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Honors World History
Hickory Ridge High School
Mrs. Emily Pleasants- Instructor
7321 Raging Ridge Rd. – Harrisburg, NC 28075
704.454.7300 ext. 1603
Course Description
World History is a survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore recurring themes of
human experience common to civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary times. An
historical approach will be at the center of the course. The application of the themes of geography and an
analysis of the cultural traits of civilizations will help students understand how people shape their world and
how their world shapes them. As students examine the historical roots of significant events, ideas,
movements, and phenomena, they encounter the contributions and patterns of living in civilizations around
the world. Students broaden their historical perspectives as they explore ways societies have dealt with
continuity and change, exemplified by issues such as war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the
development of institutions. To become informed citizens, students require knowledge of the civilizations
that have shaped the development of the United States. World History provides the foundation that enables
students to acquire this knowledge which will be used in the study of Civics and Economics and United
States History. Through the study of World History, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary
to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world.
Course Outline
1. The World History course will address eight (8) periods in the study of World History, with a key focus
of study from the mid 15th century to present. Periods are grouped in a way that reflects accepted
periodization by historians. Learning units will be created within the framework of these time
periods.
Period 1- How It All Began: Civilization
Period 2- Pulling It All Together: Empire
Period 3- For Better or Worse: Calamity
and Prosperity
Period 4- Room for Improvement:
Innovation and Reform
Period 5- In Search of More: Expansion and
Exchange
Period 6- You’ve Got to Fight for Your
Rights: Revolution
Period 7- The Path to War:Global Conflicts
Period 8- We’re All in This Together:
Interdependence
2. Larger critical concepts will be addressed in each unit of study. Concepts to be discussed include but
are not limited to the following: Conflict, Compromise, Change, Freedom, Equality, Power,
Boundaries, Civilization, Culture, Religion, Cultural Diffusion, Trade, Government, Technology,
Interaction, and Beliefs.
3. For more information regarding the North Carolina Essential Standards for World History visit
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/social-studies/world.pdf.
Requirements
1. Daily Assignments: Includes the successful completion of all class work (including reading quizzes)
and assigned homework. Homework will be assigned almost every class period and should be
completed individually unless specified by the teacher. Copied work will receive a grade of zero
for both parties involved.
2. Reading Quizzes: Handwritten notes may be used during reading quizzes.
3. Notebooks: All students are required to keep an organized notebook for World History. All notes,
handouts, journal entries, and assignments must be included. The notebooks will be scored after
each unit of study.
4. Tests: Periodic tests will be given upon the completion of each unit. All tests include a variety of
question formats.
5. Projects: All students must complete assigned projects. Type and format of the projects will vary
depending on the area of study. All honors students are required to complete the honors paper
assignment during the first quarter of the semester.
6. Class Participation and Cooperation: All students will be graded on their participation and behavior in
class.
Grading
Daily Assignments/Quizzes: 20%
Notebooks: 20%
Tests/Projects: 60%
NC Final Exam for World History = 25% of Semester Average
Increased rigor earns Honors students 4.5 points towards the Grade Point Average.
Supplies
All students are required to bring a pen or pencil, loose-leaf paper, and one binder. It is
recommended that students purchase colored pencils. Textbooks will be assigned at the beginning of the
semester and must be brought to class. ALL TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COVERED! Students may be charged at
the end of the school year for any textbook not returned in good condition.
Class Rules
1. Obey all school rules and policies. I will adhere to the tardy and absence policy. Maximum number of
absences for the class is 8 days to receive credit for the course. 4 tardies/check-ins/check-outs = 1 absence.
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings unless otherwise directed at the beginning and end of class. Enter
and leave in an orderly fashion. Do not leave without permission.
3. Be prepared for class each day. Bring all books and materials to class each day. Arrive with an open
mind and a positive attitude.
4. Respect your classmates, teacher, and school property. Raise your hand and wait for permission to
speak. Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking. Show respect towards others in the classroom by
giving them your attention. Sleeping in class is not acceptable.
5. Do not eat or drink in the classroom! You will be asked to dispose of food items. Students are allowed
water bottles with screw tops. Keep the classroom clean by properly disposing of trash.
6. The bell does not dismiss you, I DO! Bells are an indication for teachers to dismiss classes. We will use
our full class time daily and reminders regarding instructions and homework assignments are given at the
end of class. Please wait for proper dismissal from your teacher.
Bathroom Policy
All students will receive 5 bathroom passes per quarter. Please use these wisely as no more passes
will be issued unless a medical condition has been documented.
Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for his or her own behavior. I expect each of you to behave as mature,
young adults. I do not expect you to behave in a manner that only disgraces you in front of your classmates
and teacher. However, for those of you who choose to not follow the established rules and procedures, the
following consequences will be followed:
1st: Verbal Warning
2nd: 15 minute detention
3rd: 30 minute detention and parent contact
4th: Referral to Control Room
Class cutting, violation of hall pass privileges, and failure to report for detention will be reported to the
school office. Continued disruptive behavior during class will result in removal to the control room. The
teacher reserves the right to remove a student at any time for violation of school rules.
Academic Expectations
Always give your best effort on all assignments and activities. Take every opportunity to learn,
grow, and achieve. Please do your OWN work at ALL times. Your personal honor and integrity are
important parts of who you are and I’m sure you would not want to diminish that by cheating or plagiarizing.
However, should you choose to violate this integrity expect severe consequences. Students caught cheating –
copying another student’s work - will receive no credit for the assignment and referral to administration.
Students caught plagiarizing – stealing and passing off the work of another as one's own or using another's
work without crediting the source -will have the opportunity to resubmit their assignment with the
possibility of earning up to a 50%.
I encourage you to see me after class or school if you feel that you are falling behind or “in over your head.”
We will work together to see that you succeed!
BULL Time Expectations
All World History students are expected to attend all assigned BULL Time tutorials. Teachers are at liberty
to assigned tutorials as needed for: enrichment, remediation, missing work, failing grades, and discipline.
Students who do not attend assigned tutorials will be referred to Administration. Students may elect to
attend BULL time tutorials for all of the following but not limited to: test review, small group instruction,
retests, one-on-one tutoring, and collaborative group work.
Rewards
There will be many opportunities for student/teacher interaction over the course of the semester. Students
who participate in class will reap the rewards of their hard work, dedication, and persistence with the
following:
 Movies and Movie Clips
 Extra Credit Opportunities
 Group Assignments
 Role Play
 Projects and Presentations
 Simulations
Late and Make-Up Work Policy
All assignments are due on the date designated. It is my policy NOT to accept late work but I
understand that circumstances might arise that prevents its completion. If this is the case, a student may
turn in work late under the following constraints:
 Assignments turned in after a deadline but before the assignment has been returned to the
class may receive a score up to a 70%.
 Assignments turned in after a deadline and after it has been returned to the class may
receive a score up to a 50%.
However, if you are absent due to illness or unexpected circumstances it is YOUR responsibility to contact
me before or after school or at the end of class for your make up work or questions regarding what you
missed. A make-up work folder will be maintained and should be referred to before coming to me. Make-up
work should be turned in completed within 5 days of your return to school.
WELCOME!
I look forward to spending an exciting and educational semester with you at HRHS. It will take a lot
of hard work, but if you’re dedicated to the process you will walk away a better student. However, if you
feel unsure, even in over your head, please see me as soon as possible. The sooner we know the problem,
the sooner we can work to reach success. I am available before and after school if you would like to drop by
for questions, issues, or just to chat. You can also contact me by phone at (704) 454-7300 ext. 1603 or by
email at [email protected].
In Raging Bull Spirit,
Emily W. Pleasants