Syllabus

Burlington High School
Course Expectations
Social Studies Department

Ms. Stephanie Fishel
fishel@bpsk12.org     
781-270-1870

World History II
126-005 & 127-005

Welcome back to school and to your 11th grade World History II class.  We will be picking up where WHI left off in middle school and address many world issues that have helped create the global society we live in today.  During this class specifically, the major topics we will cover will be the Age of Absolutism, the Enlightenment and Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the age of Imperialism, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and the world today.  We will also address major topics of history such as geography, economics, and civics and government.  

I.  WHII - Themes (adapted from MA Social Studies Curriculum Framework)

Throughout our class we will see similarities that run throughout history regardless of where on the globe these events take place.  By better understand the larger themes of the course, we will get a better understanding of the world as a whole!

• The Evolution of Concepts of Personal Freedom - How have the concepts of personal freedom, individual responsibility, and respect for human dignity evolved over time?   
• Growth and Impact of Centralized State Power - What is the impact of a large centralized state on its people and the world around them?  Why do centralized states form?
• The Growth of Industry - How has economic trade spread ideas, customs, and practices?  What is the impact of industrialization on individual nations, as well as the world?  What happens to countries who struggle with industrialization?  
• Impact of Technology - How has the development of scientific reasoning, technology, and formal education affect people’s health, standard of living, religious beliefs, government, and the environment?  

II.  Goals of the Class - Students will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of basic chronology in a historical context, as well as cause and effect relationships in each period studied.

• Analyze primary and secondary documents and artifacts and discuss their importance to history.
• Recognize the value of diverse cultures, the expanding role of women and minority groups, and the role of education across the globe.
• Evaluate the changing roles of technology in society and its effects on past and present culture.
• Read, write, and communicate ideas individually, in small groups, and as a class in order to encourage abstract thinking, strengthen writing abilities, and gain confidence in one’s self.

III.  Class Expectations - In my classroom, you will be expected to:

• Be present in class (physically and mentally!) and ready to learn each class day.  
• Think, ask questions, and participate.  
• Complete homework and assignments on time!
• Respect viewpoints that are different from your own.  

You must come to class each day with the required materials for that lesson.  Please have your iPads charged, writing utensils, and paper.  

IV.  Materials for Class

• Textbook - Beck, Roger B.  World History: Patterns of Interaction.  Evanston, IL: McDougal Little, 2005.  
• You will using this book primarily at home.  Please keep it in a safe place!

• Additional Readings - provided to the student as a hard copy or digitally
• Apps Needed
• Socrative- Student (you can also access this through the website, but the app is free and easier)
• Canvas iOS   
• Interactive Whiteboard App - I prefer Educreations (free)
• **Other Apps may be recommended later for download, but these will get us started**

V.  Classroom Policies

Absences

One of the best ways to do well in my classroom is to simply be there!  If/When absences occur, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to make up missed assignments.  If you are absent, please check the class blog for information about what you missed that day and pass it in as soon as possible. 

Student Handbook  (pg. 15), if you have missed 6 or more classes during a term, you may not receive credit for that term.  

• For unexcused absences, you will have one day to make up work for everyday that you were absent from class.  For example, if you are absent on a Monday, you have until Wednesday to pass in the assignment for full credit.  For excused absences, see policy in Student Handbook (pg 25).  
• Make-up work/late work will be accepted for half-credit for one week after the due date has passed.  After one week, no credit will be given. 

VI.  Technology

As a school we have been given a wonderful opportunity to use technology in the classrooms.  While the technology is a great tool, it can often be a distraction.  You are expected to use your technology at appropriate times and for relevant activities only.  Using paper and pens is always an alternative if you cannot monitor your iPad use.

VII.  Grading Policies

I will post graded assignments within one week after the date it was due.   Assignments will be worth a percentage of your total grade, and the breakdown is as follows:

• Tests and Projects 30%
• Essays 20%
• Quizzes - D.I.R.T (did I read this?) and Content Quizzes 20%
• Homework 15%
• Participation 15% - will be evaluated by student self-assessments and teacher assessments

**I reserve the right to amend this breakdown as needed, as no two classes are alike and a different approach will be applied if needed**

VIII.  Extra Credit

Students should expect one/two extra credit opportunities, which will be discussed in class at a later date.

IX.  Extra Help

I will make myself available for extra help every week on Tuesdays for WHII students.  If there is no one for extra help by 2:30 I will leave for the day.  Please let me know ahead of time if you will be coming for extra help! If you cannot make it on a Tuesday, please let me know and we will discuss a time that works better for you to stay.  

Additionally, students will receive one in-class review session, as well as an after school extra help session before every test.  AFTER SCHOOL TEST HELP SESSIONS ARE MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED A 69 OR BELOW ON THE PREVIOUS TEST!

X.  How to Contact Me

Email - fishel@bpsk12.org  -  Email is the easiest way to contact me.  I check email several times a day, and you should expect a response after school hours.

 Phone - 781-270-1870