Modern World History
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The primary purpose of this course is to examine the progression of human history to the modern era, focusing more on Europe, Asia, and Africa than on the United States. A review of time up until the Renaissance is completed during the first few weeks of the year. A study of the Renaissance to the modern era is completed in the remaining chapters. Geography, current events, economics, and government are also studied throughout this course.
Purpose and objectives:
to examine the history of the world from the Renaissance through today
to discuss the influence of religion on the history of the world
to identify and locate major countries and their capitals, and major land forms
to identify outstanding people in the history of the world
to identify significant eras in the history world
to recognize and explain the cause and effect relationships between pivotal events in world history
to differentiate between political systems
to identify the responsibilities of a citizen and examine how other countries have defined that role
to identify the differences between developed and underdeveloped countries
to explain how values and beliefs affect economic and political decisions
to compare cultures
to interpret historical resources
to tell how illustrations and visual information aids in understanding
to defend an opinion concerning an international issue
to describe the influence of individuals and groups on events on other societies
Textbook: Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History: Modern Times. New York: Glencoe, 2005.
Supplementary book: Hersey, John. Hiroshima. New York: Vintage (Random House, 1989.
*Book accompanies our studies of World War II and the Cold War.
Instructional Methods:
Basic Information, skills, and attitudes will be communicated through:
Evaluation of Student Work:
Homework Assignments
Tests/Quizzes/Projects
Classroom Participation
Grading: (grades are now given on a semester basis):
Tests: 40% of the grade
Daily Work (quizzes, homework, current events): 25%
Participation: 10%
Project: 10%
Semester final: 15%
Supplies required:
A charged laptop will be brought to class each day.
One notebook for notes (unless using a device).
Pens, pencils, etc. Having colored pencils at home will be helpful.
A stand-alone translator may be used on tests (for international students only).
My Expectations of the Year:
This class is so important as the students are learning about our global neighbors. We are truly an interdependent world, and very little that happens fails to impact the whole planet. In addition, what has happened in the last couple of centuries has formed the world we live in today. An understanding of those events allows the student to become an informed global citizen.
I expect the students to be engaged in the learning environment, and to be responsible for their own learning. I hope to challenge them this year, not only through homework and testing, but also through discussion and debate. I know that they can rise to the occasion!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The primary purpose of this course is to examine the progression of human history to the modern era, focusing more on Europe, Asia, and Africa than on the United States. A review of time up until the Renaissance is completed during the first few weeks of the year. A study of the Renaissance to the modern era is completed in the remaining chapters. Geography, current events, economics, and government are also studied throughout this course.
Purpose and objectives:
to examine the history of the world from the Renaissance through today
to discuss the influence of religion on the history of the world
to identify and locate major countries and their capitals, and major land forms
to identify outstanding people in the history of the world
to identify significant eras in the history world
to recognize and explain the cause and effect relationships between pivotal events in world history
to differentiate between political systems
to identify the responsibilities of a citizen and examine how other countries have defined that role
to identify the differences between developed and underdeveloped countries
to explain how values and beliefs affect economic and political decisions
to compare cultures
to interpret historical resources
to tell how illustrations and visual information aids in understanding
to defend an opinion concerning an international issue
to describe the influence of individuals and groups on events on other societies
Textbook: Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History: Modern Times. New York: Glencoe, 2005.
Supplementary book: Hersey, John. Hiroshima. New York: Vintage (Random House, 1989.
*Book accompanies our studies of World War II and the Cold War.
Instructional Methods:
Basic Information, skills, and attitudes will be communicated through:
- Lecture, note taking, and media
- Debate, simulations, and various critical thinking activities
- Various independent projects
- Reading of assigned (required) texts and sources of the student’s own choosing
Evaluation of Student Work:
Homework Assignments
- Very few homework assignments aside from reading are given after the 1st month of class.
- Three current events summaries are due each semester.
Tests/Quizzes/Projects
- Expect a quiz each time a reading assignment is given.
- Traditional tests are given for most chapters. Tests include multiple choice and/or matching questions, primary source analysis and/or social studies skills questions, and at least one essay.
- Small research papers or projects will be assigned to the whole class.
- Maps will be assigned to coordinate with the study of certain chapters.
- Each semester will conclude with a final.
- A world map test based on current events is given at the end of each semester and is a portion of the final grade.
- Each student will create one Cause and Effect presentation.
- Each student will write a biography on person relevant to our course of studies.
Classroom Participation
- It is expected that students will participate in class, asking and answering questions as appropriate.
- Points will be deducted for being unprepared for class.
- Some classroom activities are graded under the “Daily Work” category.
Grading: (grades are now given on a semester basis):
Tests: 40% of the grade
Daily Work (quizzes, homework, current events): 25%
Participation: 10%
Project: 10%
Semester final: 15%
Supplies required:
A charged laptop will be brought to class each day.
One notebook for notes (unless using a device).
Pens, pencils, etc. Having colored pencils at home will be helpful.
A stand-alone translator may be used on tests (for international students only).
My Expectations of the Year:
This class is so important as the students are learning about our global neighbors. We are truly an interdependent world, and very little that happens fails to impact the whole planet. In addition, what has happened in the last couple of centuries has formed the world we live in today. An understanding of those events allows the student to become an informed global citizen.
I expect the students to be engaged in the learning environment, and to be responsible for their own learning. I hope to challenge them this year, not only through homework and testing, but also through discussion and debate. I know that they can rise to the occasion!