World History
Coach Joe Merrett
Weatherford High School
Course Description: The Pre- Advanced Placement World History course is the equivalent of a freshman college survey course in World History studies. Students who take this course will prepare and develop the skills and knowledge to help them understand the basic concepts and requirements of future Advanced Placement courses in the area of Social Studies.
The course will provide a basic description of the development of civilization based upon events and movements in Pre-historical times to the present. The goals of the course according to and abiding the course requirements through the AP College Board are as follows: a) develop an understanding of the principal themes in World History, b) develop an ability to analyze historical evidence through Primary Sources, c) and develop an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing. The study of World History introduces students to cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live.
Students will be required to put forth the effort necessary to act as historians as reading, research and writing are essential parts of this course. Students will also develop: a) the ability to analyze historical evidence to determine reliability and relevance in history; b) identify POV (point of view) and the nature of bias in written historical documents; c) and the knowledge to recognize the necessity of objectivity and substantiation in historical documents. The basic methods used in the study of history include the ability to formulate generalizations, interpret and use data and to analyze evidence from comparative writings or sources throughout history. This is done primarily through reading, research, lecture, presentation and discussion. This course is most challenging yet stimulating, especially when compared with most high school courses. The volume of material involved in a history survey course is substantial and the student can expect to do a great deal of reading not only in text but also from outside sources and research.
Objectives – After completing the World History class, students should be able to do the following:
- Comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and integrate source material critically as historical evidence.
- Explain different approaches to, and interpretations of, historical events and topics.
- Place events in their historical context.
- Explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change.
- Present arguments that are clear, coherent, relevant, and well substantiated.
- Write essays and research papers in the proper historical method.
Major Topics Covered -
Ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China
Classical civilizations such as Greece and Rome
The Rise of Islam
Explore the beginnings of African and Asian civilizations
The Middle Ages
The European Renaissance and Protestant Reformation
The Age of Absolute Monarchs
The Age of Reason
The effects of colonialism and imperialism on Africa, S.E. Asia, and India
Major Political Revolutions including the Glorious, American, French, and Russian
World War One
The Rise of Single Party States
World War Two
Cold War
War on Terrorism
Globalization
Academic Dishonesty:
o Cheating or plagiarism is not acceptable. Copying another person’s work, such as homework, class work, or a test is a form of cheating. Plagiarism, which is the usage of another person’s original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating, and the student will be referred to the Weatherford High School Discipline Committee and subject to academic disciplinary action.
o Just so the lines are clear, Students will not collaborate on assignments of any kind unless directed by me. Questions in this class are designed to be answered with individual written responses and though answers may be similar in nature, they should never be exact copies or near exact copies. Each response should be the student’s own.
MATERIALS
Textbook – A classroom set is utilized, but each student is responsible for their own book all year.
Thumb drive
Notebook – NO LESS than a 2 inch 3 ringed binder.
Pens – red and blue or black. NO other colors are acceptable!!
Highlighter
Colored pencils
Spiraled notebook
Package of 10 dividers
Notebook Paper
GRADES
The WISD grading policy will be strictly enforced and followed for all grades. Please refer to the student handbook for reference. Also included in this packet is a Social Studies Department Grading Policy that explains how each subject within the Social Studies Department is weighted. Please refer to this for explanation of how grades will be weighted in World History.
ASSIGNMENTS
All graded assignments such as homework, reports, exams, notebook, projects, daily work, etc. must be completed to the satisfaction of the teacher.
All non-graded assignments must be kept in the notebook along with all graded assignments. Re-test policy for World History is also explained in the departmental policies.
LATE WORKpolicy is also a departmental policy. Please refer to this within this packet forexplanation on the acceptance of late work for World History. If a student is present when an assignment is made but absent when it is due, the assignment must be returned upon returning to class.
MAKEUPwork is the responsibility of the student. The student needs to check their data folder formissed assignments and is to confer with the teacher on any other missed assignments, etc. Makeup work will be turned in according to the WISD policy on makeup work. Refer to this in the student handbook.
TUTORIALSneed to be setup with the teacher on a needs basis. There will also be tutorialopportunities before and after school per the Social Studies Department. Information on this will be posted on the classroom bulletin board.
WEBPAGESall teachers have a faculty webpage where you can find updated information, due dates, PowerPoints, this syllabus, and our contact information. You can get to these webpages by 1.Going to weatherfordisd.com 2. Choose the Schools tab and choose Weatherford High School 3. Right hand side of the page- choose teacher webpage 4. Choose your teacher’s name
PASSES, FOOD, ETC.
•Two restroom passes per six weeks will be given to each student. Do Not ask for anymore. In most cases, the pass will used at the end of the period. If these passes are not used they can be handed in for extra credit at the end of the Six Weeks period.
•Water is allowed in bottles only. No other drink or food is allowed in the classroom.
•If a student is to leave campus, a proper pass must accompany the student from the office only. Parent permission to leave class must be arranged via the office.
•Cellphone use in the classroom is by teacher permission only. School policy will be followed.
•No MP3 players, CD or other electronics are allowed in the classroom.
Discipline Management Policy
Discipline within the classroom is based upon two components: student discipline and teacher
discipline. Of course it is obvious that if students are disciplined within the learning environment
that data would support that the student is more successful. Therefore, I expect all students to be
self-disciplined. If I have to use teacher discipline, I will not hesitate. It will be much easier and you
will learn a lot more if it is student oriented. Here are the classroom guidelines that will be followed
in World History everyday:
When the Bell Rings…..
1. Sit Down, stop talking and face the front.
2. Give me two eyes when I begin speaking.
3. Put all backpacks/purses on the floor.
4. Place these items on your desk. Check board for others.
a. Pen
b. Interactive notebook
c. Textbook (if necessary)
d. Homework (if assigned) must be completed.
5. No uninvited talking. You must be invited by the teacher to speak.
6. When you begin working, work quietly and do not distract others.
7. Always make quick and quiet transitions when moving from one activity to another.
8. Complete all assignments and homework.
These classroom guidelines were developed to aide each student in their success. They will be
followed each day or you will be given a 10 minute detention to be served at lunch in the cafeteria. If improper behavior continues, parents will be contacted and a parent conference setup along with a referral to the appropriate Assistant Principal. All major infractions of school policies will be referred to the Assistant Principals.
WHS Social Studies Department
Grading Policies
The Social Studies department in effect will be following the grading policies listed below by subject area.
World Geography
Grading PolicyTests 50%Daily/Quiz 50%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in late work one day late for a maximum of grade of 70.
Retake PolicyMay retake one test per six weeks for a maximum grade of 70.
World History
Grading PolicyMajor Grade 50%Minor Grade 50%
Drop grades will be at discretion of the teacher.
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70.
Retake PolicyStudents with a test grade of 69 or below will have seven days to retake that test. Highest grade given is the grade taken.
World History Pre-AP
Grading PolicyProjects/Test 60%Daily/Quizzes 40%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70.
Retake PolicyStudents who fail a test will have three days to retake that test.
U.S. History
Grading PolicyTests 50%Daily 50%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70. After one day the highest possible grade will be a 50.
Retake PolicyAll students may retake any test within three days of receiving the original grade. If a student fails a test, a maximum of a 70 can be achieved on that test.
AP U.S. History
Grading PolicyTests/Projects 60%Daily 40%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70. After one day the highest possible grade will be a 50.
Retake PolicyStudents who fail a test may retake the test within three days of receiving the original grade. A maximum of a 70 can be achieved on that test.
Government
Grading PolicyTests 50%Daily/Quiz 50%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70.
Retake PolicyMay retake one test per six weeks for a maximum grade of 70.
Economics
Grading PolicyTests 50%Daily/Quizzes 50%
Late WorkStudents will be allowed to turn in work one day late for a maximum possible grade of 70.
Retake PolicyMay retake one test per six weeks for a maximum grade of 70.
Cheating or Plagiarism (taking someone’s work and trying to pass it off as your own) will result in a zero for that assignment or test.
World History Policy
Daily/Quizzes: We will take at least 3 assignments. Quizzes are timed; students will be allowed to use their own personal hand written notes on the quiz but will not be required or taken for a grade. There are on retakes on quizzes since the students are able to use their notes the first time.
Retake Policy: Students are allowed to retake any test that they failed for a maximum grade of a 70.
Late Work:Same Day but late the highest you will receive is a 90
1 actual day late the highest you will receive is an 80
2 days late (next class period) the highest you will receive is a 70
3+ days late the highest you will receive is a 50
Late work will not be accepted the after the Wednesday of the 3rd/ 6th week of the grading period.
Extra Credit:Pre-AP will be able to receive 3 points on their lowest test grade for going to listen to the guest speakers
Regular will be able to receive 5 points on their lowest test grade for going to listen to the guest speakers
Extra Credit can be given to daily assignment at the teachers’ discretion
Dropped Grades: Teachers will drop the lowest daily grade at the end of the 6 weeks
Cheating or Plagiarism (taking someone’s work and trying to pass it off as your own) will result in a zero for that assignment or test.
World History
Coach Merrett
The Six Themes of Pre-AP World History
- The dynamics of change and continuity across the world history periods covered in this course, and the causes and processes involved in major changes of these dynamics.
- Patterns and effects of interaction among societies and regions: trade, war, diplomacy and international organizations.
- The effects of technology, economics, and demography on people and the environment (population growth and decline, disease, labor systems, manufacturing, migrations, agriculture, weaponry)
- Systems of social structure and gender structure (comparing major features within and among societies, and assessing change and continuity)
- Cultural, intellectual, and religious developments, including interactions among and within societies.
- Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward states and political identities (political culture), including the emergence of the nation-state (types of political organization)
G – Geography
O – Organizations
P – Political
E – Economic
R – Religious
S – Societal
I – Intellectual
A – Artistic
WeatherfordHigh School
Coach Merrett
Reading Notes for World History
It is very important that you devise a note taking system that you use consistently when you read. Please make sure that you are always taking some form of notes when you read – you don’t have time to re-read. There are a variety of ways to take notes – develop a system that works for you – BUT develop some type of system. Here are some ideas and hints for reading notes:
- Do not read a sentence and write – that will take forever. You should read a bit and then summarize what you just read. There is no need to re-write the textbook in your own words.
- Before you write an idea, think about what the idea really is. Consider the people, place, and ideas involved. Once you feel that you could tell it to someone else, write it down.
- Devise a system of abbreviations that you will continuously use – especially with the names of countries. Also, when you take notes, write out a person’s name once, put an abbreviation next to it, and then use the abbreviation from then on. Never create an abbreviation without somewhere stating what it stands for.
- Use a format that works for you – I HIGHLYadvise Cornell Notes but some people outline, others use section headings and bullets, others use graphic organizers (charts, diagrams), etc. Just try not to write paragraphs that essentially copy everything that is in the reading.
- Don’t forget the details. Sometimes reading notes can become “too general”. You must decide which details are critical and include them. Remember, while we don’t want to miss the big picture, we also need to see the details that make up the picture. The skill you are trying to develop is learning which things are vital to the story and why.
- Look for the themes listed in the handout I gave you on the 6 themes of World History. When you are reading you should constantly be comparing what you are reading to the 6 World History themes. When you finish reading, you might quickly summarize how the themes were represented in your reading. This shouldn’t be a long paragraph; rather, a short chart or summary chart that shows you identified them.
- Consider reading and then charting your notes. That is, rather than reading a section and then writing 6 bullet statements about what you read; chart the information either by themes, topics, or by using the GOPERSIA method. (See “What is Civilization/ GOPERSIA Method” handout).
- Before you put the notes away, stop and analyze for a minute. Ask yourself “What did I learn?”, “What does this mean?”, and “What am I still missing/What questions do I still have?”. Discipline yourself to process what you read. Don’t do it mindlessly.
- If you are examining a primary source, use the Document Analysis Worksheet, APPARTS or SOAPS method to strengthen your notes.
Joe Merrett
World History
TERMS OF AGREEMENT:
DATE______
CLASS PERIOD______
I, ______(STUDENT) have read and agree to all terms established in the
World History syllabus.
I, ______(PARENT) have read and agree to all terms established in the
World History syllabus.