World History II syllabus Instructor

The World History II course is designed for students who have completed World History I or equivalent. The focus of this course is the historical events and personalities along with the associated geographical features from 1500 CE to the present day. The study of this period is divided into five distinct eras: 1) Era Six: Early Modern Period (1400-1700), 2) Era Seven: Age of Revolution (1650-1850), 3) Era Eight: Age of Imperialism (1850-1914), 4) Era Nine: 20^th Century World, and 5) Era Ten: Contemporary World. Students will be required to take a mid-term exam, a final exam, and a Virginia Standards of Learning exam.

The study of history can be an exciting and engaging activity for all students. In this class, you will be presented with a variety of learning activities. On occasion, you will be offered a choice of activity as well as a choice of assessments. The instruction of this class depends heavily on learning in cooperative groups. It is assumed that the student will participate in these group learning activities and take responsibility for a share of the work of the group. Moreover, the student will develop critical and analytical skills, communicate more constructively, and master effective study and test taking techniques. The development of these skills will not only help the student succeed in his or her study of history but also will enhance the success of the student in other subject areas.

As a teacher, I will adhere to the definition of academic dishonesty as outlined in the LCPS Students’ Rights and Responsibilities handbook. I take very seriously the principle of academic integrity and expect my students to complete any assignments on their own without assistance of any kind (verbally, in writing, through Facebook or IM, texting, etc.) from classmates, siblings, friends, or parents. I also expect that students understand that sharing their completed work (verbally, in writing, through Facebook or IM, texting, etc.) with classmates, siblings or friends is just as bad as receiving assistance; therefore there will be consequences for both those who received unauthorized assistance as well as the person who gave the assistance. Directions for each assignment will be very clear as to whether or not you may work with a classmate to complete the assignment. Otherwise, all assignments must be completed on an INDIVIDUAL basis.

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify and explain major historical events in terms of cause, effect, and geography.

Identify major historical personalities in terms of background, accomplishments, and legacy on history.

Identify and compare the major cultures of the world and their effect on history as well as their spatial distribution throughout the world.

Analyze historical events and make connections to other historical events and their influence on the present day.

Develop opinions based on historical fact and constructively communicate those opinions both verbally and in written form.

The following is to be used as a tentative pacing guide for the historical content we will cover:

Unit 1: The World in 1500 and World Religions – 1 week

Unit 2: The Renaissance – 1 week

Unit 3: The Protestant Reformation – 2 weeks

Unit 4: Age of Exploration – 1 ½ weeks

Unit 5: Age of Absolutism – 1 week

Unit 6: Scientific Revolution and Age of Enlightenment – 1 week

Unit 7: English Civil War and American Revolution – 2 weeks

Unit 8: French Revolution – 2 weeks

Unit 9: Latin American Revolutions and Revolutions of 1848 – 1 week

Unit 10: Nationalism – 1 ½ weeks

Unit 11: Industrial Revolution – 1 ½ weeks

Unit 12: Imperialism – 2 ½ weeks

Unit 13: World War I and Russian Revolution – 2 ½ weeks

Unit 14: Between the Wars and World War II – 3 ½ weeks

Unit 15: The Cold War – 1 week

Unit 16: Decolonization and Nationalism – 1 week

Unit 17: Globalization and Interdependence – 1 week

All Policies and Procedures:

All students are expected to be in attendance whenever possible. If you are sick – STAY HOME! If you are going on vacation – HAVE FUN! However, you are responsible for making up any class work or homework assignments you missed due to an absence. These assignments must be handed in within a reasonable amount of time after your absence, preferably before the unit test or quiz. If you are not sure what you missed, check the class website or come see me!

Missed exams (tests and/or quizzes) must be made up within one week of your return to class. Other arrangements can be made with prior authorization from the instructor.

Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class on the day the assignment is due; however, an assignment may be turned in late for up to half credit if handed in by the end of the marking period.

Projects should be turned in on time. Projects turned in late will be marked down by at least one letter grade if handed in by the end of the marking period. If an exception to the above is desired, a written note from a parent is needed in such a case.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TEACHING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THIS YEAR!