Course Syllabus

After School Office Hours: Tuesdays from 2:30-3:05

This course is an investigation of 19th and 20th century world history. We will study the major political, economic, and social developments of those centuries, looking closely at their causes and consequences and the role of individual decision-making. 

Essential Questions:

• In what ways has nationalism manifested in and shaped modern world history?
• How do global power politics affect people and nations?
• In eras of economic and technological change, how do social and political relationships and systems transform?

Units of Study:

1. 1. Change in the 19th Century
   2. World War I
   3. Between the Wars
   4. World War II
   5. The World Since 1945

Required Supplies for Every Class:

• • Spiral-bound notebook & any photocopied readings
  • This tool kit
  • A working writing utensil
  • Your textbook
  • 3 different colored highlighters

Note: Repeated failure to come to class with these supplies will disqualify you from earning any bonus points.

Mindset:

Curiosity, initiative, and persistence are three qualities that will carry you this year. Practice them. Doing so will require other behaviors. Treat everyone in the class with respect. Listen to and talk with your classmates in discussion. Commit yourself to personal development and not simply getting the work done. Be willing to take risks, like asking questions or sharing original ideas: we will all benefit when you do. Remember that what we do here is important. You can do it. Your teacher and classmates will help.

As a student in this course, you are expected to notice patterns and relationships between and among the people, places, movements, and events we study. You should notice when information is different than what you thought you knew. You should register your own emotional responses when what you learn moves you in some way. These habits of mind will require engagement on your part. It is that depth of engagement that will guide you to success in this class.

Ask for the help you need. Ms. Bel cares about you. She wants you to succeed. Reach out when you have questions, need clarification or coaching, or need extra time due to an unforeseen challenge (and do so in a timely manner, not at the last minute or after the fact). We are in this together!

Expectations:

You have chosen to take Modern World History at the honors level. That means that you have selected a rigorous, challenging course rooted in intensive reading and writing. In the WHS Program of Studies, here is the description of the course:

This class is for students who produced exemplary work in ninth grade social studies at a comparable level, who have a high interest level in history, excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, and who can complete work without consistent outside help from tutors, parents, or the teacher. Students will be expected to read and write extensively, and be independent critical thinkers. The course will refine the student’s interpretation and evaluation of evidence, development of historical hypotheses, and research techniques.

You are expected to digest readings in such a way that you understand and can articulate main ideas, and can locate and access SPARC evidence easily for class discussions, projects, and writing activities. It is your responsibility to raise questions in class to tease out issues and information that you do not fully understand. Chances are good that you will not be the only student who would benefit from clarification.

You are expected to write insightfully in both formal and informal work. In other words, in writing assignments you will never be asked simply to spit out facts. Instead, you will be asked to think, respond to prompts, and use evidence to support the conclusions you draw. You will always credit the sources of the information and ideas you employ in your work.

Technology Norms:

• You are expected to abide by the school phone policy. Your phone must remain in the holder and must not buzz or make any noise whatsoever. AT NO TIME are you permitted to have access to your phone or any smart watches or other smart devices while in this class.
• You will occasionally be asked to bring your computer to class for a particular self-directed activity. You will be alerted in advance. 
• When we use computers, the only applications or web pages that are to be open are the ones we are using for this class.
• All notes used in class must be hand written in your spiral-bound notebook. No computer may be open during class time unless specifically instructed by Ms. Bel (or allowed through an IEP or 504).
• This class absolutely FORBIDS the use of AI for any reason and in any way whatsoever.
• Your out-of-class assignments will involve reading and occasionally watching a film or listening to audio. You will be held accountable for these assignments in class with pen-and-paper reading checks, Serious Play, or other performance-based demonstrations of your knowledge. Such assessments will NOT be announced in advance.

• Your knowledge will ALWAYS be assessed in class, on paper or through performance.

• If you have an IEP or 504 that allows you use of a computer for writing, accommodations will be made for you.

Course Assessment: 

*You may improve a score (up to a B) on a major assignment once per quarter by meeting with Ms. Bel and responding to a related open response prompt within one cycle of a posted grade.

Absences

• If Ms. Bel is absent, check Canvas for the day's activities.
• If you are absent, complete the class activities and homework assignments listed on Canvas. If there is an activity or resource only available in person, go to Ms. Bel's office hours when you return to school.