of assignments including but not limited to: homework, quizzes, class work, class participation, oral presentations, tests, group work and projects, etc.
  1. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR OWN PROGRESS. You will need to take responsibility for yourself by being aware of upcoming due dates and of your current grade. Check the board daily for upcoming assignments.
  1. DO EXTRA CREDIT when possible. I will provide you with opportunities for extra credit points throughout the school year.
  1. BE AWARE OF YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Put away all of your electronic devices when you enter my classroom; this includes cell phones, mp3 players, ipods, etc. If I see you with an electronic device, I will have to confiscate it, and you will have to pick it up on your own time. If I should see you with an electronic device during a test or quiz, I will automatically assume you are cheating, and you will receive a zero for a grade.Do not argue with me about confiscating your electronic devices because it only wastes valuable class time. If you want to discuss your reason or extenuating circumstance for having your device out during class time, do so at the appropriate time (before or after class.)
  1. BE ENTHUSIATIC. I want you to be excited about learning. I can present the lessons to you, but I cannot learn or think for you. Feel free to discuss how specific class topics relate to your own personal interests.

Supply List

Required Supplies

  • Bounded notebook (composition or spiral)
  • Pen or Pencil

Optional Supplies

  • Colored Pencils
  • Scissors
  • Glue

I, ______, (please print your name) have read the syllabus and understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the classroom rules and teacher assignment expectations so that I can successfully complete and pass World History.

Student Signature: ______

Parent Signature: ______