World History Syllabus

James B. Conant High School

Fall 2004

Mr. Moravek

World History is a Freshman and Sophomore elective class. This class is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the modern world by studying its development from the beginning of the first civilizations in Mesopotamia. As students study the progressive development of human civilization, they will also be expected to keep abreast of current events (political and cultural) around the world. An emphasis will be placed upon examining key historical themes as they relate to each progressive civilization and how each previous civilization impacts later societies. Students will use critical thinking skills and analytical skills to help understand the cause and effect relationship between various civilizations and in the development if the modern world.

Course Expectations:

1. Participate in class discussions / lectures.

2. Give your best effort. If your best effort is falling short of your expectations then you need to talk to me.

3. Turn in all homework on time. Late Homework is a ZERO!!!

4. Be here. Be on time (in your seat by the bell).

5. Bring your textbook, notebook and a pen to class everyday.

6. All students must have a three ring binder for class. All notes, handouts and assignments should be placed into your binder. From time to time binders will be collected and checked overnight.

7. Be polite and courteous at all times.

Grading:

Quarter Grades:

Student grades will be calculated on the basis of total points. Each assignment will have a point value (homework will usually be worth between 5-20 points each, exams and projects 75-100 points each). At the end of each quarter the amount of points accumulated by the student will be divided by the total points possible.

Semester Grades:

Each quarter grade will account for 40% of the student’s semester grade with the final exam accounting for the last 20%.

Grading Scale:

A 100-90

B 89-80

C 79-70

D 69-60

Course Outline:

First Semester: Introduction to History First Civilizations: Mesopotamia / Egypt First Civilizations: India / China Greece Rome World of the Americas (Central and South America) Islam / Early Civilizations of Africa Asia 400-1500 European Civilization / Middle Ages 400-1300

Second Semester: Renaissance and Reformation Muslim Empire Development of Nation States Enlightenment Industrial Revolution / Nationalism Imperialism First World War / Russian Revolution Between the Wars World War Two Cold War

*Current events will be a continuing topic in the beginning of every class period.

Text:

A copy of the class textbook will be issued to each student. Students should write their book number and describe any significant damage to their books on the book card. Any damage not noted on the card or failure to return the book with the correct number will result in a fee to replace the textbook

.

Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History The Human Odyssey. West Publishing Company, 1998.

Notebook:

All students are required to have a dedicated three-ring notebook. The notebook will be collected and graded over night periodically.

Office Hours:

I am available every morning before school in the social studies office. I am also available for help during my preparation periods.