World History (Grade 9): Course Syllabus ‘07/08

 

Teacher: 

 

Mr. Levansavich

 

SHS Mission Statement: 

 

At Sutton High School, we are committed to providing a foundation on which all students have the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and personal development in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

 

Social Studies Department Expectations: 

 

The Sutton High Student demonstrates cultural awareness.

The Sutton High Student works cooperatively

The Sutton High Student works independently

 

Course Description:

 

This survey course covers from c.1700 A.D. to the present day, including contributions of the many cultures and civilizations that have shaped the modern world.  World history plays a major role in the understanding of our contemporary world.  Through the learning of the social, political, technological, and economic contributions of different civilizations, students are expected to have a greater appreciation of these different cultures and peoples. 

 

Course Content

 

1.       Review early humans and their beginning civilizations

2.       Review early EPIC civilizations

3.       Review empires and medieval Europe

4.       Review the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Discovery, Scientific Revolution, & Absolutism

5.       The Enlightenment, English Monarchs, & American Revolution (1715-1800)

6.       The French Revolution (1789-1815)

7.       The Industrial Revolution/ Life in the Industrial Age (1750-1910)

8.       The Age of Ideologies in Europe and Latin America

9.       Growth of Nationalism (1800-1914)

10.   New Imperialism (1800-1914)

11.   WWI and its aftermath (1914-1919)

12.   The Russian Revolution and USSR (1917-1953)

13.   The Rise of Dictators (1919-1930)

14.   WWII and its aftermath (1939-1949)

15.   The Cold War (1945-1991)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following is a very tentative schedule for the upcoming school year.  Some variations may occur, but this should provide an outlook of the content to be covered.

Date

Chapter

Content

8/29-8/30/07

Course Introduction, Pretest?

My expectations/philosophy, What is History?, Notes

 

Review  begins

Review Prehistoric Times, Define Prehistory; review

9/4-9/7

Review & Handouts

Early Humans & EPIC civilizations

9/10-9/14

   “”                “”

Roman and Greek Civilizations

9/17–9/21

   “”                “”

The Renaissance, the Reformation

9/24-9/28

   “”                “”

The Age of Discovery, Absolutism,  & Science Rev.

10/1–10/4

Chapter 1

Relive the Enlightenment of Europe, great inventions,

10/9–10/12

 

Thinkers, and revolutionaries. American Rev.

10/15-10/19

Chapter 2

Learn the reasons why the American Rev. influenced

10/22-10/26

 

The French Rev. as well as their historical importance

10/29-11/2

Chapter 3/5

Discover the reasons for the Industrial Rev., where it

11/5-11/9

 

took place, great inventions, and local/state history

11/13-11/16

 

Watch Industry spread & life change around the world.

11/19-11/21

 

Sutton/MA history

11/26-11/30

Chapter 4

See what occurred in other countries such as Latin

12/3-12/7

 

America during the time of European expansion

12/10-12/14

Chapter 6

Define nationalism and how it played a part in the

12/17-12/21

 

unification of nations, cultures, and wars

1/2/08-1/4/08

Chapter 7

Learn about the growth of reform and of democracy

1/7-1/11

 

around the world

1/14-1/17

Chapter 8

Define and understand imperialism, the nations that led

1/22-1/25

 

This movement & its impact. Trace the development of

1/28-2/1

Chapter 9

Dominions, colonies, and Japan’s modernization

2/4-2/8

Chapter 10

Learn about the reasons for WWI and the impact it had

2/11-2/15

 

on the world.  Discover the effects war has

2/25-2/29

 

Learn about the Treaty of Versailles/14 pts.

3/3-3/7

Chapter 11

Realize the impact the Russian Revolution had on

3/10-3/14

 

WWI and the Russians themselves.  Key Figures

3/17-3/19

Chapter 12

Discover the world between two fires (wars) and how a

3/24-3/28

 

World war leads to world wide instability

3/31-4/4

Chapter 13

See the rise of democracy as well as capitalism.

4/7-4/11

 

totalitarianism, fascism, and communism

4/14-4/18

Chapter 14

Learn about the second world war, the role of

4/28-5/2

 

technology and science in war and its global impact.

5/5-5/9

Chapter 15

Learn of the world after WWII, the wars economic

5/12-5/16

 

impact, and the rebuilding of nations. Politics/science

5/19-5/23

Chapter 16

Learn about superpowers, the cold war, and the threat

5/27-5/30

 

of nuclear arms, conflicts in the Middle East, Billy Joel.

6/2-6/6

MCAS?

 

6/9-6/13

Final Review

Review of all chapters and pertinent information

6/16-6/18

Finals

Final Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze and synthesize information, develop criteria for making judgments, distinguish fact from opinion, draw inferences, draw conclusions, observe for detail, organize and express ideas in verbal and written form, perceive cause & effect relationships, sequence historical data and information, make generalizations, translate one medium from another, and use problem solving skills.  The objectives will be facilitated through the use of our textbook, various primary sources, handouts, and research (online and other).

Course Textbook:  

 

Ellis, Elisabeth Gaynor and Anthony Esler.  World History: Connections to Today, The Modern Era.  New York: Prentice Hall, 1999.

 

Course Requirements and Expectations:

 

·         As an adult I have learned to better myself by learning to respect all people, looking to each for enlightenment.  I pledge to respect each and every one of you, accepting what each has to say and valuing their opinions.  Through respect of you, I hope a mutual respect will exist for all.

·         Strict discipline is enforced and each will be addressed individually regarding any disciplinary infractions. I will not tolerate disrespectful attitudes and the wasting of your classmates and my time.  I don’t give detention. I give ASH (After School Help).

·         Whatever happens in the classroom stays in the classroom!

·         BE PREPARED.  This includes always having a: pen/pencil, notebook, textbook, folder, and any assignment that may be due.  I prefer each has a single subject notebook and a folder to keep all handouts given throughout the course of the year (BONUS points will be given at the end of each semester for all handouts retained). Not being prepared may result in detention.  Students should also be up on current news and can expect news quizzes.

·         TEXTBOOKS must remained covered all year long or ASH.  Lost or damaged textbooks must be paid for; failure to do so will result in a disciplinary action.  Students will be assigned a number that they are responsible for all year.

·         Students should review student handbook policies on academic dishonesty, for it will be enforced.  This includes all forms of plagiarism as it applies to all aspects of student life.

·         I do not like to issue passes, for it is an interruption in class time (bring tissues and cough drops). You are all mine for 45 minutes.  If you are late to class, you will receive ASH.

·         If you are absent or miss class, it is YOUR duty to obtain class topics, notes and assignments from a fellow student or myself. I WILL NOT CHASE YOU TO MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS.  BE RESPONSIBLE YOUNG ADULTS AND STAY ON TASK!!!  Also, if you are in school, but are not in class (late, field trip, fire drill, etc.), you are still responsible for the assignment given that day.

·         Extra help is available before and after school, or during my prep period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading, Class work/Homework, and Attendance:

 

Grading systems may vary for each class, but it consists basically of the same things:  attendance, homework, class participation, papers, reflections, projects, tests, and quizzes/pop quizzes.  The breakdown is as follows:  70% tests, papers, journals, projects, and quizzes; 30% homework assignments and class participation.  Homework and participation are graded using a check system as explained below:

·         Aside from attendance, homework assignments are very crucial to passing this course!  If you do your homework and other assignments, you will not fail this course.  I am not saying that all you have to do is homework to pass this course, but that homework prepares you for the class lesson, reinforces concepts, makes recalling facts easier, and allows for greater learning.  Not doing homework means in all likelihood that you will fail this course.

·         If homework is done completely you receive a check for that assignment.  If it is one day late, you will receive half credit.  Failure to do it constitutes a zero, and “extra help” or ASH to complete the assignment after school.  Having all homework does boost your grade, none at all can reduce it.  Expect 4-6 nights of homework, depending on the class.

·         See student handbook for attendance policies, but 5 unexcused tardies and 5 unexcused absences may equal credit loss.  Excessive absenteeism may result in failure.

·         If a student is more than 20 minutes late for class it will be considered a full absence.  Any class work missed on a day of an unexcused absence will result in a zero and any given assignment must be made up even though it receives a zero (or ASH). 

 

Make-up Procedure

 

Students with an excused absence will have one day for every day absent to make up any missed assignments.  Also, if a student misses a quiz or a test they should expect to make it up within the prescribed timeframe, except in the case of a prolonged excused absence.  If you are absent or miss class, it is YOUR duty to obtain class assignments, as we already mentioned.  Work missed while on Outside Suspension will receive a zero.

 

Contact Information:

 

Mr. Levansavich

Phone: 508-581-1640, X-3217

Email: levansar@suttonschools.net

 

Please sign and return (to keep in student folder)!

 

Student Signature: __________________________________________   

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________