Course Syllabus

Ms. Bel, Room 406, 781-446-6290 x4889, bela@wellesleyps.org

• Office Hours: Tuesdays after school from 2:30-3:05
• Color Block: Green
• Cycle Quizzes: Day 4
• Ms. Bel's Schedule

Course Description

In this course, we will examine the development of and interactions among peoples and empires across the world from the 12th through the 19th centuries. We will study the cultural, political, economic, intellectual, technological, and religious forces that shaped how people understood themselves and the world--and, therefore, how individuals and states behaved within those contexts. 

In other words, we will examine the impact of historical forces within and among communities.

As we do this work, we will draw connections around the world across both time and space, and we will begin to understand the impact and consequences of past thoughts, decisions, and actions on the present world. 

Supplies Important for Every Class

• • Spiral-bound notebook
  • Your unit reader (with any assigned work completed!)
  • A working writing utensil
  • Your computer, headphones, and charger
  • 3 different colored highlighters

Revisions

Once each quarter, students will be able to replace a major assessment grade of B- or lower by completing a replacement assignment. The maximum replacement score is a B. These opportunities will be announced by the teacher.

Expectations

This is your first high school history class. Expect to be challenged. You will be asked to read, think, and write like a historian, not just memorize a list of facts. This class is built to help you strengthen these skills. If you work sincerely and responsibly, you will be successful.

Your World History workbooks will contain all of your course readings and skill development work. These sources and exercises will prepare you for all of our major assessments.

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!

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.

With all that in mind, it is therefore critical that everything you submit is genuinely your own original work. Unless otherwise directed, you must use your own words in every type of written work. By doing so, Ms. Bel will be able to assess your understanding, provide feedback, and help you develop as a student of history.

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.
• 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. No computer or tablet 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 clip or listening to audio. You will be assigned specific tasks in your World History Workbook associated with these assignments. You will be held accountable for these assignments in class with pen-and-paper reading checks or 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.

District Accommodations

District accommodations (DCAP) 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 at 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. 

If Ms. Bel is Absent

She will post your classwork on Canvas and leave detailed sub plans for the substitute. Please complete all assigned classwork, using your class time effectively.

If You are Absent

Please check canvas and complete all classwork and homework. If there are resources or activities that need to be completed in the classroom, see Ms. Bel as soon as possible to access the resources and complete the activities.