Download World Civilizations 9 Honors

World Civilizations 9
Mrs. C. Marino
[email protected]
Welcome to Granby Memorial High School and welcome to World Civilizations 9! We will be making a whirlwind
survey of world history beginning with the ancient civilizations of India and China and culminating with the study of the
European Renaissance and the emergence of the modern world around 1600 A.D.
This course takes students on a journey through world history making connections to today along the way. The course
will include the study of regional civilizations such as the World of Islam, Mesoamerica, and Medieval Europe.
Throughout the year particular attention is paid to the importance of geography, the rise and fall of empires, world
religions, the development of government, and the impact of the individual
Philosopher and historian Will Durant said in Invitation to History that we should look at history as “man’s rise from
savagery to civilization…” and that we should see “history as a laboratory rich in a hundred thousand experiments in
economics, religion, literature, science, and government.” Durant goes on to say that in history we see “the road by
which we came and the only light that can clarify the present and guide us into the future…” We will be looking at
history as a tool for understanding our world today.
We will learn to think like historians and use what we have learned to inform our present and future as we discover
these historical facts:
 One person can make a difference.
 Religious belief is a compelling force in human history.
 There is a pattern to the rise and fall of empires.
 Geography impacts the development and relative success of civilizations.
 History repeats itself.
 History favors innovation and adaptation.
 We can better understand the present through the lens of history.
 Ideas matter.
The purpose of this course is to explore the roots of modern western and non-western civilizations. This will be
accomplished by reading, discussing, writing, and participating in various other activities and projects. Particular
emphasis on skill development will include reading for information, critical thinking, writing clear and persuasive
essays, analyzing primary and secondary sources, determining cause and effect relationships, and acquiring research
skills. Our expectation is that you will meet the school standard for Global Awareness by evidencing knowledge of
diverse cultures and world issues in our study this year. Our base text this year will be World History: Connections to
Today published by Prentice Hall. Cover it and keep it covered throughout the year, please. In addition, we will be
drawing from scores of documents, texts, and web materials.
We will be covering the following units this year:
History Basics
India and China
Ancient Greece
Judaism, Ancient Rome and Christianity
The Muslim World
The Middle East
The Middle Ages
East Asian Civilizations
Renaissance and Reformation
Exploration and Colonization
1 Week
6 Weeks
3 Weeks
5 Weeks
2 Weeks
3 Weeks
4 Weeks
2 Weeks
4 Weeks
2 Weeks
At the end of each unit there will be an assessment-- a paper, test, project, or presentation where you can show what
you have learned. In addition, we will have a midterm in January, a research paper on a topic of your choice, and a
final exam in June.





Expectations
Be sure to establish a folder or binder/notebook or a section of one specifically for this class. We will
have periodic notebook checks during class. Since your binder/notebook upkeep will count for
approximately 10% of grade, it is very important that you maintain it.
PLEASE NOTE: Your textbook is not an acceptable organizational tool for all of your papers.
This class involves significant discussion and debate. After all, it’s your world we’re studyin g. Listen to
each other and participate. Participation is much more than just raising your hand, it includes coming to
class prepared with the right materials, making eye contact with the speaker, raising hands to speak,
and furthering the discussion and insights. You will receive a participation grade each quarter and it
will count for approximately 10% of your grade.
Students are expected to work cooperatively when group work is assigned. Assist and encourage
others!
You must be on time to class and cell phones must be turned off. All other school rules apply.
Assignments and Grading
Homework
Homework will be given nightly and will be due on the following class day. Homework not only makes up a significant
portion of your grade but it is also essential in your preparation for class. Our class activities and discussions often
depend on your having done the previous night’s assignment.
Homework Reminders:
 Assignments that are handed in must be clean and legible.
 Homework must not resemble anyone else’s homework or it will not be accepted. If you are going to
work with a friend, you must leave no room for doubt that what you hand in is your own work!
 When you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to make up the work you mi ssed.
If you are absent the day an assignment is due, make every effort to hand it in the day you return.
 Homework is due on the day it is assigned. Late work will be assessed a late grade and will be
accepted until the test on the material.
 All homework will be posted on my website. In addition, you will receive a hard copy of the week’s
homework assignments every Monday that will help you to pace yourself.
Keys To Success
1. Study for small periods of time (5-10 min.) and do this often. I will constantly be checking that you are
learning (quizzes, tests, projects, etc.) and you should be looking over whatever we did in class that day for
5 minutes at night to dramatically increase the amount you learn during the year.
2. Extra-help, concerns, questions? – I am usually available in my room (1331) but please check the bulletin
board outside my room if you need to find me. Please come for a quick review, to ask for clarification, or
just to say Hi!
3. Study Buddy – Study with someone. It’s more fun that way and you’ll increase what you learn. Really!
Communication
Feel free to come for extra help. If you have any questions or need to communicate with me after school hours,
please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Also, check my web page at
http://www.granby.k12.ct.us for weekly schedules, study guides, and suggested websites.