Course Syllabus

Mr. Burns

Room 317

Email: burnsj@wellesleyps.org

 

Welcome to the World History (Honors) Canvas page! Here you will the information, assignments, links, and materials you will need for this course. 

Each unit has its own page, listed under the PAGES. Each lists all your assignments, handouts, and resources.  The CALENDAR shows you which assignment is due when.

                                                                                            

World History - Honors

Course Overview

This course is an investigation of how the world developed over the 11th to 19th centuries – and beyond! You will explore the major political, economic, and cultural developments, and their enduring consequences. Syllabi, readings, slides, etc., are available on our course page in Canvas.

Grading and Course Expectations

Minor Assignments: 50%  (Examples: short reflections or creative prompts, graded class discussions, quizzes on individual assignments)

Major Assignments: 50% (Examples: tests, essays, projects, quizzes based on several assignments)

            Each assignment is worth a certain number of points, which reflects its relative weight within its  category. In general, a test is worth a hundred points, a major quiz fifty, a typical homework assignment ten, and various projects according to their relative weight. Expect late assignments to be penalized according to departmental policy. Powerschool automatically translates letter grades into numbered equivalents and calculates your score.       

             Your year grade is calculated by combining your performance on the four quarters (22% each) with your final exam or experience (12%) .

 

Homework Expectations

You are expected to be able to organize your notes in a responsible and effective manner. Though often not graded on its own, you should be prepared to apply assigned information to class situations and complete quizzes with rigorous reflection. Always bring your notes to class unless directed otherwise.

 

Attendance & Absences

It is your responsibility to be on time, to submit collected homework, get assignments and handouts, and reschedule any assessment you may have missed. This is high school; you are expected to shoulder this level of responsibility. If you are absent, check with a classmate first to see what we did and to borrow any notes that may be useful. Make sure that you always check our Canvas page (especially the Calendar) for any new information. Remember that you can always check with me if there is any confusion at all. Similarly, if I am ever absent, always check Canvas for class instructions, homework updates, etc.

 

Materials

Most of what you need is available online. However, we will have plenty of opportunity to use highlighters in four colors: orange, yellow, green and blue.

Accommodations

District accommodations (DCAP)Links to an external site. are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.

 

While some accommodations can be offered in the moment, others require advanced notice.

 

For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided. 

 

Extra Help

It is expected that you will find various components of this course challenging. If you feel you are struggling, do not wait for an invitation! If you need help with a concept, skill, or assignment, make time to work with me or with another teacher in the Social Studies Lab. Can't get to the lab? I also have set aside prescribed Office Hours. No appointment is needed. You can see these times marked on Mr. Burns’s Schedule, linked below. 

 

Contacting 

Mr. Burns

Please remember that I teach multiple sections of most courses. Whenever you need to contact me, ALWAYS identify your COURSE NAME and class COLOR. This will allow for a more rapid and precise response to any question might have. I can be reached at: burnsj@wellesleyps.org

 

Cell Phones

Per school policy, all cell phones need to placed in the phone holders and are not to be used at any time unless specifically directed to do so.

 

Final Thought – The One Rule That Rules Them All!

 At all times, respect for yourself and others is expected.

 

Important Links:

Schedule: Mr. Burns's ScheduleLinks to an external site.

Social Studies Lab Schedule: Social Studies Resource Room ScheduleLinks to an external site.

 

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