South Pasadena High School(626) 441-5820 x2127
2017-2018 Room 127
Modern World History
2017-2018
Course description
Welcome to World History! This class is designed to give you an overview of Modern World History and a broad perspective of Western and non-Western societies from the Enlightenment to the present times. Because of the vast scope of this topic, we will focus more intently on some subjects than others, using the California Social Science Standards as our guide. Throughout our study, we will use a variety of learning modes and instructional strategies so that this history will become meaningful, interesting and exciting for you to study!
Texts and resources
Student text used is Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction
Students are not required to bring text to class everyday. It will be used for daily
homework and occasional class activities (students will receive advance notice).
A variety of primary sources, narratives, and other source readings will be used as supplements throughout the semester, including daily newspapers.
DVDs/videos that have been previewed and carefully selected for instructional
purposes will be used throughout the semester to supplement class topics. Students will be held accountable for information and ideas presented in all videos.
Students will be expected to conduct Internet and/or library research as needed. While some class library days will be scheduled for this purpose, students are fully expected to conduct out-of-class research on their own as part of the course requirements.
First and second semester course of study (units)
I. Rise of Democratic Ideas
II. The Enlightenment
III. The French Revolution
IV. The Industrial Revolution
V. Old and New Imperialism
VI. The Russian Revolution
VII. World War I
VIII. Totalitarianism and the Rise of Dictators
IX. World War II
X. The Cold War
XI. Nationalism in the Contemporary World
XII. Unresolved Conflicts and Issues in the Modern World (throughout the course; not a
separate unit)
Overall structure of course
1. The focus of this course is an inquiry-based approach to world history (this means we
will be asking a lot of questions!) Students are required to actively participate in class,
maintain an Interactive StudentNotebook and keep pace with large amounts of
required reading and writing.
2. Overall emphasis of the course is placed on understanding social forces and
human motivations in history, as well as an in-depth analysis of the reasons for
historical events. Students will be evaluated on their ability to think critically
and to inquire into the larger questions that the study of history poses, as well as to
grasp a large scope of historical information.
3. Daily classroom lessons will be based on student participation and
involvement. Students should come to class ready to be active learners and to
contribute to the day's schedule of events.
4. As part of an active classroom, students will often participate in small,
cooperative learning teams. Students are expected to be able to function and
succeed in any group they are placed in. Cooperative groups will make the
classroom an exciting and interactive place and will make learning interesting
and meaningful.
Common Core
Within the past few years, the United States has been in the midst of an educational change in approach to curriculum and standardized testing. The new standards for Social Studies, are simply additional expectations to the already existing content standards. This new paradigm shift is commonly referred to as Common Core. You are invited to look at the new state standards initiative on the following website for additional information: While the Common Core does provide clear and consistent standards nationwide, the Social Studies Department is proud to say that although there is always room for improvement, many of the “new standards” for “robust and relevant real world reflection that is needed for success in college and careers” have been implemented in the World History curriculum. The teachers of the Social Studies department will continue to strive to challenge SPHS students to make connections, think critically and be content literate young people. Literacy, especially writing and reading are at the core of the World History curriculum.
Course requirements
1. Come to class ON TIME everyday and be prepared with all material (at a minimum,
this includes completed homework and Interactive Student Notebook).
2. Do not eat, drink or chew gum in the classroom. Strict enforcement of this rule will
apply at all times.
3. Always leave the room as you found it, especially after moving desks for group work.
Never write on the desks.
4. Turn in all assignments on time, without excuses. Please return reading handouts after
use to tray in back of room.
5. Assume responsibility for all make-up work. Do not expect the teacher to do this for
you. Check the class website, class notebook and hanging file for all missed
assignments.
6. Always respect the opinions and viewpoints of others, even if you do not agree with
them. Respect of all class members toward each other and the teacher is expected at
all times.
7. Naturally, all school-wide rules apply as well.
Interactive Student Notebooks (ISNs)
Your required Interactive Student Notebook will allow you to record information and ideas about history in an engaging and fun way. As you learn new ideas, you will be taught to use several types of writing and innovative graphic techniques to record them. Then, you will have the opportunity to do something with those ideas, such as turning written ideas into visuals, identifying the main point of a picture or political cartoon, and organizing historical events into diagrams that make sense of the information. Through your Interactive Student Notebook you will be encouraged to use your critical thinking skills to organize and process information. You will also have the chance to frequently express your own viewpoint or opinion about historical controversies we will study.
Your ISN will become your own personalized record of everything we do in class this year, and it will be an important part of your overall grade, so you must learn to keep it up-to-date and complete at all times. You will need to bring it to class everyday and never, ever lose it! It will be checked and used every class period.
A separate handout will give you more detailed information about your ISN. Here's what is recommended to get and to bring to class daily:
1. An 8 1/2" by 11” spiral bound notebook, with at least 150 pages, a pocket and a sturdy
plastic (NOT paper cover)
2. Several pens in different colors (ballpoint and felt-tip)
3. At least two highlighters of different colors
4. Small scissors, hole punch and glue stick if possible (optional but helpful)
5. Something to keep these things in (vinyl packet, backpack, etc.)
See me individually if you need help getting these materials.
Assessment
You will be required to demonstrate that you have satisfactorily attained knowledge and understanding of the topics, in addition to issues explored in class, in a variety of ways. While regular short quizzes and tests will serve as information checks on learning and retention, other types of "alternative assessments" will be used in measuring your achievement, growth and mastery of the subject. These culminating activities and projects, which often will serve as unit assessments (in addition to and/or instead of a test), include (but are not limited to):
Written papers/essays
Oral presentations
Display projects
In-class essays or short responses
Creative writing assignments (song, poem, editorial, storybook, etc)
Simulations and debates
Student-created projects such as publishing a newspaper, magazine
or brochure on an historical subject
Primary document analysis activities
Unresolved World Issues Project
A major component of the World History curriculum at SPHS is the Unresolved World Issues Project (a.k.a. Save the World). The goal of this project is to address and combat one of the world’s unresolved issues. In the spirit of “thinking globally, acting locally,” students will work in groups of 3-4 to find ways to deal with a specific problem facing our world, and our community, today. Groups will discover that not all problems have to be left to international, national, state or local governments to solve, but that individuals can make a difference. This project will include and action plan, group oral presentation, evidence of results, and a minimum of eight hours of volunteer experience.
Grading policy
Grades will be determined in this class through a wide variety of methods. Each of the following categories will count as follows:
1. ALL classwork/homework25%
Interactive Student Notebook
2. Quizzes25%
3. Assessments (Tests and Projects) 30%
4. Participation 5%
5. Final Exam/Assessment 15%
Grading scale and late work policy
100-90A
89-80B
79-70C
69-60D
Below 60F
Late work policy: All work handed in on time is eligible for full credit. Consistent attendance is important in this class! There will be strict adherence to the SPHS attendance, makeup work and discipline policies.
I offer office hours EVERY DAY at lunch in my room if you have any questions or need my assistance for any reason. Also, the best way to get a hold of me is to email me. I check my email daily and respond within a 48-hour period.
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature: