Download 421 Modern World History Syllabus 12

421 Modern World History
Mr. Murray
2012 - 2013
Modern World History
Although advancements of the “modern age” have brought much of humanity many benefits,
developments in print, bookkeeping, and communications technology have produced a humbling
amount of information for the student of history to consider when attempting to find meaning in our
story as a species. Therefore we have a great challenge ahead: amidst all of the facts and figures, we
must decipher those patterns and queries that can truly inform us about our communities (immediate
and global,) our selves, and our options for the future. In studying modern world history, we will
encounter many singular events that speak to our condition as humans, but making sense of the larger
patterns endows us with a more authentic understanding of ourselves and humankind.
Topics of Study
*The Enlightenment and the Age of Revolutions
*Industrialization
*Imperialism: “The White Man’s Burden” and Resistance
*WWI and the “Peace” of Versailles
*The Radical Challenge to Liberalism (I): Communism & the Russian Revolution
*Crisis of Modern Liberalism (II): The Global Depression and the Appeal of Fascism
*WWII
*Cold War and the Collapse of the Soviet Union
*Post WWII Global Patterns and Challenges: Modern China & India, Arab / Israeli Conflict, Modern
Iran, etc.
Course Goals
*Improve academic skills such as listening, reading, writing, research, prepping for exams, etc.
*Gain significant content knowledge of the contemporary world and modern world history.
*Construct and express effective arguments in both written and verbal form, and develop the ability to
identify logical fallacies.
*Improve upon skills germane to the study of history, such as analyzing primary sources, identifying
multiple points of view, constructing historical arguments, etc.
*Develop civic and intellectual habits such as following current events, developing empathy, thinking
systematically, analyzing media, etc.
*Formulate reasonable, well-evidenced responses to Essential Questions.
Grading & Academic Policies
As each term consists of different assignments of varying significance, the weighting of graded
items for each term will vary accordingly. Generally, the majority of your term grade will be determined
by class tests and / or projects. Homework, reading quizzes and class work will constitute the remainder
of the term grade. I will specify the precise percentages allocated to each type of assignment for each
term separately. "Class Diligence and Participation" will always account for 5% of your term grade.
*Late homework is not accepted, unless extreme circumstances (sickness, unexpected emergency, etc.)
disallow one from completing the assignment. These situations must be documented by a note from
one’s parent / guardian. All notes should include parent’s phone number in case I need to contact them.
*Another aspect of "homework" is gathering materials for the next class meeting. Students that fail to
bring basic materials (pen, class handouts, etc.) will lose points from their homework grade.
*Late projects and papers will receive a twenty point deduction for every delinquent day, up to two days.
After two days, projects will not be accepted without a note from one’s parent / guardian.
*A student may elect to drop their lowest test score in each semester on the condition that they write an
excellent five - page paper on the topic(s) addressed by the test. Students may take advantage of this
opportunity twice throughout the year. (The dropped test grade must be a “C”, or lower.)
*Being absent for a test review session does not excuse one from taking the test upon return to school.
*IMPORTANT!!!!!!! All missed tests and quizzes (due to excused absences) must be made - up
within the same period of time one was absent For example, if one is absent the day of the test, one
will MAKE UP THE TEST THE FOLLOWING DAY, EVEN IF THE CLASS DOES NOT MEET. If one
is absent three days before a test, one has three days to make up the test. LEGITIMATE ABSENCES
FROM TESTS INCLUDE A SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT KEEPS A STUDENT OUT FOR THE ENTIRE
SCHOOL DAY, AND MAJOR SCHOOL – SANCTIONED PROGRAMS THAT REQUIRE TRAVEL
AWAY FROM SCHOOL (CLOSE – UP WASHINGTON D.C., INDIA EXCHANGE PROGRAM, etc.).
A missed test or quiz due to AN ABSENCE THAT HAS NOT BEEN EXCUSED THROUGH THE
HOUSE OFFICE BY 10:00AM ON THE TEST DAY WILL RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC ZERO.
THERE WIILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.
*The Newton South "N" policy for attendance will be strictly upheld. There will be no exceptions.
*All students are expected to promote a positive atmosphere in a challenging learning environment.
Respect for conflicting opinions and human differences will be upheld at all times.
Classroom Rules
1. Extraneous banter will not be tolerated in class
2. Be on time, and seated at the beginning of class
3. Food, Cell Phones, and Personal Electronics(mp3 players, game boys, etc.) are STRICTLY
prohibited, and subject to confiscation.
4. We expect respect for all people at all times
*Violation of classroom rules will result in appropriate consequences, ranging from teacher detention to
administrative referral.
Conference Hours
The best way to find me is by stopping by my classroom (# 1306) after school during J – block. Please don’t
hesitate to see me if you need extra help, or have any difficulties or questions.