Download I have read the Syllabus and understand what is expected of me in

Welcome to World History!
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new
landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust, French Writer
Dear Students:
I want to personally welcome you to my class! I am very excited about the voyage
of discovery we will be taking together this year. We will be exploring different
cultures, customs, countries, points of view, political ideologies, religions and beliefs.
We will be traveling to different parts of the world during various periods of history
to better understand the people and events of that time. We will also be analyzing
those events to see how they’ve had an impact on our lives today. It is my hope that
as we travel back in time together, you will see world history through new eyes…those
of an adventurer.
I love to travel! One of the main reasons I love to travel is that it allows me to
see places and things that I have seen pictures of, heard about or read about. It
helps make history come alive and offers insight and relevance on what I have
learned. However, one does not have to physically travel somewhere to learn or to
experience that feeling of adventure you get when you travel. Isak Dinesen, the
famous Danish writer who wrote “Out of Africa” said, “I am a mental traveler.” By
this, she meant she traveled around the world by reading and thinking and imagining.
This year we will be traveling (mentally) around the globe. Our adventure will
include reading books, making maps, listening to songs and speeches, watching videos
and movies, hands-on activities, lectures, notes and power point presentations.
So pack your bags with the essential things you’ll need to travel and don’t forget
your Passport! We are headed for adventure and a historical journey back in time.
Ms. Sawyer
Essential Items to Pack and Bring to Class:
1.
Three-ring binder with paper.
2.
Pen or pencil.
3.
Lecture notes and handouts. (Keep in binder)
4. Open mind for learning new things.
5. Sense of Adventure
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is change that goes on,
deep and permanent in the ideas of living.”
Miriam Beard, American Writer
TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
The California State Standards for 10th grade will be covered in the Units listed below:
First Semester:
Unit 1 Ancient Civilization, Religions & the Development of Western Political Thought
Unit 2 Revolutions: English, American and French
Unit 3 Industrial Revolution
Unit 4 New Imperialism
Unit 5 Causes and Course of World War I
Unit 6 Effects of World War I
Second Semester:
Unit 7 Rise of Totalitarian Governments
Unit 8 Causes and Consequences of World War II
Unit 9 International Developments Post-World War II
Unit 10 Nation Building in Africa, China, Latin America, Mexico & the Middle East
Unit 11 Information, Technological and Communication Revolutions
Unit 12 United Nations/Current World History
COURSE PROCEDURES:
Homework: The most important homework assignment in this class is to read! You are
expected to read the assigned sections of the textbook (usually 3-4 pages) and answer
the assigned Key Terms and Standards Questions. You will take quizzes on a regular
basis based on your Homework and the notes we take in class. It is important to
understand that classroom activities and projects operate on the assumption that you
have read the assigned readings. Homework is only assigned once or twice (rarely) a
week, which is not excessive! So please do it! It will help your grade tremendously.
Homework Due Dates and Credit: Homework will be assigned on Monday and due on
Thursday. That may change occasionally due to holidays, etc. Homework is collected at
the beginning of the period on the due date for full credit. You may turn in your
homework one day late for 1/2 credit. Remember, 1/2 credit is still an “F” but at least
it is not a ZERO! So it is still better to do it late than not at all! If you are absent,
you may turn in your homework for full credit when you return. If you are absent for an
extended period, you have as many days to make up your work as you were absent.
Classwork Assignments: Assignments we do in class are usually due at the end of the
period or sometimes the next day for full credit. If you forget to turn in your class
work when it is due, you will only receive 1/2 credit. Please don’t forget to turn in your
work!
Quizzes: We will have frequent quizzes (weekly) on articles and text material we read in
class as well as on assigned homework reading. We will also have quizzes on lecture notes
we take in class. Quizzes are “open note” which means you may use your notes on them.
Almost all of the answers to the quizzes are in the notes, so please make sure you bring
your notes to class every day. Quizzes are usually between 10 - 20 questions. Make sure
you keep ALL your quizzes because I use those questions for the Tests.
Unit Tests: Tests will be given throughout the semester at the end of a Unit. (Not all
Units will have a Test though.) Tests are written from your lecture notes, homework and
quizzes, so organized notes are a critical part of being successful on your tests.
Sometimes I will give you a Study Guide to help you study for the tests and we will
review them in class together before the test. Most of the time however, the Tests will
be directly from the Quizzes, so keep ALL your Quizzes. Tests will be announced and on
the Calendar one week in advance.
Class Activities: Class activities include a variety of assignments, including: Coloring
maps, Handouts, Short Stories and Questions, Quick-Writes, Quick-Draws, Concept
Circles, Games, Videos, Movies, Posters, Class Discussion and Debates. You may be asked
to do some assignments in groups as well as individually.
Video Clips & Movies: Sometimes we’ll just watch short video clips and
other times we’ll watch a movie the entire period. Several movies we’ll
watch this year take 2-3 days. For short videos/movies, I just ask
that you listen and pay attention because they will enhance what we’re
learning in class or will help you with your homework. For longer movies,
you will be given a handout with questions to answer during the movie. The questions go
in order and are fairly easy to answer as you watch the movie.
Projects: You may have the opportunity to participate in both group and individual
projects during the year. The “hands-on” learning projects will depend on student
progress, attitude and effort. Information on specific projects will be provided later.
Binder/Calendar Checks: You are required to have a binder for this class.
You don’t have to have a binder specifically for History, but make sure
your other teachers do not collect your binder because you need to bring
it to class daily. I will give you a new Calendar every month to record our
weekly activities and will check your Calendar to make sure you have filled
it out half way through the month and at the end of the month. Each time
I check it your will receive 10 points! This is the easiest assignment
you will do in my class so please make sure you have it to show me when it’s due. It adds
up to 70-80 points each semester! Yeah! Easy! Stay Organized! Get Free Points!
Grading Policy: Assignments turned in late will receive 1/2 credit, so please make sure
assignments are turned in when they’re due! Quarter and Semester grades will be
determined using a weighted percentage system. Category weights are noted below:
Classwork 20%
Homework 20%
Quizzes 20%
Tests 20% Participation 20%
“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.” John Steinbeck
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RULES
Tardies: Please be on time to class. School tardy policies will be strictly
enforced. You need to be in your seat when the tardy bell rings…not running into class.
If you come in after the bell rings, you are tardy.! After your 3rd tardy, you will be
assigned “After School Work” and/or appropriate consequences for subsequent tardies.
Planners: You will need to use your Planner as a pass to use the restroom, get a drink
visit the nurse, office, etc. If you don’t have your Planner, borrow one or write a note on
a piece of paper for me to sign. Please don’t raise your hand to ask me to go somewhere.
Just fill out your planner and bring it up to me to sign. I don’t mind if your interrupt me.
Personal Needs: Please attend to personal needs before entering class. There is no
personal grooming allowed in class. This includes putting on make up, cleaning your hair
brush, etc. Also, many students have severe allergies and/or asthma so DO NOT put on
perfume or fragrant lotion in class. It can cause someone to have a severe reaction!!!
Electronics/Food: There are no cell phones or Ipods allowed in class unless we are using
them for an assignment. If I see you with one out, or you are playing with one in your
purse or backpack I will take it away. The 1st offense you can pick it up after school.
The 2nd offense your parent will need to come pick it up. You will also be assigned “After
School Work” for using your electronic devices. Also, food/candy is not allowed in class
unless I give it to you. You may chew gum and have drinks, but do not bring any food into
class! We don’t want ants!!! Also, please use the recycling can for your bottles and cans.
Environment: The most important component of a successful classroom is RESPECT!
Please be respectful of your classmates and their opinions. A classroom environment
which allows students to feel comfortable about asking questions and expressing opinions
is always the most effective and exciting for studying history. Please listen when
anyone is talking, especially your teacher! Disrespect will not be tolerated!
HELPFUL HINTS FOR SUCCESS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Bring your binder, pen/pencil to class every day.
Keep all of your work, lecture notes and handouts in your binder.
Do not throw ANYTHING out until the end of the Semester.
Stay organized! Keep your Calendar up to date daily.
Ask lots of questions!
Keep a positive attitude and an open mind.
Be respectful of others, their beliefs, opinions and property.
Be an active participant in classroom discussions.
Be willing to be a “mental traveler.”
Pace yourself; waiting until the last minute hinders the quality of your work. Also,
don’t wait until the last minute to do Extra-Credit. Do a little bit each month
MOST IMPORTANTLY: HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOURSELF!
Look forward to not just learning about History, but experiencing History
through the eyes of an adventurous traveler!
World History
Syllabus Acknowledgement Form
Ms. Sawyer’s Class
2015-2016
I have read the Syllabus and understand what is expected
of me in Ms. Sawyer’s class. I agree to adhere to the rules
and regulations stated in the Class Syllabus.
____________________
Student name
____________________
Student signature
As a responsible parent/guardian, I have read the Class
Syllabus and understand what is expected of my student
in Ms. Sawyer’s class and know that I play an important
role in helping my student be successful. I understand that
if my student does not adhere to the rules and regulations
stated, that disciplinary action will be taken.
____________________
Parent/Guardian name
____________________
E-mail #
____________________
Cell phone #
____________________
Parent/Guardian signature