Classroom Syllabus

World History
Spring Semester
Mr. Kennard

Welcome to World History! In this course we will explore World History in the last
thousand years. Within this experience students will navigate issues concerning society, the
economy, politics and much more! We will adventure all across the world and meet some of the
most influential figures, while exploring a few of the most important events in the history of our
planet. Our textbook, Ways of the World, will lead us, but many sources both primary and
secondary will assist in our experience.
A classroom is not a classroom without students, therefore I will be expecting students to
be involved in class. One of my favorite aspects of the study of history is discussion based on
disagreements or interpretations. For this reason each chapter will at some point include a class
discussion, in this discussion I would like all students to participate and if there is a lack of
participation it will need to be discussed. My expectations of you are high, but I understand if
special accommodations must occasionally be made. Most of all I would love to hear all of your
opinions, school appropriate ones only of course, and enjoy your unique takes on each topic we
will explore.

Expectations

● I expect everyone to be on time baring special circumstances. If you are not on time and
do not have a reasonable excuse, we will discuss the issue further.
● I expect everyone to be prepared for class. This means that homework will be completed
and necessary supplies will be available. This also means that you are physically and
mentally prepared for class, if there are any issues with this let me know.
● I expect everyone to treat their peers with respect and practice empathy. You are all old
enough to know this, there will be no exceptions or tolerance for behavior that is not
respectful.
● I expect everyone to participate. Being involved in activities or responding to prompts is
necessary for me to know you are learning, so I need each of you to participate to an
acceptable standard.

Procedures/Responsibilities

● Use phones only when allowed.

● Pay attention to the best of your abilities.
● When I or one of your classmates are speaking, use effective listening skills.
● Refrain from using crude language.
● Respect your work area.
Grades

Final grades will be based on these percentage breakdowns:

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: <60

Final grades will be based upon the following assignments:

40% Exams: 4 Exams at 10% each.

20% Final: Final Exam at the end of the semester.
20% Discussion: 10 Discussions at 2% each.
10% Homework: about 3 Homework assignments a week.
10% Project: One group research project halfway through the semester.

Make-up Work

In the case of an excused absence, students can contact me and I will decide how to make up
whichever assignment is missed. In the case of a missed test, the need to stay after school or
during lunch may arise. For missed discussions or project presentations, students will need to
present their knowledge to me in another form(zoom, youtube, etc.).

Incomplete/Late Work

In the case of late or incomplete work, the student will have an opportunity to make up the work
with a maximum grade of 80%. There will also be an opportunity to complete extra work to earn
back points. This percentage will drop 5% each week after the assignment was originally due.
Following the first instance of this scenario, however, there will need to be further action taken.

Extra Credit

There is no predetermined form of extra credit in this class. There will likely be instances where
I feel it necessary to offer extra credit, but these times will only present themselves when they
occur. Do not plan on relying on extra credit, and if your grade is in need of some help we will
discuss it separately.

Contact Info
Mr. Kennard
Phone: (630)779-7041
E-mail: benk12399@gmail.com
(Please contact me only during appropriate hours, ie. 7am-5pm)