MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Introduction
Welcome to Modern World History. Few things shape one’s life as much as their historical perspective. It has been said that we are our experiences. This in many ways is true. So, who will you be when you experience and understand the world as it was and is?
First let us correct some misconceptions:
What history is:
What history is not:
What will be required of you?
You will be required to use a variety of acquired skills to demonstrate and understanding of major ideas, historical eras, social themes, and turning points in history. You will need to reinforce your reading comprehension and your writing ability, especially in analyzing primary sources and writing answers to essay questions. I will be there to help you if you have had trouble with these skills in the past.
Required Materials:
1. Three ring binder, hard plastic cover
2. Loose leaf paper
3. Dividers for each unit. (you can make these, so you do not have to hurry to purchase them)
4. Composition notebook
Notebook and note-taking
It is absolutely essential that you take accurate legible notes that will help you better understand the class. One of the most difficult things to master is effective note taking. Often in class you will not have time to write down every word from a board or projector. You need to get in the habit of filtering the information presented and putting it in your notes. This means that you need to listen and digest. I know this is hard from some of you, so see me about some techniques that might be helpful to you. Copy main ideas and concepts that are placed on the board or projector. Take down the main points of the class discussion listen for verbal clues, they will point to the main ideas and important information that you should jot down in your notes. This is very important—write down possible questions that you may have and then ask them in class.
It is your responsibility to get notes from classmates if you are absent, so get yourself a “study-buddy” in the class. Exchange contact information and be responsible for each other. Review your notes and if you do not understand something...ASK!
HOMEWORK:
Homework assignments are due the date the assignment is shown on the calendar. Any late assignment will be penalized 10points per class meeting. Any assignment later than 5 class meetings will not be accepted. If there are extenuating circumstances, see me personally.
IF YOU ARE ABSENT FOR ANY REASON IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE DAY’S ASSIGNMENTS. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF!
If a student has an excused absence and will be missing school for more than two days, a parent can call the Main Office to requiest missed homework assignments. Students have the number of days missed plus one to return the makeup work to the teacher. (CCS Board)
Grading:
· Essay Tests: 30%
· Multiple Choice Tests: 25%
· Homework: 20%
· Quizzes: 5%
Grade Scale:
· A- 100-93
· B-92-85
· C-75-84
· D- 70-74
· F- 69 and below
Welcome to Modern World History. Few things shape one’s life as much as their historical perspective. It has been said that we are our experiences. This in many ways is true. So, who will you be when you experience and understand the world as it was and is?
First let us correct some misconceptions:
What history is:
- · A study in which historians analyze events and documents of the past to determine, as accurately as possible, how and why past events occurred.
- · The study of human beings making decisions based upon their values
- · The study of everything
- · A study that requires reading and writing
- · A study that is not complete
- · A path to understanding ourselves and those around us
What history is not:
- · A chronological sequence of events
- · Written by the winners
- · A way to explain the future
- · A medicine that will cure the present
What will be required of you?
You will be required to use a variety of acquired skills to demonstrate and understanding of major ideas, historical eras, social themes, and turning points in history. You will need to reinforce your reading comprehension and your writing ability, especially in analyzing primary sources and writing answers to essay questions. I will be there to help you if you have had trouble with these skills in the past.
Required Materials:
1. Three ring binder, hard plastic cover
2. Loose leaf paper
3. Dividers for each unit. (you can make these, so you do not have to hurry to purchase them)
4. Composition notebook
Notebook and note-taking
It is absolutely essential that you take accurate legible notes that will help you better understand the class. One of the most difficult things to master is effective note taking. Often in class you will not have time to write down every word from a board or projector. You need to get in the habit of filtering the information presented and putting it in your notes. This means that you need to listen and digest. I know this is hard from some of you, so see me about some techniques that might be helpful to you. Copy main ideas and concepts that are placed on the board or projector. Take down the main points of the class discussion listen for verbal clues, they will point to the main ideas and important information that you should jot down in your notes. This is very important—write down possible questions that you may have and then ask them in class.
It is your responsibility to get notes from classmates if you are absent, so get yourself a “study-buddy” in the class. Exchange contact information and be responsible for each other. Review your notes and if you do not understand something...ASK!
HOMEWORK:
Homework assignments are due the date the assignment is shown on the calendar. Any late assignment will be penalized 10points per class meeting. Any assignment later than 5 class meetings will not be accepted. If there are extenuating circumstances, see me personally.
IF YOU ARE ABSENT FOR ANY REASON IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE DAY’S ASSIGNMENTS. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF!
If a student has an excused absence and will be missing school for more than two days, a parent can call the Main Office to requiest missed homework assignments. Students have the number of days missed plus one to return the makeup work to the teacher. (CCS Board)
Grading:
· Essay Tests: 30%
· Multiple Choice Tests: 25%
· Homework: 20%
· Quizzes: 5%
Grade Scale:
· A- 100-93
· B-92-85
· C-75-84
· D- 70-74
· F- 69 and below