AP WORLD HISTORY MRS. SOMMER
COURSE FRAMEWORK
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in human societies. The course builds on an understanding of geographical, cultural, institutional, and technological precedents which set the human stage. Learning about history is learning to think and develop the skills to analyze historical evidence in order to interpret and evaluate events, situations, and trends in World History. Students are expected to think and formulate their own views of the events and people studied. Students will acquire skills through work with primary documents in making cause and effect relationships, identifying trends and cycles and detecting bias. AP World History is not the simple retention of facts and dates; rather it is the interpretation and analysis of these facts that are at the core of this class. In the course of the year there will be discussions on a wide variety of historical subjects some of which are controversial in nature. Please be aware that every effort is made to ensure that discussions are relevant to the students’ understanding of the material and tolerance is promoted. Lastly, please remember that writing is a manifestation of analysis and the thinking process.
The following AP World History themes are used throughout the course to identify patterns and processes that explain both the changes and the continuities throughout time.
The AP World History Themes:
1. HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT – The environment shapes human societies, and as populations grow and change, these populations in turn shape their environments.
2. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AND INTERACTIONS – The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
3. GOVERNANCE (POLITICAL) – A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
4. ECONOMIC SYSTEMS – As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.
5. SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND ORGANIZATION – The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
6. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION – Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.
HONOR CODE
I will do my own work and will neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance on assignments for this class.
TEXTS
Text: Traditions and Encounters, by Jerry Bentley & Herbert Ziegler, Boston: McGraw-Hill; 5th ed., 2011
Primary Source Reader: The Human Record, by Alfred Andrea & James Overfield, Boston: Houghton-Mifflin; 5th ed., 2005
Website for student resources: www.mhhe.com/bentley5e
Electronic versions of sources or links to relevant websites will be provided as needed.
There will also be a selection of additional primary sources used throughout the year.
COURSE OUTLINE
The material in the Foundations Unit is partially covered in the summer assignment which is due the first day of school; the rest of that unit will be completed in the first 4 weeks of the school year. From that point forward (roughly) one chapter will be covered every week, the text will be completed mid-April. This allows for 3+ weeks of review prior to the administration of the AP Test Monday morning, May 10, 2021.
Units Chronological Period Chapters Weeks Exam Weight
Foundations of World History c.3500 BCE to 1200CE 1 – 13(ish) 5 Context
Unit 1: The Global Tapestry c. 1200 to Parts of 14&15 7 8–10%
Unit 2: Networks of Exchange c. 1450 17 – 21 8–10%
Unit 3: Land-Based Empires c. 1450 to 22 – 27 6 12–15%
Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections c. 1750 12–15%
Unit 5: Revolutions c. 1750 to 28 – 32 6 12–15%
Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization c. 1900 12–15%
Unit 7: Global Conflict 8–10%
Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization c. 1900 to 33 – 38 7 8–10%
Unit 9: Globalization the present 8–10%
AP Exam Review 3+ weeks
GRADES
Grades will be based on total points earned by the student out of the total points possible and up to one half of the semester grade will come from writing assignments. Grading will be based on a percentage scale:
90 - 100% = A; 80 - 89% = B; 70 - 79% = C; 60 - 69% = D; 0 - 59% = F
Grades will be determined according to each student's performance on the following:
Tests and Quizzes – Beginning the fourth week of school, there will be quizzes as needed. Quizzes will include multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and basic essay work, beginning with thesis composition and outlining. Time will be allotted for will test review and remediation of weak areas. There will be a comprehensive multiple choice test (and essay) at the end of each unit/section.
Essays – The primary focus in the first semester will be skill building, the preponderance of essays will be written in the second semester. The AP test has a long essay question (LEQ) - students will learn to write Comparative, Change Over Time, and Causation essays; in addition to a Document Based Essay.
Presentations/ projects – Expect at least one per unit. These projects will allow for the review of information, the integration of concepts and ideas, as well as the examination of primary sources.
Classwork and homework - Anticipate this on a regular/daily basis. Activities will include:
Daily 5’s - at the beginning of class most days; you will have 20 minutes to answer 5 questions on the previous night’s reading, these questions will provide the basis for daily lectures and discussions.
Connections – in 50 words or less connect the listed items and explain how they relate to one another (i.e. causation, significance …)
Notecards and SPICE-E charts – you will get a handout on how to do both of these.
Participation – You will earn 20 pts. per six week grading period. The following actions will result in the loss of some, if not all, of these points in a grading period:
Failure to bring materials to class
Tardiness
Lack of preparation for class discussion, unwillingness to participate when called upon
Cheating and/or plagiarism
Cell phones on, out or ringing during class (this applies to other electronic devices also)
Out of dress code
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Thorough work is the standard expectation.
You are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring.
Retain all handouts in your notebook; they will be helpful to study for tests and the comprehensive final.
Actively participate in class on a regular basis.
If it is on the board, you are responsible for it.
All school policies and procedures are strictly followed.
PLAIGARISM
Plagiarism, which is the act of taking credit for the academic work of someone else, will not be tolerated. Whenever you are asked to write in this course it is under the expectation that the work you do is your own. Paraphrasing, with the inclusion of proper citation, is acceptable. You may not copy directly from any source, at any time. All direct quotes must be properly cited using MLA guidelines. Failure to honor these academic standards will result in disciplinary action.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Textbook (must be covered – paper bags are recommended, there are how-to YouTube videos for this. I also have a supply of brown paper bags.)
Notebook/Binder (all handouts and notes must be retained; this is a comprehensive course)
Pencil and pen (blue or black are preferable)
Highlighter(s)
Donations of tissues, hand sanitizer, and Post-its are always welcome.
HOMEWORK
There is homework every night; with the block schedule students have some flexibility as to the decision of when/how to approach the work. Reading never stops, you have reading every night, if you are absent this does not change.
ABSENCES
When you are absent it is your responsibility to get the work/notes you missed. I will not remind you about your missed work. It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed by consulting a classmate or checking the calendar in class.
If you are absent the day of a quiz or test, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to make it up. I reserve the right to give essay-only make up exams. You will have 2 weeks to make up missed tests/quizzes. If you fail to make up the test in 2 weeks you may receive a 0.
When traditional school returns, all work is expected to be turned in either by e-mail, or upon your return.
During Distance Learning work will be submitted through Google Classroom unless indicated otherwise on the assignment.
COVID ADDENDUM
BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL
Online Learning Protocols
ATTENDANCE
Students are required to log-on to their scheduled Zoom classes on time and remain online until dismissed by their teacher. Regular attendance and tardy policies still apply during Online Learning. Unexcused absences, tardies, and/or early departure from class will result in a loss of Attendance/Participation points. Absences must be cleared by calling Buchanan’s Attendance Hotline at (559) 327-3037.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULITIES
We understand that technical difficulties are likely to occur. If a student is unable to log-on to class, participate in online activities, or submit digital assignments, it is critical to inform the school by calling (559) 327-3000. A staff member will connect you to a member of Buchanan’s Tech Team to help troubleshoot the problem.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
In addition to school and district conduct policies described in the BHS Parent Student Handbook, the below online protocols are expected of all students.
· Enable computer video with face shown during the entire Zoom session
· Follow CUSD dress code requirements
· Be seated in an appropriate learning space with a suitable video background
· Access all digital platforms utilized by the teacher. Examples include Zoom, Google Classroom, Edulastic, Pear Deck, Turn It In, Teacher Website, Q Student Connect
· Engage in lesson activities as directed by the teacher
· Submit assignments and assessments prior to the due date
· Communicate questions and concerns to the classroom teacher
MAKE UP POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to make up work resulting from excused absences. Students will be given at least the time to make up work that is equivalent to the number of days missed.
Late work policy – see below. If there is an extenuating issue, contact Mrs. Sommer as soon as possible.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be calculated by total points with following limits on the 2 categories below:
Attendance/Participation (at least 15%)
Assessments (no more than 60%)
TEACHER COMMUNICATION/AVAILABILITY
Teachers are available through their CUSD email (maurinesommer@cusd.com). Teachers work hours are 7:50 AM – 3:15 PM. Please allow 24 hours for a response email, excluding weekends and holidays.
*As a teacher on a part time contract – I am available from 7:50AM – 12:30PM.
LATE WORK
Late Work/Make-up Work Policy and Honor Code
1. No late work will be accepted.
2. Make-up work will be accepted for excused absences only.
3. Students will be given the time to make-up work that is equivalent to the number of days missed. Example: Two days of excused absences, two days allowed for make-up work. Arrangements should be made through your teacher.
4. It is the student's responsibility on the day they return to inquire about the work missed when absent.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their grade. Grades are posted and updated regularly in Zangle.
6. Honor Code: I will do my own work and will neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance on assignments for this class.
7. If you have any questions regarding this policy please feel free to contact me at 327-3000, or MaurineSommer@clovisusd.k12.ca.us.
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Please sign and return this portion of the syllabus. By doing so, you are stating that you have read and agree to the class requirements and policies of Mrs. Sommer, including the Late Work Policy.
Student Signature:_________________________
Student name printed:_________________________
Parent Signature:__________________________
Parent name printed ______________________