Text:

Modern World History:  Patterns of Interaction (McDougal Littell, Publishers)

Other readings (handouts, primary sources online) as appropriate

Course Goals:

 Students will learn about the role of the historian, historical research, and the controversies that occur within the discipline of history.  Through readings, in-class activities and individual and group projects, students will come to see world history as a complex subject with the possibility of different interpretations of the same event.  In addition, they will be able to:

• analyze historical events;
• have an understanding of the major events and trends in the world and  make connections between those events;
• see history as the result of the contributions of all people, regardless of race, class, gender, or other defining factors;
• be able to identify and use a variety of historical sources.

The other major goal is to instill a love of history, so as to encourage further study.

Standards and Skills:

In alignment with the national and California history standards, this course will provide students with skills for chronological thinking; historical comprehension, analysis and interpretation; historical research; issues-analysis and decision-making. 

Course Description:

In this course we will examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern world, with the major focus being on the time period of the 16th century to the present.   This content focus will be complemented by an emphasis on developing skills including critical thinking, note-taking, outlining, oral presentation and basic academic research skills.

Units covered include:

• Cross-cultural/transoceanic encounters and global connections;
• Transformation of Europe (including the Reformation, rise of early capitalism, the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment); 
• Development of Democracy (from its roots in ancient Greece to the revolutions of the 18^th century);
• “Isms”:  Industrialism, Imperialism.

In addition, we will look at:

• Early interactions between Latin America and Europe;
• Africa and the Atlantic world (including trade, power, and the impact of the slave trade);
• Tradition and change in Asia;
• Islamic empires. 

Participation/Attendance:

As Sophomores, you are ready to take a more active role in your education.  That is why participation is an important component of your grade.  You will be assessed on your contributions to class, your involvement/responsibility in group activities and consistent attendance. Your attendance is important to maintain quality work and to ensure a good grade.   Please note that tardies will also be reflected in your grade, so come to class on time!

If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out what was missed and for checking with me about due dates for make-up work.  Exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses with your classmates today, and use the “Edline Homework” tool available on Mercy’s website.  “I wasn’t here last class” is not a valid excuse for missing assignments or tests.

 Grading:

All work is assigned a point value.  Please note that not all work will receive a letter grade.  Grades are based on the total points accumulated in each grading period.  The range of grades is as follows:

90 -100% of total points =   A

80 - 89% of total points =    B

70 - 79% of total points =    C

60 - 69% of total points =    D

Late Work:

It is to your benefit to hand in your work on time in order to ensure that you receive full credit.  All late assignments will be graded down for every day they are late.

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to abide by the school rules and policies which are contained in your handbook.  Some policies, such as those applying to tardies, have changed.  It is your responsibility to inform yourself of these changes.

 As “Women of Mercy,” maintaining a respectful and dignified demeanor in the classroom towards your teachers and your classmates is a given.  Unacceptable and/or disruptive behavior will result in detention, and a pattern of infractions will negatively affect your grade.

 Staying in Touch:

I encourage students to come see me to discuss any questions, issues, problems, or concerns.  Also, parents and students should feel free to contact me via e-mail during non-school hours.

Let’s have a great year together!

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