Download Advanced Placement World History 2008-2009

Advanced Placement World History 2016-2017
Mr. Siekerman – Room 804
[email protected]
Course Overview
AP World History is a course designed to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of
global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. As a field of study “world
history” looks for common patterns that emerge across all cultures. In this course, students will
examine the historical evolution of human interaction, the impact of cultural diffusion across
time and place, compare and analyze societal constructs, and ultimately develop a better
appreciation of the human story.
This course is two semesters long and globally balanced, geographically and chronologically.
The Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania are all represented as are each of the six time
periods used to chronologically divide the subject. It is important to mention here that the course,
and the subsequent exam, devotes no more than 20% of its time to European history itself. This
of course is to remove the inherent Euro bias of most American students and to more adequately
reflect the true nature of the twenty-first century world that we live in.
AP World History also seeks to foster a specific set of skills required to successfully pass the AP
World History examination. AP World History offers an approach that allows students to “do
history” by guiding them through the steps a historian would take in analyzing historical events
and evidence. Students are expected to develop skills defined by the College Board required for
the specific types of historical analysis used in the AP examination. There is a heavy emphasis
on analytical writing and interpretation of primary sources.
Course Design
Essentially A.P. World History is structured around five themes defined by nineteen key
concepts covering six unique chronological periods. The five A.P. World History Themes are as
follows:
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Interaction Between Humans and the Environment: Demography and disease, Migration,
Patterns of settlement, Technology
Development and Interaction of Cultures: Religions, Belief systems, philosophies, and
ideologies, Science and technology
State-building, Expansion and conflict, Political Structures and forms of governance,
Empires, Nations and nationalism, Revolts and revolutions, Regional, trans-regional, and
global structures and organizations
Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic systems: Agricultural and pastoral
production, Trade and commerce, Labor systems, Industrialization, Capitalism and
Socialism
Development and Transformation of Social Structures: Gender roles and relations,
Family and kinship, Racial and ethnic constructions, Social and economic classes
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These five themes will be addressed/examined throughout the six distinct times periods which
are:
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8000 BCE to 600 BCE
600 BCE to 600 CE
600 CE to 1450
1450 to 1750
1750 to 1900
1900 to the present
The primary method of examining these five themes which are prevalent throughout the six
before mentioned time periods is to utilize a variety of college level works which include, but are
not limited to, a primary college level text, a wide variety of primary sources and historical
interpretations which provide insight into the evolutionary process of historical thought and
analysis. These resources will help the student to develop the analytical skills necessary to
identify point of view, bias, and any other hidden agendas which are often found in historical
documents..
The text, individual primary or secondary sources, diagrams, pictures, graphs etc., will all be
utilized by the student in order to develop and refine the art of historical analysis by focusing on
the following four historical thinking skills:
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Crafting historical arguments from historical evidence
Chronological reasoning
Comparison and contextualization
Historical interpretation and synthesis
Course Expectations
***AP World is taught at the level of a first year college course. Most students find the
workload, pace of this course, reading level, and general expectations extremely demanding. It is
entirely possible to work very hard and still not receive an A in this course. Any student
considering this course should keep this in mind and adjust their expectations accordingly. ***
 Prepare to take the AP Exam on next spring.
 Participate in class on a daily basis.
 Complete all assignments thoroughly and on time.
 Abide by all school rules outlined in student handbook.
 Make up work when absent IMMEDIATELY. Contact instructor and send assignments in
electronically if due. Make prior arrangements for planned absences. If you miss a test,
be prepared to make it up after school within one week of test administration.
 Keep a well organized and complete binder for the entire year and bring it to class daily.
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 Ask instructor for help if needed – I am committed to helping you succeed.
 Master the elements of historical writing required by the AP World examination.
 Learn how to make arguments based on the interpretation and analysis of primary
sources.
 Acquire the ability to frame historical content within the “themes” described above.
 Accumulate the knowledge and skill required to sit for the AP World History
examination.
 Challenge yourself to work hard and maintain high standards.
Classroom Rules
1.)
No food or drink (except water) is allowed in the classroom.
2.)
Students must follow the Rancho Cell Phone Policy and Dress Code Policy.
3.)
Students are to be respectful of the teacher and each other. Things which are considered
disrespectful include but is not limited to foul language, rude gestures, passing notes, etc.
4.)
Students are to remain quietly seated while the teacher is instructing at the board. If an
issue arises, please raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
5.)
Bathroom passes will be issued to one student at a time, no other students will be allowed
to leave the room until the previous student has returned. Please plan accordingly. If there is
some sort of emergency, students may request a pass to the nurse.
Classroom Rules Enforcement
1.)
2.)
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4.)
First infraction, verbal warning/teacher conference
Second infraction, 20 minute after school detention
Third infraction, 40 minute after school detention and parent call
Fourth infraction, dean’s referral
Course Materials
Primary Source
The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History, by Richard A. Bulliet, et. al., Boston: Houghton
Mifflin; 3rd AP ed., 2004.
Secondary Sources
Sources of World History: Readings for World History, by Mark A. Kishlansky, Australia:
Thomson Wadsworth; 3rd ed., 2003.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond, New York: W.W.
Norton & Co., 1997.
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There will be many other resources (primary source documents, graphic organizers, journals,
etc.) given throughout the year to supplement the textbooks. Also, there is a virtual library of
commercially published study guides, practice tests, outlines and aids that assist students in
preparing for the AP World Exam. The use of such materials is not required. However, I highly
recommend that you make a visit to your local bookstore and investigate these tools as many
students find them extremely useful.
How Grades are Determined
Grades will be based on….
 Participation in class activities/class work
 Homework
 Essays
 Unit Tests
Grading Scale A=90-100 B=89-80 C=79-70 D=69-60 F=59 and below
1st Quarter = 40% of Semester Grade
2nd Quarter = 40% of Semester Grade
Final Exam = 20% of Semester Grade
NOTE – Your grade on the AP exam is NOT a factor in your grade for the class.
Homework
All the assigned readings MUST be done by the due date listed on the calendar. It is important to
note that class discussion assumes that you have done the reading. Pop quizzes may be given to
determine student completion of this assignment. I will not simply “explain” the previous night’s
reading in class. The readings are building blocks that we will build upon during class lectures
and discussions. Be prepared with any questions you may have pertaining to the material.
Other than the reading assignments and essays described below, the amount of homework you
will receive depends on what is accomplished in class and what material still needs to be
covered. Homework will not be assigned every night; however you should have something to do
between chapter reading, essays, studying, etc. Plan to spend about an hour a night preparing for
this class. All homework assignments will be listed on your calendar and/or Edline. I will not
continually remind you of upcoming assignments. It is your responsibility to be mindful of
assignments and turn them in on the specified due date. “I forgot” is not an acceptable excuse.
Make up/Late work policy – In short, the will be no late work accepted unless the student can
provide proof of illness which is in line with the accepted policies of the CCSD. This is a college
level class which requires students and teacher alike, to adhere to a strict schedule and even
stricter guidelines to ensure our ability to cover all of the required material prior to the A.P.
exam.
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Year Long Note Card Assignment
To help review the content and study for the AP exam, you will create a series of study cards
explaining critical subjects of the course. Students will be given an extensive list of key terms for
each unit. For each identified term, write it on the front of the 3X5 index card. On the other side
explain who or what it is, and explain its historical significance. Cards will be graded at the end
of each unit.
Writing for the AP Examination
There will be three types of essays that appear on the AP World Exam. Preparation for such
essays is a central aspect of the course. Students will learn to write, through extensive practice,
the DBQ (Document Based Question), SAQ (Short Answer Question) and the LEQ (Long Essay
Question). Successful writing for these prompts requires students address a very specific set of
criteria largely unique to each essay type. Assistance on writing these essays will be given at the
beginning of the year. Each essay will be graded according to a rubric that emphasizes criteria
similar to what is expected on the AP World exam. Many students find writing the most difficult
part of this course. The only way to learn to write well is to write often.
NOTE: Unless attempted/completed in class to replicate A.P. exam conditions, all essays for this
class must be typed. Format is as follows: 12pt New Times Roman font, 1 inch margins, and
double spaced.
The AP Examination
Students sit for the 2017 AP World Exam in the Spring. The best source for general information
regarding AP courses and the College Board is the following website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf
The home page specific to the AP World course is
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/4484.html
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Please read over the syllabus and keep it for your records. Return this slip to Mr. Siekerman by
the next class period.
By signing this I acknowledge that I have read the above syllabus, and agree to all of its rules
and regulations. If I have any questions or concerns I will contact Mr. Siekerman at
[email protected]
Parent/Guardian signature ________________________________________
Student signature _______________________________________________
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