Course+Expectations

Burlington High School ____________________________________________________________________________ 123 Cambridge Street Burlington, MA 01803 (781) 238 - 5333 Social Studies Department Course Expectations Handout 2015-2016

Teacher Name: Dr. Rachel Gould Course Number and Level: Social Studies 133 Course Title: Modern World History Course Text: __World History: Patterns of Interaction__. Evanston, Illinois, McDougal Littel: 2005.

Teacher Contact information Email: gould@bpsk12.org Phone: __781.270.2942__ Room Number: 401 Digital presence: http://world236.wikispaces.com

This full year course is an exploration of the themes of, among other things: government formation, nationalism, imperialism, and geography. We will start with the age of Enlightenment, studying the monarchs of Europe and how the peasants were not happy, the French Revolution, the age of revolutions, the rise of nationalism, the growth of imperialism, the industrial revolution, the takeover of Africa and Asia by Europe, WWI, the Depression, spread of fascism, WWII, the rise of communism, the spread of globalization, independence movements around the world, modern conflicts, the impact of terrorism, and beyond!
 * I. Course Overview **

In order to find success in this class you will have excellent attendance and bring: -Something to write with every day. -A three ring binder with plenty of notebook paper. Please don't use a spiral, especially a spiral that holds several classes. You will be doing a lot of writing and getting a lot of paper, a spiral will not function organizationally well enough to even try. -Your iPad (or other internet accessing device) fully charged at home each night as we have three electrical outlets in room 401. -A textbook that you keep at home for readings (World History: Patterns of Interaction). -A desire to learn and curiosity about the world around you. This course is a requirement by the state and the school, with a positive attitude you will complete it successfully.
 * II Successful Learning **

By the end of this course, students will be able to: -Defend your political, social, or economic arguments with well organized evidence. -Cite your sources in Chicago/Turabian format. -Organize your research into a substantial paper filled with balanced analysis. -Identify patterns and themes throughout history and discuss their causes and effects. -Create evidence of understanding the perspectives of various players and their motivations throughout the time-span covered.
 * III. Expected Outcomes/Mastery Objectives **

Age of Enlightenment, Revolutions in Europe, Revolutions in South America, the rise of Nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism around the world, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, the end of Imperialism, modern nation-state building, and contemporary global issues.
 * IV. Topics/Course Content **

Course requirements for completing the course and receiving a grade: 1 research paper per year 1-2 oral presentations per semester 1-2 analytical papers per semester *Please note that the teacher holds discretion over work above and beyond these basic requirements.
 * V. Assessing Progress **
 * __Course Requirements__ **

There will be writings assignments (research paper, analytical papers), reading or viewing responses, quizzes, in class or homework assignments (political cartoons, debates, group discussions, in, graphic organizers), mid terms and final, and class participation. Note that your notes will not be collected. It is assumed that you will do them. If you need help in how to organize notes, please see me. There is no homework grade, but without doing the readings, writing, reflection, viewing, etc. there is little chance of doing well on quizzes. **In class assignments and homework:** you should expect homework four times a week roughly. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It can take any number of formats but will always be on the wiki. Please ask me if you have questions about any assignment.
 * __Class Requirements__ **
 * __Formative Assessments__ **


 * Quizzes: **You should expect two-ish pop quizzes a week, or one per section when we are using the textbook. These reading quizzes usually have five-ten questions and are worth one point per question. Only your top ten quizzes will count per term, that means if you take 13 quizzes, you have three drop grades. The trade off is that there are no make up quizzes other than for extended absences due to illness or something excused. __All quizzes together count as 100pts.__


 * Writing: **All writing assignments will vary in their point value depending on difficulty, but all you have to do to know your grade is add up all of the points you earned and divide by the possible points. Writing assignments will vary from creative "you are a soldier on the front-lines" to analytical position papers, we will be reading a book together, to debate preparations.


 * Participation: **Daily relevant and useful participation out-loud is required. Essentially, be prepared, be positive, participate regularly in ways that add to the learning environment, and respect everyone in the classroom. There will be projects that require speaking before the entire class, debates, discussions, etc. Everyone will listen to your point even if they disagree with you, so please share.

**Tests:** My hope is to not have to give any tests. That is up to you and your participation and quiz grade average. If your class is successful at demonstrating mastery of content at the quiz level, then we can do projects rather than tests.
 * __Summative Assessments__ **

**Papers:** There will be smaller analytical, position, and argumentative papers throughout the year, these range in point value from 50-100pts. You will be doing the major research paper at the close of third through start of fourth quarter. This gives you much of the year to think about topics that interest you- __possible suggestions?__  The process seems daunting, but you will survive, learn, and in the end, you will know how ready you are for college. You can do it! **Mid-Term Assessment:** There will be a mid-term assessment taken in class during Mid-Terms. Mid-term exams will focus on the first semester and may include a portion to be completed outside of class prior to the exam. Grades for the Mid-Term exams are worth 10% of the Final Grade for the year. **Final Assessment:** There will be a final assessment taken in class during Finals. While Final exams will focus on the second semester, aspects of it may be built upon or include information from the first semester as well. In addition, there may be a portion to be completed outside of class prior to the exam. Grades for the Final exams are worth 10% of the Final Grade for the year.
 * Projects: **projects might be done solo or in a group. They range in value from 50 to 100 points All projects will have clear grading rubrics posted along with detailed instructions.

A point is a point is a point is a point, it all goes in the same big pot, nothing weighted, no percents, just addition. The computer spits out a grade. Follow along in Aspen and you will know exactly where you stand. When you have questions, email or come see me. The earlier the better.
 * __Grading Policy/How a final mark is derived:__ **

Students are expected to follow the rules in the BHS Student Handbook and the following classroom rule: >
 * VI. Classroom Expectations **
 * 1)  Treat others the way you want to be treated. The rest is commentary.

Please see me after school, the start of second lunch or during my study hall to ask any questions that directly relate to your own absences or grade. Other than that please ask questions in class; it will help your grade! I occasionally will announce extra credit opportunities. This is something done out of generosity. Any asking for such opportunities will result in there being none.
 * VII. Extra Help and Extra Credit **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333333333333px; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope that you have a wonderful year!
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333333333333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rachel Gould **