Waterford School District

WATERFORD SCHOOLS
COURSE SYLLABUS

2014-2015


Course Title: World History and Geography

Instructor: Lauren A. Harpster E-mail: Mathel01@wsdmi.org

Voicemail: (248) 674-4134 Conference period: 3
rd
hour
Room number: 311
Course Description
World History is a full year required course that focuses on basic events in human
political, economic, and social development. The course will examine the different
peoples and cultures that have appeared in history and how they interact with and
influence each other.
Units of Study
1
st
Semester--
Eras 1-3: Foundations of World History (Beginnings 300 C.E.)
Era 4: Middle Ages (300-1500 C.E.)
Era 5: The Emergence of the Frist Global Age (15
th
-18
th
Centuries)
2
nd
Semester
Era 6: An Age of Global Revolutions (18
th
Century 1914)
Era 7: Global Crisis and Achievement (1900 - 1945)
Era 8: The Cold War and its Aftermath (20
th
century since 1945)
Contemporary Global Issues, Past to Present
Primary Resources
History Alive! World Connections takes a global approach to the study of world
history by exploring the inter-regional connections and global themes that connect our
world today.
Instruction
Timelines/ Sequencing
Development of graphic organizers
Document analysis
Practicing Point of View
Debates and projects
Vocabulary enrichment
Variety of Assessment
Every day there will be a warm-up then classwork (lecture with guided notes)

Learning Goals
Goal 1 Political Systems
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and
current status
of principles, institutions, and processes of political systems.
Goal 2 Peoples Of The Nation And World
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the history, diversity, and

commonality of the
peoples of the nation and world, the reality of human interdependence, and the need
for global
cooperation, through a perspective that is both historical and multicultural.
Goal 3 Geography
The student will demonstrate an understanding of geographic concepts and
processes to examine the
role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and distribution of
human activities
throughout history.
Goal 4 Economics
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and
current status of
economic principles, institutions, and processes needed to be effective citizens,
consumers, and workers.
Grading Calculation
The purpose of grading in this class is to ascertain and to communicate, fairly and
accurately, the academic achievement of each student. Modified Grade will be noted
on report cards for students who receive services per their current Individualized
Education Program (IEP)

A = 90% - 100% Perfection; complete mastery of the material

B = 80% - 89% Exceeding expectations; mastering most material

C = 70% - 79% Average; meeting some expectations

F = 0% - 69% Failing

Grade Weighting
Grades are weighted to give the intended importance to each learning goal and to
each assessment. Grades in this class during the semester include assignments and
activities in the following categories:
75% Achievement
25% Practice
10% Mid-term/Final Exam

Grading Practices
In addition the following grading practices are used:
Extra credit:
Unlimited as long as it is on topic of what era we are learning about. It can be in any
form (report, picture, artwork, song, poem, poster, interview!). Every Monday is
Current Event Monday! Which students can print off or cut out a current event and
present in class for +5 points.
Group work:
Students will get into teams/groups often in class. Points scored will vary from

practice/classwork or achievement.
Late work/incomplete work:
If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to get missing work. There is also a form
a student will fill out if they were present but did not do the assignment. They will fill
the form out and get it signed prior to allowing them to turn it in for a late grade. The
assignment will receive a point missing each day it is late up to 5 class period then it
is only worth half of its original points.
Makeup/redo:
If a student receives a 69% or lower on a test, they will receive a form to fill out in
order to make corrections to improve their test grade. They can only receive at the
most a 70% on the test.

Classroom Expectations
Student MUST come prepared to class every day with their materials:
Three ringed binder

World History Textbook

Create an online TCI account for the classroom (learntci.org)

Pen and Pencil

Required materials completed

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR:

1. Student must enter class and prepare for the days lesson. Abide by locker
times.
2. During the instruction/lecture portion of class, each student must give their
undivided attention to the instruction. Talking without permission will not be
tolerated during this part of class.
3. Receive permission before talking or getting out of seat.
4. Use cell phones and mp3 players turned off and put away until instructed
otherwise.
5. Use restrooms before or after class. Students will be allowed passes if not
abused (example: taking passes three out of the five times we meet each
week)
6. Clean and clear area before leaving. Wait to be dismissed.


Helpful websites/e-mail:

www.edline.net Waterford School District announcement and student progress
www.waterford.k12.mi.us Waterford School District
www.waterford.k12.us/databases.htm Library Resources