World History Syllabus College Prep I Course Description: This course examines the ideas around which culture and civilization has developed in the global community. Students will study the political, social, intellectual, religious and economic developments and geographic conditions throughout the world. The goals of the course are achieved through historical investigation. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of culture in the Western Hemisphere, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. As a Catholic school in the Marianist tradition the students will also gain the unique perspective of the impact of the faith relative to history. Grading Scale: A 90-100 B 89-80 C 79-75 D 74-70 F 69-below Grading Policy: The students will receive grades based purely on a points system. The points available will vary according to the number of graded assignments in a quarter. Each assignment will have its own point total. At the end of the quarter, the total number of points earned divides the total number of points available. Of the points available, 100 will come from class participation and homework assignments that are checked in class. The class participation grade is a combination of in class assignments and the ability to contribute to the good of the class. Grades are earned, not given in this class. Tests: There will be a combination of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and some essay questions. Two comprehensive semester exams will also be required. The semester exams will be multiple choice (scan tron). Homework: It will be given on a regular basis. It will be collected and given a grade when appropriate. Homework is significant to the final grade. Assignments will vary greatly in this area. Preparation: It is expected that students will be prepared for class each day. Students will need to have their textbook, notebook, writing utensils, and laptop computer each day for class. The teacher will assign any other required materials. Failure to be prepared will affect the classroom participation grade.
Make-up Work: All make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Homework, tests, and quizzes should be completed/taken the day the student returns to class (the student will receive one additional day to complete work for each class that was missed). It is important to note, make-up tests will not be the same test the rest of the class has taken. The make-up test will generally be of an all essay variety. The student is fully responsible for all material presented in class during his absence. If there is an extended absence, I will be happy to make any necessary arrangements to help (notify Jeanie DeTemple in the Guidance Department). The absent student should try to obtain notes or information regarding missing assignments from fellow students first. I will be happy to assist if necessary, but this should take place before or after class. My phone number at school is 791-1680 (Ext. 1142). Term Paper: Each student will be required to complete a term paper in the format required by the Moeller Social Studies Department. It will be nearly impossible to pass the course for the year without completion of the assignment. This will be a process, requiring much of the school year to complete. All term paper assignments must be completed on the required date or the student will receive a zero for the assignment. Academic Honesty: Students will be expected to maintain academic honesty throughout the school year with all assignments. This is a serious issue and will be dealt with as such when and if the issue arises. If the student violates school policy in this matter, he will receive a zero for the assignment and other possible punishments to follow. Extra Credit: This will be made available to the students at the teacher’s discretion. It is generally made available two weeks prior to the end of each quarter. The Golden Rule: Treat others the way that you want to be treated. You are all “Men of Moeller” and I expect that you will behave as such. It is a privilege to go to school here, not a right! Computers: The use of computers will take place in the classroom on a regular basis. It is expected that students with have their computers prepared for use and in class on a daily basis. Computers will be used as tool for gathering and producing information in the class; they will not be the total focus of the class. I will address any additional questions about their use both in front of the class and on an individual basis if necessary. It is expected that the students will follow all regulations necessitated by the Moeller notebook user form. The teacher reserves the right to make any changes necessary in the syllabus for the betterment of the class.