Download File - Waldrop`s World History

Advanced Placement World History
Matthew Waldrop
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @Waldrop_LMHS
Web: www.waldrophistory.weebly.com
Remind 101: Text @mrwaldrop to 606-685-9078
I. Course Description
Advanced Placement World History is designed to prepare students for intermediate and
advanced college courses by making demands similar to those of a full-year college survey
course. AP World History develops a greater understanding of global processes, encounters, and
interactions that have shaped human history since 8000 B.C.E. The course is designed to assist
students in developing a greater appreciation of the diverse approaches to the study of history.
Daily activities focus on the mastery of a selective body of factual knowledge and the
development of analytical skills required of advanced college students. Critical reading and
writing skills are developed through the evaluation of primary and secondary sources, oral
presentations, short essays, and research assignments.
II. Course Objectives
The overall theme of the course is that some knowledge of the past is necessary for understanding
the present and for plotting a course to the future. History is about asking questions, analyzing
evidence in an effort to answer these questions, and constructing an argument based on this
evidence. The themes that follow will guide our study of world history.
III. World History Themes:
1. Interaction between humans and the environment.
2. Development and interaction of cultures
3. State-building, expansion, and conflict.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems
5. Development and transformation of social structures.
IV. “Habits of Mind” and “Skills” to be developed:
How do historians…
Use evidence to construct and evaluate
arguments?
Use point of view, context, and frame of
reference to analyze documents?
Understand and interpret information?
Assess change and continuity over time?
Identify global patterns of time?
Understand the relationship between local
and global developments?
Make comparisons within and among
societies?
Understand diverse ideas, beliefs, and values
in historical context
V. Course Organization
The course consists of several broad topics. A brief course outline will be provided with this
syllabus. I will provide a more detailed outline with each unit.
Period 1: Technological and Environmental Transformations to 600 BCE
Period 2: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies from 600 BCE-600 CE
Period 3: Regional and Transregional Interactions from 600 CE- 1450 CE
Period 4: Global Interactions from 1450-1750 CE
Period 5: Industrialization and Global Integration from 1750-1900 CE
Period 6: Accelerating Global Change and Realignments from 1900- Present
VI. Course Requirements and Grades
Homework (20%):
Homework generally consists of reading assignments periodically assessed with guided questions.
These questions check your basic understanding of the assigned reading. Map assignments and document
analysis exercises complete the homework grade. Reading at home is critical to success in
this class.
Classwork (40%):
Classwork generally consists of cooperative learning assignments, reading assessments, document
analysis, in-class analytical essays, participation and other assignments. Most reading assessments will be
about the previous nights reading or the lectures given in the classroom. Participation generally consists
of participating in discussions and debates. All students are expected to participate. The time allotted for
discussion is an opportunity for students to critically evaluate the course material through an exchange of
ideas.
Tests/Projects (40%):
Tests generally consist of multiple choice, matching, identification, and essay questions. Tests will be
given every few weeks in order to assess students. Students are expected to write quite a bit in AP World
History. Analytical essays will be assigned throughout the year and will be counted as a test grade.
VII. AP Grading Scale
A
B
C
90-100
80-89
70-79
D
F
60-69
Below 60
VIII. Course Readings
AP World History includes a variety of readings from the AP World History textbook, a
collection of primary and secondary sources, and from world literature. Additional reading will
be provided throughout the course. Students are expected to take good care of their textbooks.
Students will be expected to read additional books throughout the year.
Text:
Stearns, Peter et al. World Civilizations: The Global Experience
Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World: A Global History with Sources
Recommended Review Guides:
(I highly recommend purchasing one within the first 6 weeks)
5 steps to a 5 by McGraw-Hill
Cracking the AP World History Exam by The Princeton Review
Additional Primary and Secondary Source Readings will be assigned throughout
the course.
Materials Needed:
Three-ring binder
Dividers for binder
Colored Pencils (for map activities)
IX. Classroom Policies and Procedures
A. Materials: All students are expected to bring their text, a pen, and a notebook to class each day unless
otherwise stated. All classwork and homework is to be done on filler paper in blue or black ink unless
otherwise stated. You will also need a folder with 3 prongs on the inside for the schoolwide literacy
initiative.
B. Attendance: Students are to be in their seats and ready to begin the day’s work when the bell rings.
Food and drink is not allowed in the classroom. There will be no trips to the locker to get materials that
you may have forgotten. Tardiness will be dealt with in accordance with school policy. Class work missed
as a result of tardiness will result in a zero for the assignment. Late students are not permitted extra time
for classwork or tests. Any student with an excused absence from class is responsible for all work missed.
It is your responsibility to make up work that you missed. Missed assignments should be retrieved from
the missed assignment bin in the classroom following the student’s return to school. Make-up
assignments not completed within a week will receive a zero. Unexcused absences will result in grade of
zero for the day’s work and on any assignments due on the day of the absence.
C. Participation:
Students are expected to participate in all classroom discussions. The time given to discussion provides an
opportunity for students to think through their ideas and learn from others in the class.
Follow the rules of common courtesy during discussion; respect is earned not granted.
Asking permission to the use bathroom does not constitute class participation. There is nothing more
annoying than a student who interrupts a lecture time again to ask to leave the classroom.
D. Assignments
Late homework assignments will not
be accepted unless you have an excused absence. Extra credit on homework
Homework is due at the beginning of class.
assignments will be given according to dates and points on homework assignment sheet. If a
student is absent, homework should be e-mailed to teacher in order to receive extra credit for that
day.
E. Tests: It is your responsibility to make up tests missed due to an excused absence. You will
only be excused from an exam if you have been absent for one or more consecutive days before
the test.
F. Leaving Class: Each student will receive two passes out of class per six weeks. Students are
advised to use these for EMERGENCIES only. Additional passes out of class will not be issued.
THE THREE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE ARE PLANNING, ORGANIZATION,
AND COMMUNICATION.
This syllabus is subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.
Parent and Student Agreement
I read the syllabus for Advanced Placement World History taught by Mr.
Waldrop at Louisville Male High School and agree to abide by the
policies of this class. (Or as the parent/guardian, I have read and
discussed this syllabus with my student).
Parent Signature:_________________________________
Student Signature:________________________________
Additionally, as the parent/guardian of ________________________ I
am aware that films will be utilized throughout the course to enhance
classroom learning and instruction. I understand that the films will be
utilized are listed below. I have marked out (drawn a line through) any
film I wish my student NOT to view. I understand that if my student is
not allowed to view a film, an assignment in lieu of the film will be
given to my student.
Film Name
Rating
Invictus
Swing Kids
PG-13
PG-13
Luther
PG-13
Les Miserables
PG-13
Reason for Rating
(Given by rating
agency.)
Brief Strong Language
Violence and some
Language
Disturbing Images of
Violence
Suggestive and sexual
material, violence and
thematic elements
Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________________