COURSE SYLLABUS Teacher: Mr. Prindiville Room: 103 Email: pprindiville@stpatrickhighschool.net Course: Advanced Placement World History Our mission for our students is to promote spiritual growth; to assure intellectual growth through academic excellence; to foster a Christian social conscience; to develop a physically healthy lifestyle; and to provide a culturally enriching experience. Course Description: Advanced Placement World History is a challenging, two-semester course that is structured around the investigation of selected themes woven into key concepts covering distinct chronological periods. AP World History is equivalent to an introductory college survey course. The course has a three-fold purpose. First, it is designed to prepare students for successful placement into higher-level college and university history courses. Second, it is designed to develop skills of analysis and thinking in order to prepare students for success in the twenty-first century. Finally, it is the intent of this class to make the learning of world history an enjoyable experience. Students will be able to show their mastery of the course goals by taking part in the College Board AP World History Exam in May. Objectives: Advanced Placement World History is structured around the investigation of five themes woven into 19 key concepts covering six distinct chronological periods. History is a sophisticated quest for meaning about the past, beyond the effort to collect and memorize information. This course will continue to deal with the facts names, chronology, events, and the like but it will also emphasize historical analysis. This will be accomplished by focusing on four historical thinking skills: crafting historical arguments from historical evidence, chronological reasoning, comparison and contextualization, and historical interpretation and synthesis. World history requires the development of thinking skills using the processes and tools that historians employ in order to create historical narrative. Students will also be required to think on many different geographical and temporal scales in order to compare historical events over time and space. 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 1
The course relies heavily on college-level resources. This includes texts, a wide variety of primary sources, and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. These resources are designed to develop the skills required to analyze point of view and to interpret evidence to use in creating plausible historical arguments. These tools will also be used to assess issues of change and continuity over time, identifying global processes, comparing within and among societies, and understanding diverse interpretations. Students will be required to participate in class discussions using Socratic seminar and debate formats. In addition, students will be responsible for preparing class presentations in order to further develop higher level habits of mind or thinking skills and broaden content knowledge. The course emphasis is on balancing global coverage, with no more than 20% of course time devoted to European history. This course is designed to be rigorous and rewarding, inviting students to take a global view of historical processes and contacts between people in different societies. The five AP World History Themes that connect the key concepts throughout the course and serve as the foundation for student reading, writing, and presentation requirements are as follows:! Theme 1: Interaction Between Humans and the Environment: Demography and disease, Migration, Patterns of settlement, Technology! Theme 2: Development and Interaction of Cultures: Religions, Belief systems, philosophies, and ideologies, Science and technology, the arts and architecture.! Theme 3: State-building, Expansion, and Conflict: Political structures and forms of governance, empires, nations and nationalism, revolts and revolutions, regional, trans regional, and global structures and organizations! Theme 4: Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems: agricultural and pastoral production, trade and commerce, labor systems, industrialization, Capitalism, and Socialism! Theme 5: Development and Transformation of Social Structures: Gender roles and relations, family and kinship, racial and ethnic constructions, social and economic classes. Grading Policies: The academic year of St. Patrick Catholic High School consists of two semesters; each semester is divided into two nine-week quarters. An academic grade will be issued each quarter (nine-week period) for all classes on a report card. Grading Scale A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 75-84 D = 70-74 F = 0-69 Students will have at least five (5) major grades per quarter. Major grades count as 60% of the student s quarter grade. Grades will be calculated using the following formula: Category Weight Types of Assignments Included 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 2
Major Grades 60% Friday FUN AP-Style Objective and Written Assessments; Unit Tests; Other Major Work (written pieces, projects, etc.) Quizzes 20% Wednesday Reading Quizzes Homework 15% Written Reading Responses; Study Cards Bellwork and Other Graded Assignments 5% Bellwork, collected and Graded Periodically Throughout the Quarter without notice; small in-class graded assignments. Specific Grading and Assessment Policies for AP World History And on the eighth day, God decreed that 93% equals an A and 92% must be a B. Most students who score a 5 on the AP Exam (the highest score) only answer around 80% of the exam correctly. An 80% at St. Patrick and most high schools is a C, yet many colleges award full credit for an 80% on the AP exam. The reason for this difference is one of challenge. Since AP World History is a demanding course, we have to recalibrate our understanding of what good is. My intention is to provide AP-style challenge from the first day. This is the only way we ll be prepared come May! To provide the necessary mental challenge and also accurately reflect the good work of our WHAP scholars on the transcript, our AP-style assessments will be graded slightly differently. AP-Style Multiple Choice Assessments Students who score 80% on AP-style multiple-choice assessments in our class are actually doing exceptionally well. Thus, multiple-choice assessments that are designed in the AP style and intended to match AP Exam rigor (such assessments will be clearly marked or communicated as such) will be graded as if 80% equals 100%. So, for a 10-question AP-style assessment, a student who answers eight of the ten questions correctly will earn a 100% in the gradebook. Students will be able to keep extra points earned above the 80% threshold, so if a student answered nine of the questions correctly, they would have one bonus point in the gradebook for that category that will apply to other assignments. This policy is commonplace among AP World History teachers. AP-Style Written Assessments Written assessments on the AP Exam are graded on a nine-point scale. A score of nine is incredibly rare. To prepare students for the writing assignments, AP-style and AP-rigor written work will always be graded using 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 3
the AP grading criteria and the nine-point scale. This allows us to hone our focus on improving writing skills assessed on the exam. For the gradebook, the following scores will apply: AP-Style PowerSchool Written Score Score Code Gradebook Percentage 9 AP-9 104% 8 AP-8 100% 7 AP-7 96% 6 AP-6 92% 5 AP-5 88% 4 AP-4 84% 3 AP-3 80% 2 AP-2 76% 1 AP-1 72% I will input students AP-Style score into PowerSchool so we all student, parents, and teacher can track progress using the same scale used on the AP Exam. So, if a student scores a 6 on an AP-style written piece, AP-6 will show on PowerSchool instead of a traditional A-F letter grade. This will be worth 92% in the student s average. Timing on Assessments in WHAP Practice makes perfect. Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice. The AP Exam is strictly timed. To make sure we re ready to hit it out of the park come exam day, we will always follow the AP Exam s timing. I will strictly enforce time limits on all AP-style assessments. Failure to turn in an assessment when time is called will risk a score of 0 on the assignment. All tests, projects, assignments, and homework will be posted in PowerSchool by 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the school week. Assignment details such as rubrics, instructions, and hand-outs are made available by clicking on the assignment title within PowerSchool. Due dates are subject to change in keeping with the assessment and flexibility of the teachers lesson plan. Grades are updated weekly, and current grades are available via PowerSchool (https://www.biloxidiocese.powerschool.com/public). WHAP Written Homework Responses Rubric: Written responses in WHAP will be assessed using the following rubric: 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 4
Criteria Exceptional (5) Proficient (4) Developing (3) Inadequate (0) Quality of Responses Conventions and Length Submission Independence of Thought Each response is completely accurate and answers the question completely, fully, and appropriately, including additional information from the reading not directly related to the question if appropriate. The responses present an engaging, formal and objective tone. The text intentionally uses standard English conventions of usage and mechanics. Each response is at least three natural sentences. All questions were answered and assignment was submitted on time. No response includes direct phrasing from the textbook; each response is in the student's own words. Each response is completely accurate and answers the question completely, fully, and appropriately. The responses presents an appropriate, formal, and objective tone. The text demonstrates standard English conventions of usage and mechanics. Each response is at least three natural sentences. Some responses have factual errors and/or some answers do not completely, fully, and appropriately respond to the question asked. The responses illustrate a limited awareness of formal tone. The text demonstrates some accuracy in standard English conventions of usage and mechanics. Each response is at least three sentences. Few responses include direct phrasing from the textbook; most responses are in the student's own words. There are many factual errors and few answers completely, fully, and appropriately respond to the question asked. The text illustrates a limited awareness or inconsistent tone. The text illustrates inaccuracy in standard English conventions of usage and mechanics. Some responses are less than three sentences. Not all questions were answered and the assignment was submitted on time. Many responses include direct phrasing from the textbook; few responses are in the student's own words. Attendance Policy: When absent from class, students are responsible for getting the makeup work. Students who are absent on school business should get their assignments before they leave. For all absences, students will be allowed two (2) days from the date of their return to school to make up any assignments missed. Students will receive full credit for the assignments made up within the allotted time period. Tests, quizzes, and other assignments which are pre-assigned should be made up (or turned in) on the first day of the student s return to school (i.e. tests, quizzes, or homework announced prior to the student s absence). Tests and quizzes are to be made up before or after school as scheduled by the teacher. Tutoring/Remediation: I am available during the following times for tutoring or for students to make up assignments missed. Mornings from 7:45 to 8:10am: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 5
Afternoons from 3:00 3:30: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday General Weekly Routine Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition. - W. H. Auden (Anglo-American poet, regarded by many as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century) Flex Day Flex Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Focus Content Knowledge AP Habits of Mind AP Writing Skills Argumentation Skills AP-test Strategies Activity Lecture; Paired and Group Work Primary Source Analysis Writing Modeling and Practice Debate; Verbalized and Written Processing of Material AP-Style Assessment; Review Graded Work Due None Written reading responses due on Haiku by 8am, Wednesday.* Textbook reading quiz. None FUN!! AP-style Assessment Homework to Completed Reading, note taking, and preparing written responses. Reading, note taking, and preparing for reading quiz. Reading, note taking, and preparing written responses. Prepare for Friday s Ultimate Nirvana Reading, note taking, and preparing written responses. * See grading policies regarding grading of written homework reading responses 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 6
Course Plan and Assignments Week of: Strayer Chapters Wednesday Reading Assessments Important Calendar Items UNIT ONE: Technological and Environmental Transformations Periodization: c. 8000 BCE to c. 600 BCE Main Focus: Beginnings in History August 10 1 Chapter 1 August 17 2 Chapter 2 Friday is last day to drop AP course. Unit One Assessment: Friday, August 21 UNIT TWO: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies Periodization: c. 600 BCE to c.600 CE Main Focus: The Classical Era in World History August 24 3 Chapter 3 August 31 4 Chapter 4 September 7 5 Chapter 5 Labor Day; Progress Reports September 14 6 Chapter 6 Unit Two Assessment: Friday, September 18 UNIT THREE: Regional and Transregional Interactions Periodization: c. 600 CE-c.1450 Main Focus: A Time of Accelerating Connections September 21 7 Chapter 7 Homecoming Week September 28 7 Alternate Assignment 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 7
October 5 8 Chapter 8 October 12 8 and 9 Chapter 9 Monday: Fall Holiday Quarter One Report Cards October 19 9 Alternate Assignment October 26 10 Chapter 10 November 2 11 Chapter 11 November 9 12 Chapter 12 Progress Reports Unit Three Assessment: Friday, November 13 UNIT FOUR: Global Interactions Periodization: c. 1450 to c.1750 Main Focus: The Early Modern World November 16 13 Chapter 13 November 23 Thanksgiving Break November 30 13 and 14 Chapter 14 December 7 14 / Flex Week December 14 Review Review December 21 and December 28 Christmas Break!! January 4 14 and 15 Alternate Assignment Semester Exams: December 16-18 Report Cards Issued for Q2 and Semester 1 January 11 15 Chapter 15 Unit Four Assessment: Friday, January 15 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 8
UNIT FIVE: Industrialization and Global Integration Periodization: c. 1750 to c. 1900 Main Focus: The European Moment in World History January 18 16 Chapter 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 25 16 and 17 Alternative Assignment. February 1 17 Chapter 17 Catholic Schools Week February 8 18 Chapter 18 Mardi Gras Holiday February 15 18 and 19 Alternate Assignment February 22 19 Chapter 19 Unit Five Assessment: Friday, February 26 UNIT SIX: ACCELERATING GLOBAL CHANGE AND REALIGNMENTS Periodization: c. 1900 to the present Main Focus: The most recent century February 29 20 Chapter 20 March 7 20 and 21 Alternate Assignment March 14 21 Chapter 21 Quarter Three Report Cards issued March 21 21 and 22 Alternate Assignment Good Friday March 28 Easter Break April 4 22 Chapter 22 April 11 23 Chapter 23 April 18 23 and Flex Week Chapter 23 Unit Six Assessment: Friday, April 22 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 9
April 25 Review for AP Exam Progress Reports May 2 May 9 Review for AP Exam Review for AP Exam May 12, 2016: Advanced Placement Exam Additional Classroom Policies: Academic Integrity: Perhaps the highest measure of personal honor is how one achieves success. In the academic environment, one can achieve success through honest means, or by nefarious methods that cheapen the success sought and offend the community in which that success is valued. As a Catholic school, we believe that working with academic integrity is held to an even higher standard: that of right moral action. Academic dishonesty of any kind cheating, broadly defined, and plagiarism is not tolerated in this course. Unless otherwise specifically noted in writing on an assignment, all graded work in this class is to be done individually and indpendently. Cheating takes many forms, and I do not intend to enumerate them all here. Be sure to note, however, that submitting homework or other class assignemnts that closely resemble that of another student is not academicially honest, and will be treated as such. I employ many different methods to ensure that work in my classes is completed with the utmost regard for academic integrity. Per school policy, students caught cheating will be dealt with in a serious manner. The student will receive a zero (0) on the assignment, test, quiz or exam in which the cheating has occurred and be referred to the administration for disciplinary action. It s not worth it. Bellwork and Bellwork Quizzes: Students are expected to complete bellwork each day as they enter the class from the hallway following the format proscribed in class. Unannounced bellwork quizzes will occur throughout each quarter and must be completed from the student s own bellwork kept in the binder. If the student does not have the bellwork completed or does not have their binder, they must submit a blank quiz. Preparing bellwork diligently each day is the best way to prepare for these unannounced quizzes. If a student is absent, they are expected to get the bellwork question from another student and add it to their own bellwork log. Absence is not an acceptable excuse for not completing bellwork on a bellwork quiz. Binders and Organization: Students are expected to keep course materials organized in a binder following a format outlined in class. Binder organization may be assessed as a major grade assignment throughout the year. 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 10
Changes to the Syllabus: I reserve the right to change this syllabus at any time. Changes will be communicated to students in class and will be effective immediately. Homework Submission: Homework must be submitted online through MyHaiku. If students do not have internet access at home or on a smart phone, they must talk with me during the first week of school to discuss an alternate method to complete homework assignments. If a student has difficulty submitting an assignment on MyHaiku, the homework is still assigned and due as if there was no difficulty. Technical difficulties will not be accepted as an excuse for not completing homework. If a student has difficulty submitting the assignment through MyHaiku, they have two emergency routes: 1. The assignment can be submitted via email to pprindiville@stpatrickhighschool.net by 11:59pm the day the assignment is due. 2. The assignment can be submitted on paper in room 103 before 8:15am. After the second paper submission, I will initiate parent contact to explore new strategies to empower students to submit the assignments on Haiku. If I have not received the assignment on MyHaiku or through the two alternate emergency routes, the assignment is late. Late and Missing Work: I do not accept late homework for credit. Should a student chose to submit a major grade assignment late, the assignment will be assessed a complete letter-grade deduction per day late, per school policy (e.g. for example work that would normally receive a B would receive a C and so forth). Students are expected to backup their work to mitigate technical difficulties. Computer failure is not an acceptable excuse for late assignments. Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services offer second-by-second backup of documents. Students are encouraged to use such a service. Parental Contact, PowerSchool, and Gradebook Updates: Students and parents are encouraged to regularly keep track of academic progress on PowerSchool. Due to the nature of PowerSchool s gradebook, the grade showed online might not always reflect the most up-to-date grade in the course. It is Mr. Prindiville s intention to return grades in a reasonable, one-week timeframe. Parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher regarding school- related business via his e-mail (pprindiville@stpatrickhighschool.net). The teacher checks his e-mail daily during workweek business hours, and will respond in a timely fashion. Parent conferences are scheduled by appointment only. PowerSchool Score Codes: The following score codes will be used on PowerSchool. When you see this for a grade on PowerSchool Absent NS It means Student was absent when a quiz/test was taken or an assignment was due. An assignment was not submitted. It counts as 0 0 What student should do Turn in the assignment according to the handbook/syllabus policies. Submit the assignment for late credit according to policy. Compl. Assignment was completed. (Homework 100% Nothing! You re awesome. completion grade.) Tardiness: Students must be seated in their assigned seats immediately as the tardy bell begins ringing. If not, the student is tardy. Once I have taken attendance, I will not change a student from tardy to present. 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 11
Classroom Discipline Plan: The behavior policy of St. Patrick Catholic High School fosters the total Christian formation of each student through the nourishment of religious values, self-discipline, personal growth, and academic excellence. This goal is best realized through the cooperative effort of students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. Each teacher will publish a set of rules in his or her classroom. To ensure proper communication and consistency among students, faculty, administration, and parents, listed below is the discipline plan of each classroom. The steps below may be given verbally by the teacher or by placing the student s name on the board. Step 1: Warning Step 2: Classroom detention Step 3: Classroom detention and parent contact Step 4: Referral to the administration The following infractions bypass the classroom discipline plan and are immediately referred to the disciplinarian: major classroom disruptions and/or defiance, the use of cell phones or other telecommunication devices, and dress code violations. Classroom detentions will be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher and may be issued before or after school. The student will be provided at least twenty-four hours (24) notice to make arrangements to attend the detention as scheduled. Upon assigning a classroom detention, the teacher will complete a classroom detention form, provide a copy of the form to the student, and document the classroom detention in PowerSchool. Students who do not attend a classroom detention as scheduled will receive an additional classroom detention. Failure to attend both detentions as scheduled will result in one (1) day of ISS. Important Dates: Quarter 1 August 7 to October 9 Labor Day September 7 Fall Holiday October 12 Quarter 2 October 13 to December 18 Thanksgiving November 23 to 27 Midterm Exams December 16 to 18 Christmas Holidays December 21 to January 4 Quarter 3 January 5 to March 11 MLK, Jr. Holiday January 18 Mardi Gras February 8 to 9 Quarter 4 March 14 to May 23 Good Friday March 25 Easter Holidays March 28 to April 1 May 12!! AP Exam!! Graduation May 20 Final Exams May 19 to 23 Last Day of School May 23 2015-2016 www.stpatrickhighschool.net 12