Download Global History and Geography 9 Honors

Ms. Wright
Course Outline
Global History and Geography 9 Honors
Welcome to Global History and Geography Honors! History is a study of the past – but it is so much more.
The study of world history requires us to connect local, national, and regional stories to the emerging global story. By its very
nature, it is a story of humankind told from multiple perspectives. It is my hope that after completing this course you will have
a better understanding of how humans have interacted with each other and the planet they share. Upon completion of this
two-year course, you will be required to pass the New York State Regents examination in Global History.
World History is the BIG picture. It is macro history. It is not the study of a tree - or even a forest. It is a study of
ecosystems.”
Heidi Roupp, Past President of the World History Association
This course examines the history of the human experience from a global perspective. The course emphasizes critical thinking and the
analytical and writing skills necessary for success.. We will devote considerable time to the evaluation of primary documents, the
successful writing of document-based questions (DBQ’s), the analysis of historiography, essay strategies, and the development of
analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, reading will be assigned almost every night. At first it may seem time consuming and
difficult, but practice makes perfect! The single most important contributor to student success is whether he/she completes each reading
assignment. Remember, this course will follow the New York State Global 1 curriculum but will be taught at an honors level.
You will be studying the following units throughout the course of this year:
Beginnings of Civilization 4 million BC – 200 BC
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Peopling of the World
Early River Valley Civilizations
People and Ideas on the Move
First Age of Empires
New Directions in Government and Society
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Classical Greece
Ancient Rome
India & China Establish Empires
African Civilizations
An Age of Exchange and Encounters
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The Muslim World
Byzantine, Russians and Turks Interact
Empires in East Asia
European Middle Ages
Formation of Western Europe
Societies and Empires of Africa
Connecting Hemispheres
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People and Empires in the Americas
European Renaissance and Reformation
Grading: Each quarter, you will be graded on the following criteria:
• Tests – 55 %
• Quizzes – 20%
• Homework - 15%
• Class work – 10%
Assessments
ƒ Tests/Quizzes: Upon the completion of each topic, you will be tested on your knowledge of the material with Regents-style questions.
Quizzes may occasionally be given when we study larger topics. Extra help will be scheduled for those students with questions and
is available by appointment either before or after school or during a common period off.
ƒ Document-Based Questions (DBQ's): In order to incorporate your ideas with actual historical documents, you will be required to
complete a DBQ for many of the topics we cover. These include a minimum of five documents with short answer questions and an
essay. Learning to write an effective DBQ takes patience, effort, and critical thinking skills. At the beginning of the course, we will
complete them in stages; by the end of the course, you should be confident enough to write a strong DBQ essay on your own.
ƒ Thematic essays: Along with DBQ’s, thematic essays are an important component of the NYS Regents exam. Writing effective
essays will be a skill that we will build throughout the year.
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Projects: You will be assigned projects based on the topics studied. These may involve creating a poster, working in a group, writing
a research paper, or giving an oral presentation. Each assignment will be explained fully in class.
Classroom contribution: It is important for a global history class to have discussions on the materials we will be exploring. Within the
classroom, we will discuss many issues, and each student is encouraged to voice their opinions and beliefs. It is important that
these views are respected in order for everyone to have a valuable learning experience. Class participation is vital to the success of
each student. In addition to this, you will be graded on the organization and completeness of your notebook, and attendance.
Homework: You will be assigned homework frequently. Completion of these assignments is necessary in order to reinforce the day's
lesson or to introduce a new topic. Each assignment will be graded based on completion and effort. By completing these
assignments, you will be able to participate fully in class and be prepared for upcoming assessments.
Attendance Policy
• To assure success in this class, it is expected that each student arrive on time each day prepared for the day’s activities. It is the
responsibility of the student to complete any work missed due to lateness, absence or school activity.
NOTE: When looking at grades on the portal, please remember that grades continue to fluctuate throughout each quarter and it is NOT
meant to be the only form of communication. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at
[email protected]
Required Materials
• Two 1 ½ -inch binders
• Hi-lighters
• Loose-leaf Paper
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Index Card Ring
Pens, pencils
Post-Its
Things to Remember
You will be taking the Global History and Geography Regents in 10th grade. This exam will focus on the material you have learned in
both 9th and 10th grades. The Regents exam consists of the following:
ƒ 50 multiple-choice questions
ƒ Thematic Essay
ƒ Free Response Questions (“scaffolding questions”)
ƒ Document Based Question
There will, as a result, be a great emphasis on writing, reading and analysis skills within this course.
Extra credit may be available, but all assignments must be handed in before extra credit will be considered.
As a final note, it is important to realize that YOU are ultimately responsible for YOUR learning throughout this course. My role is to guide
you in the learning process and in the development of thinking skills that will be crucial to your future. I will be available for extra help by
appointment. Please do not hesitate to come see me. I will help you all as much as is possible.
If you need to reach me outside of class time, my email address is [email protected]
This is our "learning contract" for the year. By signing this, you understand what is expected of you and how I will determine if you have
met these requirements. If you are unsure of any of the expectations that I have set forth, please let me know, and I will be happy to
discuss them with you.
Student's signature:____________________________________________________
I have read and discussed this outline and the requirements with _____________________________.
(Student's name)
Parent or Guardian's signature:____________________________________________