Modern World History Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Michelle Maher Office: Grade 6 Classroom, Second Floor. Website: Learning Management System <www.rischool.edu20.org> Modern World History Office Hours: I am available for extra help during break times and after school until 4:30pm every day.

Email: msmichellemaher@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the 2012-2013 School Year! Modern World History is a course that examines the origins, path, and modern implications of European civilization from the Enlightenment through World War II. This is an in depth survey course, meaning that we will be looking at snapshots of each time period. Additionally, the course will focus on the idea that art mirrors society by addressing prominent art from various time periods. This course will take an in depth look at the culmination of Western Humanities while connecting it to todays world. Projects, debates and written reports will be required for every topic. The concepts of geography, historical thinking, economics and social sciences will be touched upon during each unit and not as a separate entity. I look forward to getting to know each of you and creating a fun and interesting classroom environment. The success of your education experience is in your hands. Be active and participate. As long as you adhere to the following expectations we will have an amazing school year! COURSE CONTENT: Thematic Units & Guiding Questions Topics
16th Enlightenment French Revolution Industrial Revolution

Content Knowledge
From the through the 18th centuries, scientists and philosophers changed the way Europeans viewed the world. The French Revolution and Napoleon reshaped Europe. The Industrial Revolution dramatically impacted the economic and social aspects of Western society. In the early 20th century, dangerous tensions among the nations of Europe caused by the spread of nationalism and industrialism resulted in a war more devastating and all-encompassing than any earlier war. European society in the post-WWI era saw the rise of dictators who were able to take advantage of poor economic and social conditions. New and recurring movements caused the Second World War, which changed how Western society dealt with post-war arrangements.

Unit III: Power of Change

Is change forced upon people or decided upon by people? Comparing what is sacrificed to what is gained, how does change affect a society or an individual? How does the creation of national identities affect modern society? Does the state exist to serve the individual or itself?

Unit IV: Power of the Nation-State WWI

Rise of Dictators WWII

MATERIALS REQUIRED: Assignment book (daily calendar) Blue or black pens and pencils Highlighter (at least 2 different colors) Notebook CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Classroom expectations are very simple. They are based on civility and maturity. I expect that all of us afford each other a basic level of respect and courtesy. The behaviors stated below are necessary to create a learning atmosphere from which we can all benet: 1. RESPECT! First and foremost I require that you demonstrate respect for me and for each other. o Be polite. Negative comments and behavior will not be tolerated. o Follow instructions. Please follow instructions the rst time they are given. o Raise your hand. Taking turns and speaking one at a time is the best way to contribute comments. 2. Be prepared. o Bring required materials to class (binder, writing utensil, assignments, assignment book, etc.). o Have assignments prepared on time so you can participate.

3. Attendance is crucial. o Being on time and getting started right away is essential. This means taking out all necessary materials the 4. Do your best! o Put your best effort into all the work you hand in. I reserve the right to request a redo or not accept an o o
assignment if it is incomplete or in poor condition. Participate! You will be graded on your class participation. Do your own work. Cite all work properly in accordance to the RIS Plagiarism Policy. moment you enter class. We have a lot to cover and each person is vital to the learning process.

TECHNOLOGY: 1. School Technology/ Laptop Usage: Super Important! We are fortunate to have purchased brand new laptops available for classroom use. We keep our computers
in carts referred to as COWs (Computers On Wheels). You will be required to sign out a laptop for use on certain days. When signing out a laptop you assume full responsibility for the equipment. If any vandalism should occur you will be charged for any repairs. The laptops are property of Rainbow International School 2. Technology/ Cell Phone Policy: Also Super Important! The use of cell phones is prohibited in class. I ask that students turn their cell phones off as soon as they enter the room. Get into the habit of always checking that your cell phone is in the appropriate mode when you enter class. The same applies to iPods, iPads, calculators, and similar electronic devices not authorized by the teacher. If you use any of these devices in class they will be conscated and you must pick them up at your assistant principals ofce by the end of the school day. 3. Website: Please refer to my Learning Management Website (LMS) Modern World History for information on the class. All assignments, lessons and lesson materials will be posted here for you to refer to. However, if an assignment/ lesson is given in class, but is not posted on the website it is still a valid assignment and must be completed. It is always your responsibility to stay current with your homework, papers, and project assignments by writing down your assignments in your assignment pad during class. You can access the account through your LMS homepage.

CLASS PROCEDURES: 1. Daily Agenda: When you arrive to my classroom please take your seat and take out your notebook, homework, and
assignment pad. Every day when you get to class there will be a Daily Agenda up on the board. Please follow the instructions stated in the Daily Agenda. If you have been assigned a center as part of your daily agenda, please replace all materials once used. 2. Assignments: Homework: Homework will be assigned almost daily and checked the following day. o I prefer that you HANDWRITE your homework. Please make sure that you have assignments written and ready by the time you get to class. o If you know you dont have the proper materials at home, make sure you allot yourself time to complete and prepare documents before class or it will be considered late. Please bring a hard copy of your homework to class. Please do not email me your homework. o A standard MLA heading must appear in the upper left hand corner of all work handed into me in order to receive full credit. Please adhere to the following format: 1. Your Name 2. Ms. Maher 3. Modern World History 4. Date Test & Quizzes: There will be a quiz and/or a test or both for each unit we study this year. Quiz dates will normally be announced in advance, but there may be unannounced quizzes to monitor student progress and study habits. Class Participation: Class participation includes citizenship and behavior. Make sure you are attentive and responsive during class. Projects: There are usually 1-2 projects per quarter. Often time projects are completed in a group which requires some communication outside of class. 3. Late Assignments: You are responsible for obtaining work you miss when absent. Grace Period: If you were absent 1 day, you have a 1 day grace period to pick up your assignments from that day or turn in work due the day you were absent; if you were absent 2 days, you have a 2 day grace period, etc. Your grace period includes every school day. Even if our class doesnt meet the rst day you come back to school, it counts as a day. I will not accept late work past the grace period. 4. What to do if you are Absent: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to nd out what you missed (check my website, ask a classmate, ask me, post a discussion thread on the class blog - in that order) and to make up any class work and homework work in a timely manner.

Excused Absence: You will have one week to make up an assignment from the day you return to school. Assignments that were due on the date of absence must be turned in the day you return to school or they become a zero. For extenuating circumstances, please speak to me personally. Unexcused absences: Unexcused absences receive a zero for any assignment(s) missed.

If you are absent on the day of a quiz/test or presentation it is your responsibility to schedule break time to make up that quiz/ test within ONE WEEK of the day you return to school. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the quiz or test. Make-up quizzes and tests may be taken by appointment with me (before or after school).

5. Required Text: World History. Textbook is the property of Rainbow International. Do not deface or abuse the book. We will use MANY sources that will be posted on my website. Students will be responsible for reading and
bringing them to class. These materials should be treated as additional required text.

6. Extra Help: Communication is the key to your success at Rainbow International School. Please let me know if you
need extra help and make an appointment to meet with me by sending me an email or speaking to me before or after class. Please feel free to meet with me to discuss your progress in my class.

GRADING:
Final grades will be calculated on a total points system. For example, homework's are usually worth 5-10 points, quizzes are usually 30-60 points, test, papers and projects are usuallyare usually worth 60-100 points. The number of points given to each assignment is dependent on the length of student preparation time required to fulll the assignment and the importance of the assignment toward deeper understanding of course themes. Simply turning in homework will not be sufcient for a high grade, homework will be graded on a rubric. 1. Your lowest homework grade will be dropped each quarter. You can choose not to hand in one assignment, or I will drop your lowest score. This is a gift from me to you; beyond this you are responsible for getting your homework in on time. 2. Late major assignments (papers, projects) will lose 10 points (10%) per day. 3. If you do not have you assignment you are responsible for lling out a missing assignment sheet. This sheet will have the reason you are missing your assignment and will be signed and dated by both the student and the teacher. 4. If you need an assignment extension for any reason DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK, I am here to help you learn not burden you. Together we will work something out. Assignments are due as a handwritten hard copy in hand at the BEGINNING of class to be considered for a grade. Do NOT email me your work. In addition to homework and other assessments, you will also be given a major test grade each semester based on your class citizenship (see rubric). It is your responsibility to keep track of your grades throughout each quarter. Discussion of individual grades will take place OUTSIDE of the classroom. Classwork & Participation 3 5 points Homework 5 10 points Vocabulary/Map quizzes 10 20 points (Vocabulary/Map quizzes will be daily) Quizzes 20 35 points Projects 30 80 points Tests 50 100 points The total percentage will add up to 100%. The percentage for each section is as follows: Classwork & Participation 30% Homework 10% Vocabulary/Map quizzes 15% Quizzes 10% Projects 20% Tests 15%

NOVEL STUDY REQUIREMENT: Students will read one novel this year. Night by: Elie Wiesel. We will read the book in class and individually at home. o Students will be required to: Answer assigned questions that will test their comprehension. Write an descriptive historical ction paper about he book at the end of the books completion. Successful learning is a partnership between the student, parents, and the teacher. If you would like to speak with me, or have any questions about your childs work, I urge you to contact me. Below I have provided a space where you can list your contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers where you can be reached. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please be advised that e-mail is the most effective way to contact me. Sincerely, Michelle Maher **Please review this information with a parent or guardian, print, and ll out the Student Information sheet. Please return the completed sheet to me tomorrow. This is your rst homework assignment and will count as a homework grade.

Modern World History Student Information

Students Name: Parent's/ Guardians Names: Parent's/ Guardians phone numbers:

Parent's/ Guardians email:

Activities/Interest:

Describe yourself as a student: best ways you learn, classroom activities you like/dislike, any particular difculties Ms. Maher should know about:

By signing this sheet, I acknowledge that I have read and understand Ms. Mahers classroom rules and expectations as outlined in her syllabus and I promise to abide by them. I understand that my cooperation with these guidelines will help to create a stimulating and caring learning environment. ____________________________
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_____________ Student Name (printed)
tudent Signature
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Date ____________________________
Parent Name (printed)

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Parent Signature



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