The objective of World History is to introduce students to the history of civilizations, cultures, and events of the world from the Renaissance through the present. This is a survey course, which means that we will not spend a lot of time on any particular period or event, so that we can cover as much history as possible. We will cover the major political, social, economic, religious, and cultural developments of the peoples of the world. Emphasis is placed on the development of Western civilization, but we will also study the achievements of non-Western civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Time will also be devoted to learning the geography of the world and to improving social studies skills. The course theme is identity and we will use this throughout the year as we examine how individuals and societies have viewed themselves throughout history, while also keeping our own individual identity in mind.

Why study history? This is a question that you may ask or be thinking about. Across America, high school students are required to take a course in World History or Western Civilization. A brief answer to this question is that history must be studied in order to understand current events and problems. History is the study of how society has changed over time. We study history to learn about past civilizations and cultures; how they impacted the world and may continue to do so today through politics, trade, culture, and society. We all have personal histories from our families and backgrounds. The majority of Americans families emigrated from Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. Did you ever wonder about your family’s past and why your ancestors moved here or somewhere else? History is more important than you may have previously thought, and is frequently used to help understand and explain current issues and events. History is interesting, exciting, and at times, controversial. Unfortunately, we cannot study every event, person, and detail. Time will be spent learning about and discussing major events and their significance then and now. You will leave this course having learned a lot about the history of the world and how civilizations continue to impact today’s world.

I will use a point system as follows:

Category Number of Points

Tests 100

Quizzes 20

Homework Assignments 5 or 10 (you can expect homework almost every night)

Research Papers/Projects 200 (1 assigned per quarter)

Notebook 100 (checked once per quarter)

Participation/Behavior 100 (per quarter)

Breakdown of Grades

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

E = 60 or below

Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History: Modern Times. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2003.

I have created a website specifically for my classes to be used by students and their parents. The website includes course information, announcements, weekly assignments, online activities, etc. Please refer to it often, especially when you are absent as I plan to post assignments on a weekly basis. This will be especially useful for when you are out sick, out due to sports or if you forgot to write down your homework one night!

The website is: http://www.geocities.com/tomlenihan

You will be expected to complete all assignments and actively participate in the classroom. Class will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, group work, presentations, videos and online activities. History can be interesting and exciting. The more you participate, ask questions, and debate ideas, the more enjoyable the class will be. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or try to start a discussion in class.

Homework assignments are due the next class day. If you do not bring it to class you will lose 1 point. If you bring it to me by the end of the school day you will still only lose 1 point. If you bring the assignment in the next day you will lose 2 points. Unless you are sick or absent, you will not be able to hand it in for credit after the 2^nd day that it was due. Homework is an easy grade as all I do is check to see that you did it.

Please note that all essays and papers must be typed, double-spaced using 12 point size font. Grade deductions will be made for all assignments that are not typed as required. You will have 3 days to hand in any project, essay, or research paper after the assigned due date. For every day that it is late, you lose 10 points. After the 3^rd day, I will not accept the assignment, which means an automatic grade of zero (0). You should always plan ahead and see me in advance after school or at the end of class, if you have any problems or concerns. If you come to me in advance we will probably be able to work something out. Never wait until the last minute!

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. When doing research, you must properly cite sources used and quoted from. If you are not sure about something, see me!! I will spend time in class going over how to properly cite sources and take notes while doing research. If I suspect you have plagiarized in a paper, I will speak to you privately and will abide by all school rules regarding the seriousness of plagiarism. When in doubt ask me! You don’t want to jeopardize being suspended and failing for the quarter if caught plagiarizing. It is not hard for me to tell when something is not in your own words, and I will often search websites and the sources that you used.

If you miss a quiz or test you will be required to make it up as soon as possible, but within one week (if you have been absent for awhile see me and we can discuss this). Remember it is your responsibility to check the course website for assignments or see me regarding all make up work when you are absent. It is not my job to track you down! Failure to make up work will result in your receiving a grade of 0 (zero).

You will need the following supplies for this class and should bring them with you each day:

• Textbook
• Notebook just for this class
• Folder just for this class (to hold tests, quizzes, homework handouts, etc.)
• Binder
• Pen
• No. 2 Pencil

Remember that organization is the key to success!!

Please do not ask about extra credit because I don’t plan to give any. If you are doing the assignments and trying your best, then chances are you won’t fail. Effort is very important in my eyes. On occasion, I may give an extra credit assignment to the entire class but that is at my discretion. I do not have to give extra credit and prefer not to. So I encourage you to work hard and take responsibility for your work.

My responsibility to you as students is to make sure that you learn the material and have every opportunity to participate in class, ask questions, and get help when you need it. I will treat you with respect at all times, and expect the same in return. I will be available before and after school to answer any questions, address concerns, or give you guidance and extra help. My goal is to see you learn and grow throughout the school year. Again, do not hesitate to visit me before or after school. I will do my best to make sure that you have a good year academically. All major assignments will be announced well in advance and I will grade papers, quizzes, and tests within a reasonable amount of time. I will be available after school in Room 30 or you can find me in the Social Studies Office.

You are required to have a notebook just for this class and are expected to take notes in class! Taking notes is a way for you to focus on what is going on in class and to have something to study from for quizzes and tests. If you are absent it is your responsibility to make up the notes from a classmate or to see me for copies. If I see that you are not regularly taking notes in class and then produce a notebook when I check them, you will not receive any credit (i.e. a grade of zero (0). Notes are to be taken in class and not copied the night before I check them from one of your classmates. The notebook grade is meant to help your quarter grade!

You are now a high school student! With that comes more responsibilities, work, and social opportunities in and out of the classroom. You will continue to mature and grow as a student and member of the community throughout this academic year. Hopefully you will learn to prioritize, plan ahead and if you’re not already and become organized! Being disruptive, disrespectful, and/or insubordinate will not be tolerated in my classroom. It is expected that you behave and show respect toward me (your teacher) and toward your fellow classmates. Students who are a frequent behavior problem will be dealt with accordingly (i.e., detentions, referrals, conferences with your parents and/or school administrators). I will usually warn you the first time if you are out of line (depending on the offense). I also reserve the right to deduct 1 point from your quarterly participation/behavior grade for misbehavior and frequently coming late to class without a pass. If you follow the rules, pay attention in class and participate, you’ll be fine. I don’t like to penalize students who prefer not to participate in class, but that is a part of your quarter grade. It’s not expected that you participate on a daily basis but participating regularly will help you attain the maximum points per quarter. Classwork and group work is part of your participation grade.

You are expected to read and abide by all rules and regulations in the Yorktown Student Handbook. I will enforce all school rules and regulations regarding student conduct and clothing, attendance, tardiness, etc. The following will not be tolerated in class:

• Food, Gum, Drinks (except water), using foul language, inappropriate conversations, being disrespectful, touching anything in the room without permission and leaving class without permission.

• Be organized
• Always come to class prepared
• Work hard
• Pay attention in class
• Complete all assignments, doing your best and handing them in on time
• See the teacher if you have any questions, concerns or need some help