Course Syllabus

10th Grade ACP: Modern World History

Contact information

Dr. Daniel Loss
Email: lossd@wellesleyps.org
Phone: 781-446-6290 x4316
Room 316

Course description

This course builds upon the previous year's world history narratives towards understandings of a world more recognizable to students today, more modern in a relative sense. The course investigates world history in the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries through three essential themes: the forging and impact of collective and individual identities, the consequences of economic systems on national and individual vitality, and the global rejection of the imperial model. Topics investigated in this course include evolutions in liberalism and nationalism, imperialism, the world wars, revolutions, decolonization, and globalization. Through inquiry into more recent historical patterns, students leave this course prepared to meaningfully engage with the contemporary world.  Throughout the course, students will develop the skills and habits of mind of historians as they read and engage with primary sources as well as scholars’ accounts of the past.

Office hours

I love the opportunity to talk with and support students outside of class.  My office hours are an opportunity for you to ask questions, get help with classwork, and discuss class material more deeply.  If you’re thinking about coming to office hours but aren’t sure, please stop by!  All office hours will take place in our regular classroom (316).

• Wednesday after school until 3:15pm
• Day 1, 12:30-1pm (Red)
• Day 4, 10-10:30am (Yellow)
• By appointment - don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s a better time for you.

Expectations and policies

Values

Students in this class are expected to demonstrate:

• Curiosity about the world
• Respect for different viewpoints
• A willingness to work hard, take risks, and persevere
• A spirit of collaboration

What to bring to class

When you come to class, you should always have:

• A writing implement - pen or pencil are both fine
• A notebook devoted to this class
• A folder or notebook to organize papers for this class
• A laptop
• Headphones

Attendance and absences

Regular attendance is an essential part of this course.  Excessive absences may result in receiving no credit.

If you are absent from class, you are responsible for completing the activities that you missed.  Check Canvas first, then contact your classmates or Dr. Loss if you have questions.

If Dr. Loss is absent from class, check Canvas for the day’s activities.  I will also try to email you with information about what to do.

Students are expected to be in the classroom and ready to work when the bell rings.  Students who are not in the classroom when the bell rings will be marked tardy.

Please consult the student handbook

Links to an external site. for further information about the consequences of absences and tardiness.

Cell phone and laptop policy

As stated in the student handbook

Links to an external site., students will turn their cell phones off and place them in the cell phone holder on entering the classroom.  Phones cannot be removed from the cell phone holder without the explicit permission of Dr. Loss.  Students who violate this policy will face tiered disciplinary action.

We will sometimes use laptops in class, but much of our work will take place without screens - we’ll talk about why.  Unless instructed to take out your laptop, it should remain in your bag.  Students will take notes on paper.  If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please let me know.

Academic integrity

This class’s assignments and activities are designed to help you develop as a reader, thinker, and informed citizen.  It is required, therefore, that the work you submit will be your own or the result of approved collaboration with classmates.  Only when you share your work can I help you improve.

You should familiarize yourself with Wellesley High School’s Academic Integrity Policy

Links to an external site..  One point that bears emphasis is this: “Students may not use an artificial intelligence program to aid their work, or an assignment or test unless explicitly directed to do so by their instructor.”  We will discuss some of the promises and pitfalls of generative AI in this class, but your starting assumption should be that you cannot use AI for this class.

Throughout the year you will develop your skills in academic citation to properly credit the work of others.

Grading

Your grade for each quarter will be calculated as follows:

• 50% - Major assignments such as essays, exams, and projects (typically 2 in each quarter)
• 50% - Minor assignments such as short written assignments and quizzes (typically 4-6 in each quarter)

Your grade for the academic year will be based on the four academic quarters (22% each) and the final exam (12%).