MONTE VISTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SOSC 1420, World History Course Syllabus Course Description: An academically challenging social studies course encompassing two semesters which examines the history of the world using a biblical perspective during what historians have called the Modern Era. After a brief introduction to the discipline of history and a review of ancient and medieval history, the majority of the year is devoted to the Reformation through the conclusion of the twenty first century. Though the class explores civilizations and peoples the world over, its foundation is predominantly Eurocentric. Throughout the year the students are challenged to make connections to the present day. Curricular Mapping: This course will continue to develop the core academic skills established in junior high specific to social studies, but also incorporates a greater emphasis on writing and critical thinking. Drawing on the student s previous exposure and familiarity to ancient history, World History will provide a slight overlap and move into the modern era. The knowledge and skill set developed in this class will prepare the student for future required and/or advanced study in the social sciences. Course Objectives: Upon the successful completion of this course the student will be able to: 1. Define history and other key terms that pertain to the study of history 2. Identify the tools of doing history and the dangers implicit in the activity 3. Understand the basic events we study from the Reformation to Modern Times 4. Articulate and trace the various themes we study over the course of the year: humanism, individualism, ends justifying the means, scientific progress, revolutions, empire building, and power and authority. 5. Evaluate the moral strength and weakness of individuals and their decisions, as well as groups/societies and their decisions 6. Clearly articulate visually, verbally, and in essays their thoughts and reasoning on pertinent topics throughout the year 7. Collaborate effectively, and reach conclusions, with large or small groups 8. Interpret history with a Biblical worldview using CFR (Creation, Fall, Redemption)
Text: Monte Vista contracts with ESCO to deliver digital textbooks to families. ESCO will provide a (mostly) one stop shopping process, with titles aligned to student schedules, as well as offer technical support. This course s digital title, for sale from ESCO is World History Patterns of Interaction. Course Outline: Review Unit: Basic Understanding of History Brief Overview of History up to the Renaissance Unit 1: Early Modern Times The Reformation (1300 1650) The Scientific Revolution (1550 1700) Unit 2: Absolutism to World Revolutions The Age of Absolutism (1550 1800) The Enlightenment and the American Revolution (1700 1800) The French Revolution and Napoleon (1789 1815) Unit 3: Industrialism and the Race for Empires The Industrial Revolution Begins & Life in the Industrial Age (1750 1914) Ideologies and Nationalism Triumphs in Europe (1800 1914) The New Imperialism & New Global Patterns (1800 1914) Unit 4: World Wars and Revolutions World War I and the Russian Revolution (1914 1924) Nationalism and Revolution Around the World (1910 1939) The Rise of Totalitarianism (1919 1939) World War II and Its Aftermath (1931 1955) Unit 5: The World Today The Cold War (1945 1991) Globalization and Modern Challenges
Grading: Grade Book Categories Classwork and Homework 30% Tests and Quizzes 40% Projects/Essays/Oral Reports 30% Semester Weighted Grading Configuration Quarter 40% Quarter 40% Exam 20% 1. Homework and Classwork 30% Homework is primarily reading but will also include questions to answer, short written assignments, outlines, and, of course, studying. The Homework expectation for the average student is 20 30 minutes. Homework and classwork will account for 30% of your grade. This percentage also includes participation. Please note that homework needs to be handed in on time, legible (if the teacher cannot read it, you do not receive credit; if you know your handwriting is challenged, plan on typing your work), and all sentences need to be complete sentences. 2. Tests and Quizzes 40% Tests will require you to be familiar with the material we will be studying and will be cumulative. Tests and quizzes will account for 40% of your grade. Quizzes will be given periodically to challenge you to keep up to date with the material. A quiz may be given on short notice or no notice whatsoever. Please note, if you know about a test before an absence you will be required to take the test directly upon returning to school. 3. Essays/Projects/Oral Reports 30% Projects will provide opportunities for you to go in depth with a particular topic, person, or event that we are studying. You will be able to express yourself creatively and artistically. Writing assignments will allow you to do some research and express yourself through prose. Oral reports will require you to present something that you have studied and researched in front of the class. These three things account for 30% of your grade. Please note that plagiarism is not tolerated. You will receive a 0% on the work without a possibility of redoing the work for credit. The guidelines in the Student Handbook will be followed. 4. Preparedness/Active Participation/ On Task Behavior Preparedness/Active Participation refers to (1) having the essential tools for the classroom in your possession and ready to use (e.g. ipad charged, required apps, writing implement, binder paper, etc.); and (2) being a regular part of classroom discussions, asking questions, leading groups, etc. On Task Behavior refers to being focused, engaged
and on task with the course content. Students found to be off task (i.e. talking with others, inappropriately using the ipad for games, messaging, etc.) will have points deducted. The dates of the infractions will be listed in the gradebook comments. Students will have a participation grade that goes into the classwork category. Students will start each week with a 5/10 and they can earn or lose points based on how they participate in class. Students who choose to be off task or disrespectful can lose points. Students will also have the option to participate in a multitude of ways. This could be through a shared Google Doc, Twitter Back Channel, or a forum. 5. Organization Organizational skills are an essential part of success when it comes to school, work, and life. Students will be expected to keep their work in a digital folder. The digital work will be collected at the teacher s discretion throughout each unit or each week. High School Standard Grading Policy: Please refer to the policy and procedures posted online in our Parent Student Handbook. Class Policies: The following policies are non negotiable. Please see the teacher if you have any concerns with your ability to follow these policies: 1. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. 2. Attendance: Students are expected to be in class daily. If you are unable to attend, it is your responsibility to get the classwork and homework missed. 3. Tardiness: When the bell rings, be in your seat and working on the bell work. 4. Late work: Homework is due when it is collected in class. Late work will be accepted but for a maximum of 50%. No late work will be accepted after the test on that material (except for excused absences). 5. Enjoy water (in a bottle) in class but not food or other drinks. 6. Students are expected to be prepared for class each day. School Policies and Expected Student Learning Results (ESLRs) : Students are subject to all academic policies of the school as found in the Parent Student Handbook. Furthermore, it is each student s responsibility to read and follow all academic policies of Monte Vista Christian School. In addition to addressing each ESLR every year, we target a specific ESLR each academic year for particular focus. Required Apps: The following apps are required for the class: Doceri
3D Timeline Google Drive Google Docs imovie Pages Notability Tips for the Students: 1. Be proactive in improving your skills, work hard, come to class prepared, and seek help early. 2. Do all assignments completely and according to the directions. 3. Be respectful of others. 4. Participate. 5. Ask questions. Miscellaneous: 1. You will be able to access your grades on Focus. (Parents Be aware the grade you see in Focus during first week or two of any quarter might not be indicative of your student s final grade.)