COURSE OVERVIEW, REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

MRS. LEVINE

slevineqhs@gmail.comsaralevine@quincypublicschools.com

http://slevineqhs.weebly.com

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 500 AD through the Renaissance and Reformation, 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 review 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;2. Pen or pencil;3. Loose leaf paper; and,4. Binder Dividers - you will need 8.

1

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;3. Class cuts = 5 points off your final grade and a referral to the dean; and, 4. Strike Rule: Any behavioral problems, such as offensive, derogatory or disrespectful language

will result in the student receiving a strike. Once the student receives 3 strikes, it will result in the student being removed from the class and sent to the dean. Fighting, screaming, and other sorts of gross misconduct will result in immediate removal from class and being sent 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!! You will enjoy the course more if you do!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.

AVAILABILITY

E-Mail: I am available by e-mail at all times. 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 D205, and after school in room D205 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 1 day in advance.

THOMAS CRANE LIBRARY HOURS

Monday – Thursday: 9 am to 9 pm, Friday – Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm.

2

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 – 50 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 – 50 points)

Homework will be assigned with due dates. It is in your best interest to do your homework on the night it is assigned, as it specifically relates to our classroom discussions. If you are absent it is your responsibility to check with me 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. Binder = (100 points)

Your binder will be graded twice a term. Your binder is extremely important. You will receive no credit for things falling out or tucked into the pockets. Your binder should be neat and well organized with clearly labeled sections for each unit.

E. 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.

F. Projects = (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.

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.

3

Assessment Tools

AttendanceClass ParticipationCo-operative Learning ProjectsDocument AnalysisEssaysExamsFinal ExamsHomeworkMap IllustrationsNotebooksPresentationsProjectsQuizzesRubricsStudent Self-AssessmentTeacher Observation

Instructional Techniques

Cooperative LearningDiscussionGuided PracticeHomework PrepIndependent PracticeLectureManipulative-Based ActivitiesMultimedia PresentationsRole PlayingStudent DemonstrationsStudent Learning/SummariesStudent PresentationsTeacher DemonstrationsTeacher PresentationsTechnology-Based ActivitiesWarm-up Activities

The below course methodology and assessment are reflective of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for History and the 21st Century Outcomes listed here:

Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks:

Chronology and CauseHistorical UnderstandingResearch, Evidence and Point of ViewEconomic ReasoningHuman Alteration of the EnvironmentSociety, Diversity, Commonality and the IndividualPlaces and Regions of the World

21st Century Student Outcomes

Creativity & InnovationThinks CreativelyWorks Well with Others

Critical Thinking & Problem SolvingReasons EffectivelySolves Problems

Communication & CollaborationCommunicate Clearly

Information, Media, Technology SkillsInformation Literacy

Life and Career SkillsFlexibilityInitiative and Self-direction

Productivity and AccountabilityManage ProjectsProduce results

Leadership and ResponsibilityGuide and Lead Others

Be Responsible to Others

4

COURSE METHODOLOGY

Unit 1: The Roman World

Topic Outline

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

Unit 2: Byzantine Empire & The Rise of Russia

Topic Outline

Rise of the Byzantine Empire Byzantine Achievements Rise of Russia

Unit 3: The Muslim World

Topic Outline

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

Unit 4: Africa and the Americas

Topic Outline

Kush and Axum Empires West African Civilizations African Culture Maya Empire Aztec Empire Inca Empire

Unit 5: China

Topic Outline

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

5

Unit 6: India and Japan

Topic Outline

Southeast Asia and Korea India Japan

Unit 7: Middle Ages

Topic Outline

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

Unit 8: Renaissance, Reformation & Scientific Revolution

Topic Outline

Renaissance Writers & Artists Reformation Exploration Scientific Revolution

6