COURSE OVERVIEW, REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

MRS. LEVINE

slevineqhs@gmail.comsaralevine@quincypublicschools.com

http://slevineqhs.weebly.com

World History AdvancedRoom D325

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a year-long course that begins with an examination of the question: What forces have combined to shape the world today? This question serves as a focus for our study of world history from 3000 BCE through 1600 CE, as we investigate the fundamental facts, concepts and themes that allow students to understand the major forces that have shaped Eastern and Western civilization. Included will be a study of Asian, African and pre-Columbian civilizations. Students will consider the conditions that led to early European civilization, the origins and spread of Islam, the rise of Feudalism, and the Renaissance. The course concludes with the problems and reforms of the Renaissance and Reformation and the patterns of political and economic thought that accompanied that period.

As we approach this course, and work together to study world history, please keep these essential questions in mind:

1. How has the changing relationship between human beings and the physical and natural environment affected human life from early times to the present?;

2. Why have relations among humans become so complex since early times?; and,3. How have human views of the world, nature, and the cosmos changed over time?

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. One three-ring binder, specifically for history class (see below for instructions on set-up);2. Pen or pencil;3. Loose leaf paper; and,

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COURSE OUTCOMES

Over this upcoming year, you will have the opportunity to:

Become conversant in a broad range of issues related to world history; Think critically about global history from many historical perspectives; Deepen your understanding of how our global identity is impacted by early world history Identify the key events, people and places in world history

COURSE RULES AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

There are a few rules that need to be followed to ensure the success of our classroom:

1. Respect your peers, teacher and physical surroundings;2. Be in your seat when the bell rings. Unexcused lateness will result in a detention or a referral

to the dean; and,3. Class cuts = 5 points off your final grade and a referral to the dean.

These are my expectations of you as students:

o Attend class everyday.o Come to class prepared – this means with your binder, a writing tool, and an open mind.o Complete all assignments, both in and out of class.o Participate!! o If you do not understand something, simply ask! You’ll be doing yourself, and probably

someone else, a favor.o Always try your hardest.

BINDER ORGANIZATION AND BINDER CHECKS

You must have 6 binder dividers (it is easiest to purchase an 8 pack of dividers). You will use 6 of them during the first semester, and then you may re-use the same 6 with new labels for the second semester. You may label the binders by unit number or name, with separate dividers for India and Japan.

Binder checks are scheduled to occur during unit assessments, but may be checked at any time.

AVAILABILITY

E-Mail: I am available by e-mail. I check my e-mail regularly throughout the day and will respond to any questions you have as soon as possible.

Before/After School: I am available before school, starting at 7:30 in Room D325, and after school in room D325 until 3 pm everyday. If you’d like to stay later, or meet with me earlier in the morning, I can meet you then – but you must ask me at least 1 day in advance.

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GRADING

Your grades will be based on a point system. Every assignment will be assigned a certain value in points as listed below.

A. Classwork = (5 – 75 points)

Class work includes any activity completed, collected and graded during class. Class work assignments can be made up only if the student is absent the day it was assigned. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to come and see me for work that you missed while you were out of class. Participation will be an important part of your class work grade – it is to your benefit to stay awake and pay attention in class.

B. Homework = (10 – 100 points)

Homework will be assigned with due dates. You must complete the work and turn it on the assigned due date, or you may not receive credit for it. All late homework assignments will lose 25% per day late. If you are absent it is your responsibility to check for any assignments you might have missed.

C. Quizzes = (10 – 100 points)

Quizzes will be announced and unannounced. Homework may be checked by a short quiz at the beginning of any class period. If you are absent the day of a quiz, it is your responsibility to come see me to make it up.

D. Tests = (100-200 points)

Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit. Most tests will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answers, and essays. If you are absent on the day of a test, it must be made up within ONE WEEK of when you return from your absence, or it will be entered as a 0 in the grade book.

E. Projects/Essay = (100-200 points)

Each term projects, or essays, may be assigned to accompany a unit. More information will be provided when a project is assigned. Long term assignments will lose 10% on the first day, and 5% on each subsequent day.

At the end of each term I will determine the total number of points for all assignments and calculate your grade. For example, at the end of a term the total possible number of points for all assignments is 750 and a student has accumulated 660 points: 660750 = 88. The student would receive a grade of 88% for the first term.

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COURSE METHODOLOGY

Unit 1: World Religions

Hinduism Judaism Buddhism Christianity

Unit 2: China

Topic Outline

An Empire Unifies China Two Great Dynasties in China The Mongol Conquests Empire of the Great Khan China Rejects European Outreach

Unit 3: India and Japan

Topic Outline

Southeast Asia and Korea India Japan

Unit 4: The Muslim World

Topic Outline

Rise of Islam Islam Spreads Golden Age of Muslim Civilization Islamic & Mughal Rulers in India

Unit 5: Africa

Topic Outline

Kush and Axum Empires West African Civilizations African Culture

Unit 6: The Americas

Topic Outline

Mayan Empire Aztec Empire Inca Empire

Unit 7: From Rome to Byzantium: Empires That Set the Stage for Europe

Topic Outline

Rise of the Roman Empire Roman Society & Culture Rise of Christianity Fall of the Roman Empire in the

West Rise of the Byzantine Empire Rise of Russia

Unit 8: Middle Ages

Topic Outline

Vikings Manorialism & Feudalism Crusades Life & Culture of the Middle Ages Wars & Growth of Nations

Unit 9: Renaissance, Reformation & Scientific Revolution

Topic Outline

Renaissance Writers & Artists Reformation Exploration Scientific Revolution

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