Modern World History Course Syllabus

Course Overview

"Snapshot" of Topics
In this course, we will explore world history from the early 19th century through the onset of the 21st century. We will examine the cultural, political, economic, and social changes that took place beginning with the Industrial Revolution. We will focus on the development of nations, the dominance of certain countries, and ultimately our year will end as we evaluate the leap to present day globalization. Throughout Modern World History 9, we will consider how leaders, nations, and civilizations have influenced or responded to diversity in the ever-changing world.

Scope and Sequence
In 1912, speaking to a group of historians in Boston, President Teddy Roosevelt said, "History must not be treated as something set off by itself." Indeed, we will look deep into the relationship that the individual has with history. How were peoples' identities shaped by history? Why is it so often a case of "we versus them?" What choices did people make and how did some of those individual choices make history? How was justice served or not served? And, most importantly, we will understand history's legacy today and why it is relevant to our world. If we don't understand why history is relevant today, then why study it? Below are two graphics which provide a look at the Modern World History 9 Scope and Sequence.

Grading Policy
Your final grade for this course will be determined based on the following formula:

Assignments and overall grades will be based on a points system. Prior to each assignment, you will know the total available points. The grade will be based on the following calculation: Total Points Earned ÷ Total Possible Points

¹For other assignments, such as in-class work, research in the library, or special projects, you will be made aware of the possible points when the assignment begins.

Homework & Assignments
Homework is an important part of this course. The homework is meant to enhance our work in the classroom. Completing the homework will help you understand the subject matter and, hopefully, make it more interesting. You will be better prepared for class discussions, other assignments, and tests or quizzes. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to participate in many activities. These activities will range from group presentations to individual projects. We hope that the assignments will be engaging and enable you to demonstrate your expertise in the field of modern world history. Successfully completing and handing-in all of the homework and assignments will improve your grade for the course.

1. Homework/assignments are due at the beginning of class or when collected.

2. Late homework/assignments will be accepted one class day late for a maximum of 50% credit OR the penalty indicated on the assignment will apply.** Late homework/assignments will be accepted up to one week late for a maximum of 25% credit OR the penalty indicated on the assignment will apply.

**If the homework is discussed and/reviewed in class, you are not eligible to submit it after the due date.

3. You are responsible for obtaining homework/assignments if you are absent.

4. You are responsible for submitting your homework/assignments if you are absent.

Classroom Contribution -- Sliding Scale
Classroom contribution will be included as part of each semester grade. Classroom contribution will represent 15% of each semester grade. See below about the effect of absences on your classroom contribution grade.

Some people love speaking in class and are always interested in adding to a discussion. Others are ready to participate at times, but may not be comfortable speaking on a regular basis. And, some students do not like to participate in a group discussion...it's just not "their thing." The classroom contribution component of your grade, therefore, is intended to motivate some of you to become engage in discussions, while not penalizing students who do not want to participate in group discussions on a regular basis.

Your classroom contribution grade is not based solely on your "speaking" during group discussions. Rather, this component of your grade is based on several factors:

- participation in class discussions;
- how well you work with other students when we are doing classroom activities;
- attitude in the classroom; and,
- contribution to the class with ideas and recommendations for change.

The rubric below outlines the grading criteria:

Grade	Criteria
A (100%)	Excellent participation in class discussions, often asks thought provoking questions, willingly works with other students during classroom activities, excellent attitude, and/or shows extensive effort towards creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom.
B (85%)	Substantial participation in class discussions, usually works well with other students during classroom activities, excellent attitude, and/or shows substantial effort towards creating a positive classroom atmosphere.
C (75%)	Acceptable participation in class discussions, sometimes works well with other students during classroom activities, and/or meets some expectations with attitude and contribution to the classroom environment.
D (68%)	Rarely or never participates in class discussions, negative attitude, and/or is disruptive in class.
F (25%)	Rarely or never participates in class discussions, is disruptive in class, does not engage in group projects, and/or is not part of the "class environment."

If you are absent from class, you should complete the Class Absence Summary online form within 4 school days of your absence(s). For example, if you are absent on Monday, you have until Friday by the end of the school day to submit your form and receive credit. You should complete a separate form for each day of class you miss.

Your classroom contribution grade will be reduced by 10 points if you don't successfully complete the Class Absence Summary form and submit it by the deadline. For example, if you have a B (85%) for your classroom contribution grade and you don't successfully submit the Class Absence Summary form by the deadline, your classroom contribution grade would be reduced to a 75%.

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Attendance

Attendance and classroom contribution are important aspects of the course. Participating in class advances your knowledge of the material and enables other students to learn from you. Class sessions are also meant to supplement homework and individual research rather than replace or repeat your readings.

Please refer to pages 9 and 10 of the Ipswich High School 2018-2019 Student-Parent Handbook for the attendance policy and the effects absences has on grades.

An important note about field trips

Field trips are valuable components of a course curriculum. Throughout the semester, it may be necessary for you to miss our class session(s) to attend a field trip for another course. Please note that you are responsible for notifying me AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE OF A FIELD TRIP if you are going to be absent. Also, if you are working on a group project, you are responsible for notifying your team members that you will be absent.

If you fail to provide prior notification (AT LEAST TWO SCHOOL DAYS) for an absence due to a field trip, you will not be able to make-up any of the missed work done in class.

An important note about family vacations

Family vacations must be approved by the Main Office PRIOR to your absence. While we will provide assistance, advanced assignments are not guaranteed. If you are eligible to submit make-up work, the work must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines included in family vacation policy.