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World History Syllabus
World History Syllabus
“History is a vast early warning system.” Norman Cousins
“Knowledge of history is the most powerful tool anyone can have.
Goals
The study of World History introduces you to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which you live now. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse.
World History Schedule
Using these major themes listed below we will develop the skills to access and analyze information, solve problems, think critically, collaborate, write effectively, communicate orally, create curiosity and imagination tied to the content given in this course
1.The practice of Government
2.The qualities and influence of leadership
3.The development, use, and impact of technology
4.Economic, diplomatic and military encounters with “others”
5.Contact,Conflict, and migration change-it’s causes and effects
6.Social Class: conflict and consensus
7.Religion and its social, political, and economic impact
8.Art and literature as reflections and shapers of society
9.Conflicts and efforts to restrain it
10.The rise and evolution of the modern state
August 10th to August 15th
Introduction of Themes: “Themes are all around us.”
Newspaper Theme Project Due August 15th
August 16th to August 31st: Review start of civilization
Themes Used: 3, 5, 9
Essential Questions:
“Why does where matter?”
“What are the characteristics of a civilization?”
*Test on Tuesday August 31st
September 1st to September 30th: Ancient Greece
Themes Used: 1, 2, 4, 8,
Essential Questions:
“What skills must citizens have to effectively participate in their democracy?”
“Why does a society work harder when they have something to work for?”
*Test on September 30th
October 1st to November 18th: Ancient Rome
Themes Used: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
Essential Questions
“What skills does a society need to govern themselves?”
“Why was the Roman Empire so successful?”
*Test on November 18th
November 29th to December 10th: Fall of Rome/Early Middle Ages
Themes Used: 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 9
“How does an Empire Fall?”
“Can the United States fall like Rome did”?
“Why so dark?
*Final week of December 13th
January 4th through January 31st: Middle to Late Middle Ages/Islam
Themes Used:2, 4, 5,6,9,10
Essential Questions:
“What impact or contribution did the medieval feudal system have on the emergence of modern day nations?”
“Why do we still have conflict over religious values and beliefs in the middle east and the world today?”
*Test January 31st
February 1st through 4th: Renaissance and the Rebirth of Classical Ideas
Themes Used: 3, 8
Essential Questions: “Why is the Renaissance considered the beginning of Modern Europe?”
February 7th through 11th: Scientific Revolution
Themes Used: 3,7,9
Essential Questions: “How does technological change affect people, places, and regions?”
February 14th through 18th: Protestant Reformation
Themes Used: 7, 9
Essential Questions: “In what ways does religion shape society?”
February 21st through 25th: Overlap Time…Test this week
March 1st through March 31st: Age of Exploration and the Significance of Global Encounters
Themes Used: 2,3,4,9
Essential Questions: If not for these explorers, how would the world be different today?”
*Test on March 31st
April 1st through 29th: Enlightenment and Revolution
Themes Used: 1,2,4,6,9,10
Essential Questions?
“What happens when a government doesn’t do its job.”
“What is the relationship between government and religion?”
*Test on April 29th
My principles of Teaching
- The key to success in my class is engagement. You will get what you put into it. I will not allow you to remain silent and disengaged. I will not allow you to put your head down on the desk, tune out on your iPod, text. I expect daily participation from you.
- You must be an active learner and learn to articulate verbally and in writing your thoughts. You do not know what you believe unless forced to explain your beliefs and ideas to others.
- Writing is hard work, but you must learn to write well and write often. No one listens to those who cannot articulate their thoughts.
- The US is a participatory democracy. You must pay attention to the world around you and form and articulate reasoned opinions about persons, events, and issues. One of the purposes of history is to help you become a good citizen. An uninformed citizen is useless.
- To submit work other than your own is unethical. You need to keep your personal integrity and try not to lose it. Learn what plagiarism is and avoid it like the plague.
- Thomas Jefferson once said “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.” Realize the importance of having opinions and passions. Feel free to disagree with me or others but in a reasoned and well-mannered way.
- Content is the foundation of what we do, but only the foundation. We will develop the skills you need to examine the themes and concepts which will help you make sense of the facts.
- Please don’t show off your artistic talent by drawing on my boards, desks, and leaving trash for someone else to pick up.
- Those who do not read are no better off than those who can’t.
- Keep your hands to yourself
Specific Policies
- you must have both a loose-leaf AND spiral notebook by the third day of class
- Arrive on time
- Turn work in on time. Will accept late work at 10% penalty per day.
- Things that are due mean before class..not at 2:50
- Email me at john.cackowski@dcsdk12.org if you have questions on assignments.
- You can call me at 303-981-5779.
- There are extra credit opportunities at random
- No cell phone usage
- Error on the side of communicating with me.