Modern World History – Honors Name: ______
Ms. Wiley
Course Syllabus
Important Teacher & Course Information:
Ms. Wiley’s email address –
Room 248
Course Duration – 18 weeks
(See Schoolwires site for pertinent course information)
Course Description:
Modern World History is an 18-week course which deals with the background and development of our global society, from early modern times to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the cultural, imperial, and industrial interconnections between all regions of the globe. Our exploration of these topics will ultimately allow us to assess the challenges that our generation will face as we navigate unchartered waters in a global world.
This course is designed to teach students to think critically and creatively as they examine the past. After completing this course, students will be able to interpret and evaluate history with original thought and write and speak informatively and persuasively about the development of our global society.
Content:
1) Seeds of Change: Emergence of the First Global Age (1450-1770)
2) Enlightenment, Nationalism, & Revolution (1700-1850)
3) Industrialism and the Race for Empire (1800-1914)
4) The Great War & Russia Transformed (1914-1939)
5) Interwar Asia & the Road to World War II (1919-1939)
6) World War II (1939-1945)
7) The World Since 1945
Materials of Instruction:
Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction (primary text)
The Human Record (supplemental – primary sources)
Grading Breakdown (Final Calculation):
· Marking Period 1 average—33%
· Marking Period 2 average—33%
· Core Assessment 1 (topical focus: imperialism)—10%
· Core Assessment 2 (topical focus: decolonization)—10%
· Comprehensive Final Examination—14% (essay and 60 multiple choice questions)
Grading Breakdown (Marking Period):
· Assessments (Summative)—80%
- To be administered regularly throughout the durations of the course. Assessment format will vary but ultimately seek to evaluate the degree of student learning. Students should expect tests, essays, portfolios, projects, formal debates, and presentations.
· Homework/Classwork (Formative)—20%
- All homework/classwork is to be placed in student’s binder. Though homework/classwork will vary, a constant is the expectation that students are completing their work actively, thoroughly, and thoughtfully. Additionally, students should be prepared for unannounced quizzes (for which the use of homework/classwork may be permitted). Please note that participation may factor into the homework/classwork grade.
Class Rules:
In order to establish and maintain a cooperative learning environment where higher-level thinking takes place the following rules must be strictly followed and will be rigorously enforced:
General Class Rules –
1) Arrive to class on time. All students are to be quiet and in their seats with class materials ready when the bell rings. The bell is the signal to begin class, not a signal to come to class. Similarly, the bell is the signal to end class; therefore, packing up early will not be tolerated (unless Ms. Wiley directs you to).
2) Arrive to class ready to learn. This entails being prepared with the necessary materials (writing utensil, paper, notes, homework, etc.) and being awake, engaged and participatory.
3) Cooperate with teacher and peers in a mature and respectful manner at all times. The classroom environment is to be friendly and inviting at all times. Please note that the nature of this course demands that students and teacher explore contentious topics relating to world history. While debate is encouraged, it must be done respectfully.
4) Work in an honest and ethical manner so that you can take pride in your mind, your work, and your growth. Please note that plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or words without citing or referring to that party. School policies regarding cheating and plagiarism will be strictly followed. [Parents or guardians will be contacted immediately, student will receive a conduct referral, and grade for the assignment will be a zero until it is redone (for a 70% maximum re-do grade).]
Specific Guidelines –
5) Assignments – All course assignments are to be ready to hand in when students arrive to class. Please note that Ms. Wiley does not allocate any time for tasks such as printing, stapling etc. It is suggested that you acquire a mini stapler or package of paper clips for this course.
- Students should come to class prepared to do any of the following on a due date: turn work in, share work with peers, take part in a group discussion of assignment, and/or take a quiz on the topic using their completed assignment.
- Headings: Each assignment should contain a centered title describing the assignment. Each assignment should contain a list of vital information on the left-hand side of the document (students full name, date, course title (AGES), block #).
- If more than one page, assignments should be stapled or paper-clipped (before class).
- If a student is absent on the day that a major assignment is due, they are required to email the assignment to Ms. Wiley and turn the assignment in upon their return to school.
6) Absences – Regular attendance is expected from all students. Under circumstances where regular attendance is interrupted, please follow the guidelines below:
- For extended planned absences please let Ms. Wiley know as far in advance as possible so that she may provide the student with the necessary materials.
- For illnesses, please email Ms. Wiley at your earliest convenience.
- For an unplanned day absence, students should learn what they missed from a classmate or Ms. Wiley before school starts.
7) Restroom – When possible, students should try to use the restroom between classes or before lunch. If necessary, and at appropriate times during the lesson, students may ask permission to use the restroom. Students must sign out legibly, with their full name, and sign in when they return.
8) Food & Drink – Drinks are permitted in the classroom so long as students dispose of their bottles appropriately and thoroughly clean any spill that they are responsible for. Eating is not permitted in the classroom unless the teacher announces a class party or event. Please advise Ms. Wiley of any food allergy as soon as possible.
9) Electronic Devices – Electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.) are not permitted in class.
10) Library – Library time should be valued by students as a privilege. It is expected that all students be on their best behavior when in the library and use the valuable time to their advantage.
Consequences: Failure to adhere to the rules and guidelines outlined above will result in any of the following consequences –detention, phone call home, and/or conduct referral.
Materials Required:
1. A three-ringed binder that will be used solely to collect and evaluate your unit materials. This binder will be stored in the classroom. This binder must be labeled clearly with your full name and block number in large print. This binder will be called your “portfolio”.
2. A separate, larger binder, which will serve as a resource for the organization of your course materials. You will need nine tabs (either store-bought or handmade) to separate our units of study and other course materials. This binder must be brought to class each day.
Expectations Regarding Binders:
All formative assessments (classwork/homework) completed during a given unit of study are to be maintained in your binder. Your materials for each unit will be collected at the end of the unit for evaluation. At that time, you will place all unit materials into your “portfolio” so that Ms. Wiley can evaluate your work. Contained within the portfolio should be the table of contents page and all assigned work. Outlined below are the requirements for maintenance of your course materials:
1. Completed work should be organized such that the first assignment (from that unit) is on top and all work to follow appears beneath it (in the order that it was assigned).
2. All work is to be complete, thorough, original, and done in a legible fashion.
3. The table of contents should contain an accurate listing of all document/assignment names and dates. You are responsible for updating the table of contents as new documents/assignments are received, as well as recording the document/assignment # in the appropriate place on the document/assignment.
4. Any assignment that exceeds one page in length (and is not already double-sided) should be stapled in the top left hand corner. Work for which a staple is inappropriate should be held together by a paper clip. You are responsible for arranging each assignment requiring a staple or paper clip before class.
5. Work contained within the portfolio will be evaluated collectively; point values for each assignment will be specified on the table of contents.
The unit portfolio is meant to serve as an organizational tool and a means for Ms. Wiley to provide efficient and effective feedback to you. A large percentage of your homework/classwork score stems from your ability to effectively manage your course materials. If you commit yourself to completing assignments on time and arranging them in an organized fashion, you will do well. Good luck!
Questions to consider as you maintain your portfolio and prepare it for submission. Is my work…
1. Complete?
2. Original?
3. A reflection of my best effort?
4. Organized correctly? (in order, properly stapled/paper clipped, etc.)
Suggestions for Success:
1) Follow all rules and guidelines.
2) Participate often. This means asking and responding to questions, sharing opinions, commenting on the opinions of your peers, etc. Doing so will help to increase your understanding of the content, lead to greater academic performance, and will help you to build strong relationships with your peers and teacher.
3) Work well with others. You will be asked to work with your peers at almost every class meeting. At times, this may mean being a good leader, being an active listener, or being a helpful mediator. Your practice at these different roles will help you to further explore the course material, will lead to greater academic performance, and will help foster strong relationships with your peers.
4) Push yourself with a genuine desire to learn. This means embracing challenges, seeing effort as the path to mastery, learning from criticism, and using curiosity and insight to develop original, historical thought.
5) Do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Wiley for guidance or assistance when you are frustrated, confused, upset, or simply want to chat!
Student/Parent Receipt:
My child and I have read and reviewed the preceding course syllabus and fully understand the guidelines, procedures, and expectations for classroom behavior, conduct, and performance.
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Student Name Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature