WORLD HISTORY I: SYLLABUS

 

Course Description:

World History is the social studies component of Indian Creek’s Humanities program. Taught in conjunction with World Literature, this two-year course explores historical events and themes from ancient history to the modern era, while focusing on four geographic regions: Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.  Significant themes examined include geography, government, society and global relations. 

 

Course Content:

Africa:  We will begin our study of Africa by examining the life of pre-historic peoples, and the birth of civilization in the Nile River Valley.  We will explore Egyptian life and culture and the early African kingdoms.  We will also examine the effects of European exploration on Africa, culminating in an in depth study of slavery.  The unit will end with a discussion of modern nationalism and independence movements in Africa. 

 

Asia:  Our study of Asia will begin with the emergence of ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations and the religions and philosophical traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.  Next we will study the early dynasties and empires of East Asia, including Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire, before examining the effects of exploration and imperialism on Asian life and culture.  Finally we will discuss the rising influence of Asia in the 20^th Century. 

 

Middle East:  In this unit we will study the emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia, and the empires of the Fertile Crescent, including the Byzantine Empire.  We will explore the rise of Islam and the growth of the Ottoman Empire and Muslim Empires.  We will end this unit by exploring the role of religion and nationalism in the Middle East in the modern era. 

 

Latin America:  We will begin this unit by examining the Mayan and Incan civilizations.  Our discussion will then move on to the voyages of Spain and Portugal during the age of exploration and the causes and effects of imperialism in Latin America.  In particular, we will examine American economic imperialism and the Spanish-American War.  We will end this unit by exploring the historical significance of nationalism and revolution in Latin America during the 20^th Century.

 

Course Objectives:

This course is intended to introduce significant themes and events in World History.  Students will have the opportunity to gain reading, writing and critical thinking skills, in addition to map reading and discussion skills.  Students will also be asked to analyze, compare and contrast, interpret, and evaluate historical material.  In order to meet these objectives, students will participate actively in class, and complete four major projects in addition to homework assignments.  These projects include, a case study, a debate, a research paper, and an investigative report.  By studying history from a global perspective, students will gain a deeper understanding of the events and themes that have shaped the increasingly complex global community. 

Classroom Rules:

• Bring all necessary materials to class.
• Be in your seat, ready to begin when the bell rings.
• Show respect for your classmates and teacher.
• Raise your hand to speak, and use appropriate language.

 

Expectations:

·         Participate actively and cooperatively in the classroom.

·         Complete your homework and assignments on time.

·         Stretch your intellectual boundaries.

·         Work hard and achieve great things.

 

Homework Policies:

• Homework and assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class.
• Any assignment submitted after the due date will earn a maximum of half credit. (Except in the cases of an excused absence).
• It is your responsibility to notify me of planned absences prior to missing class. 
• Please present a note for any absences upon your return.  You will have the number of days absent to submit assignments that were missed.

 

Grading:

• Assignments will be weighted as follows:
• Class Participation: 20%
• Homework: 20%
• Research Projects: 20%
• Midterm: 15%
• Tests: 15%
• Quizzes: 10%

 

Materials:

·         We will use World History: The Human Journey. (2003). Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart & Winston as our textbook.  Please get a copy as soon as possible.  You can order it online at www.MBS.org.

·         You will also need:

·         A three-ring binder with at least 5 dividers.  I recommend setting up your binder with 5 sections: Notes & Handouts, Homework, Reading notes, Assignments, and Tests & Quizzes. 

·         A journal, lined or blank for your weekly reflections

 

Important Information:

The syllabus and other important information, including homework and assignments, will be posted on my website and updated weekly.  The web address for this site is:

www.teacherweb.com  If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or in person.

I’m looking forward to a great year with all of you!

 

 

 

 

Please complete the following and return to me in class by Friday Aug. 29.

 

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I have read and understood the classroom rules, expectations and policies for

World History I.

 

 

 

Student Signature: _______________________________________

 

Date:  ________________________________________________

 

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________

 

Date:  ________________________________________________