World History Syllabus, 2008-9, periods 7-8

World History is a year long elective course offered in District U46. History is the social science concerned with the study, recording, and examination of the past activities of human beings. World History traces the historical development of major societies from which present day nations have evolved. It examines the roots of each society, its traditions and its adaptation to change. Geographical background is featured and students will learn the basics of historical research. The course seeks to broaden the student's cultural horizons and develop an appreciation and understanding of other ways of life. Students at all grade levels are encouraged to enroll, especially those who are college bound.

Surveying the great civilizations in history's annals is a powerful cornerstone of a complete education.  To know how the people of various cultures and eras have responded to the problems that confronted them can help the individual student to gain breadth of personal judgment and insights into practical, political and personal action in today's world. Some of the course’s objectives include:

It is intended that the objectives above will be achieved through the largely traditional means of reading, writing, discussing, thinking, and analyzing in individual and group situations.  While I dedicate myself to my students as an educational professional, each student must take personal responsibility for his or her educational growth. Throughout the learning process in the various parts of this course, the Illinois Learning Standards for high school students of world history will be covered, namely:

STATE GOAL 16: Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of … nations.

Bartlett High School’s theme of "mutual respect" is the governing concept in the following class rules. These rules are also framed in harmony with the principles of the "Fish Philosophy"

1. All members of the class will show respect for all other members of the class. (Make their day!)

2. All students will attempt to do their best in class. (Choose your attitude)

3. Students will attempt to help other students do their best in class. (Be there!)

These rules assume that the main purpose of this course is for education, for learning. Therefore, every student in the class should be attempting to do their best.  That is the academic expectation.  The behavioral component is that each student should be helping other students do their best.  Talking without being recognized by the teacher, fooling around, disturbances, sleeping, laying one’s head on the desk, non-responsiveness, disrespect, are all examples of actions that are out of step with all three rules.

Consequences. Before and after school detentions, referral to the deans, conversations with parents are the consequences that will follow infractions of these rules, not to mention the natural negative consequences which result from failing to live up to an elevated personal and academic ideal.

A. This class will use the following grading scale:

C. The following considerations are used to grade every assignment which is turned in to Mr. Pahl:

1. Coherence. If the assignment involves writing or a map, does it make sense?

2. Accuracy. Are answers and statements in the assignment correct?

3. Neatness. Is what is presented done neatly? Is it free from smudges and cross outs?

4. Timeliness. Is the assignment turned in when it is due? Late assignments are penalized.

5. Creativity. When used in appropriate ways, individual creativity can demonstrate personal understanding of a subject, and bring to light new insights.

E. Extra Credit Policy.  No extra credit will be allowed while the student still has class assignments not yet completed.  If all required assignments have been turned in, any student desiring extra credit can arrange for it with Mr. Pahl. The rubric for points to be issued for any approved extra credit work will be issued at the time Mr. Pahl approves the extra credit request.

F. Accepting Late Work, Make-up Policy. I will accept work that is late, and I reserve the right to assess a 10-90% penalty for late work, depending on how late the work is. I will be clear in class about which assignments will be excluded from this policy. If a student is absent, it is that student's responsibility to find out what work was missed. 

G. Attendance Policy. District U46 is committed to the philosophy that "Daily attendance, contribution, and participation are necessary for the successful completion of student course work." According to the district HSAP attendance procedures, tardiness and poor attendance can effect student grades. Upon reaching a fourth step, a student is dropped from the class.

H. Honesty policy.  Cheating will be penalized.  A "0" on the first infraction.  Parents and school contacted for discipline if it happens again.

The class website can be found at http://www.hawkclub.com. Class information, announcements, syllabus and other important information can be found there.  

This class will also make weekly trips to the computer lab, with definite assignments. Inappropriate behavior, Including anything from being off task to abuse of lab equipment will be met with appropriate discipline. The misuse of the lab by some may cause the privilege to be lost for all.