Download AP World History Syllabus

AP World History Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Knickerbocker [email protected] 667-2423 ext. 3266
Textbook: Ways of the World by Robert Strayer
Class Webpage:
http://west.lapeerschools.org/staff_directory/mr__knickerbocker_s_classroom_pag
e/a_p_world_history
I.
Course Description
This course is both rigorous and rewarding. Students will study human patterns of
interaction with a particular focus on change over time, global exchange, and
those phenomena that connect people, places and ideas across regional
boundaries. By focusing on human interaction on all levels we can see the big
picture as well as the details of individual lives.
The Five AP World History Themes
Theme 1: Interaction between humans and
the environment
Theme 2: Development and interaction of
cultures
Theme 3: State-Building, expansion, and
conflict
Theme 4: Creation, expansion, and interaction
of economic systems
Theme 5: Development and transformations of
social structures
II.
The Four Historical Thinking Skills
1. Crafting historical arguments
from historical evidence
2. Chronological causation
3. Comparison and
contextualization
4. Historical interpretation and
synthesis
Major Units of Study
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Period 1: Technological and Environmental Transformations 8000-600 BC
Period 2: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies 600BC600AD
Period 3: Regional and Transregional Interactions 600-1450
Period 4: Global Interactions 1450-1750
Period 5: Industrialization and Global Integration 1750-1900
Period 6: Accelerating Global Change and Realignments 1900-Present
III.
Assignments
Reading:
Students will read and take notes on the textbook as homework nightly. (I will
give you a monthly reading schedule) I will introduce a few note taking methods
that are acceptable. (You will be allowed to use the notes on some reading
quizzes) There will also be many supplemental materials that will be read.
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Writing:
There are three different essays on the AP Exam. (Document Based Question
“DBQ”, Change and Continuity over Time “CCOT”, and Comparative Essay. We
will be practicing skills to be successful on the essays on a regular basis.
Tests and Quizzes:
There is a 70 question multiple choice portion on the AP Exam. We will be taking
regular Quizzes and Tests in order to be prepared to be successful on the exam. I
will try to give you a monthly schedule of the tests and quizzes on the reading
schedule.
Class discussions:
Yes, class discussions are an assignment. You need to be prepared to talk about
what we are reading/learning on a regular basis. Your participation can and will
be graded. I am looking for Historical interpretation and developing the critical
thinking skills needed for the AP exam in May. Some issues will be controversial
we will deal with issues like race, religion, politics, discrimination, sexism, and
other human issues. Understand that this is a safe place to discuss such issues in a
historical context.
Projects:
There will be some sort of project for each unit. This may be a group or
individual type of work. However, I will give an individual grade to any graded
work.
It is very important that you keep up with the work in this course. We will be
moving at a quick pace, don’t get left behind.
I will use the district grading policy. Keep in mind that 20% of your trimester
grade is the common assessment.
IV.
Behavior etc.
My expectations for you are pretty simple.
1. Come to class prepared to learn (on time and with all materials needed)
2. Have a good attitude (Respectful for yourself, others, and our time
together)
3. Work hard and have fun learning (I want my room to be a place that you
enjoy coming to, you play a huge role in making that a reality)
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