Course Syllabus

MODERN WORLD HISTORY

ACP

Dr. Cacace

Wellesley High School

Room 410

Voicemail: 781-446-6290 ext. 4410

Email: cacaces@wellesleyps.org

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

In this course students explore the world in the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries.  The course begins with an investigation of the impact of the Industrial Revolution and French Revolution on nineteenth century life and philosophy.  It continues with an examination of how the new ideas that emerged from these revolutions transformed interactions in Europe, Africa, and Asia.  Students then examine how the clashing of these ideas contributed to World War I and World War II, and lead to a search for a new global balance of power in the Cold War.  Finally, the course concludes with a look at how all of these historical moments have produced the (contentious) globalized world in which we now live.

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Unit 1: The Modern World Begins: The French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and the Birth of New Ideas 1780s-1860s
• Unit 2: Western Expansion and Resistance 1860s-1914
• Unit 3: A Crack in the European Center: World War I 1914-1918
• Unit 4: The Challenge to European Democracy and Supremacy 1917-1939
• Unit 5: Democracy vs. Totalitarianism and the End of European Supremacy: World War II 1939-1945
• Unit 6: The Search for a New Center: The Cold War 1945-1991
• Unit 7: The Struggle for Democracy in Africa and the Middle East 1945-1994
• Unit 8: Globalization and its Discontents 2000s-present

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• To approach history critically and analytically
• To analyze and evaluate competing sources of historical information from multiple perspectives
• To describe history through the experiences of those who lived it in order to gain historical empathy and imagination
• To develop a clear sense of historical time in order to explain patterns of historical continuity and change
• To formulate and evaluate original and insightful arguments using primary sources, secondary sources, and historical data
• To develop and deepen critical thinking, reading, speaking, and writing skills

 

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be determined using a total point system.  Each quarter, your grade will be calculated by dividing the total points earned on each assignment by the total points offered for each assignment.

 

CANVAS INFORMATION

Please familiarize yourself with the accompanying Canvas page for our course.  On this page you will find copies of handouts, class lessons, and assignments. 

 

GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

This course will be exciting, rewarding, and memorable.  I know you will all succeed, learn, and have fun.  However, to make this possible all of us must follow certain behavioral expectations. 

• Be positive! Embrace others’ opinions and share your thoughts and feelings!
• Be curious! Ask questions, grapple with difficult issues, change your opinions, seek a greater understanding!
• Be prepared! Bring needed materials to class every day.  Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings!
• Be respectful to everyone and everything!

 

COURSE POLICIES

The following policies are in place to maximize your opportunity to learn and to ensure that the class runs effectively and efficiently.  

 

ASSIGNMENT POLICY

• All assignments are due at the beginning of class.

• Assignments are to be completed at home.  If you are found to be working on assignments during class time you will receive a zero on that assignment. 
• No assignments will be accepted via email!
• Late assignments will be accepted, but will be subject to a late penalty.
• No assignment may be rewritten.

 

“GO GREEN” POLICY

• Please complete all assignments on either 2-sided or “scrap” paper when possible.

 

EXTRA HELP AND AVAILABILITY OUTSIDE OF CLASS

• I am available for extra help before, during, and after school.
• I am more than happy to meet with students for any reason, please come by!