World History Syllabus

Ms. Wilford

Course Description: The first semester of this two-semester course provides a general overview of world history from the beginning of human civilizations to the rise of the modern world (circa AD 1500). The course explores the differing cultural/historical backgrounds of various geographical areas of the world.

General Course Goals:

	To develop students abilities to relate to other cultures outside the United States.
	To provide students with an understanding of the role that environmental and geographical forces play in shaping human cultures and histories.
	To provide students with knowledge about different races, religions and cultures which have contributed to our global community and past human history

Required Text and Materials:

	Textbook: World History: The Human Journey, Holt 2005 This textbook is found online at: http://www.go.hrw.com
	Notebook for class notes
	Folder for class handouts
	Pens and pencils

Classroom Procedure: The topics introduced in this course will be presented in a variety of ways. There will be some lecture/discussion sessions with occasional films, group activities, computer simulations and on-line research activities. Students are required to take and keep notes, maps and all homework in a class notebook.

How will you be graded?

	20% of your grade will be based upon your activities/portfolios/projects/journals
	20% of your grade will be based upon daily assignments and activities. (Homework grade is based upon neatness, accuracy and promptness. Assignments handed in late will receive a lowered grade unless student has an excused absence. Students who miss class are responsible to see instructor before or after school to make up work.)
	20% of your grade will be based upon test scores
	20% of your grade will be based upon quiz scores.
	20% of your grade will be based upon your Semester Final test grade.

92%

82%

62.5%

53%

A-

89.5%

B-

79.5%

C-

59.5%

D-

50%

B+

87.5%

C+

77%

D+

57%

49% or less

World History: Course Outline Ms. Wilford

Units of Study and Homework Assignments

Note to Student: The grade you earn is the only grade you will get in this class. If, for any reason, you do not wish to do the work that will be involved in making your effort a success, you may wish to look for greener pastures. No work = no grade!

Your Responsibilities and Assignments: Read the assigned textbook chapter (we will be covering approximately one chapter each week)

In your history notebook, complete the following sections of each chapter review page for a homework grade.

	· Identifying people and Ideas · Understanding Main Ideas section questions · Chapter Activities: (Choose either one Critical Thinking activity or one Portfolio Project, or one Writing About History activity to complete each chapter

Complete weekly in-class reading assignment/reading journal question

Semester Project

Semester Exam and Project __________________________________(end of 3^rd 6 weeks)

Suggested Semester Projects:

Create a web page "hot-list" of links about a world history subject/topic

Choose a chapter or section from the textbook to present and teach, utilizing a power point presentation

Create a "travel brochure" to the past for a specific time or culture

Create a world history board game

Make your own film enacting an ancient myth or true story of the past

Organize & Plan a World History Culture Day for the classroom (involves food, dress and entertainment)