World History ACP

Contact information

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

Course description

This course begins with a study of the regionally diverse world of the early 12th century and culminates with a consideration of the global reach of ideas embedded in the Atlantic Revolutions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Several themes will be examined within this course: how different regions in the world developed distinct identities simultaneous to significant cross-cultural interaction and exchange, what makes movements, people and ideas powerful, how identities developed in response to ideas, world-views, and religions, and how individuals navigated and shaped their 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!

• Wednesday after school until 3:05pm
• By appointment - email lossd@wellesleyps.org or talk to me before or after class to set up a time

In addition to coming to my office hours, you are encouraged to visit the Social Studies Resource Center where you can receive support and guidance from other Social Studies teachers.  Here is the Social Studies Resource Schedule.  Feel free to drop in whenever a teacher is listed.

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 have:

• A writing implement - pen or pencil are both fine
• A notebook devoted to this class
• A folder 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 handbookLinks to an external site. for further information about the consequences of absences and tardiness.

Cell phone and laptop policy

As stated in the student handbookLinks to an external site., students will put their cell phones on silent 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 unless they have a documented accommodation for using technology for this purpose.  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 PolicyLinks 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.

Accommodations

Students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans will receive their documented accommodations.  Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

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 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. 

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)

You may have the opportunity to complete revisions on one major assignment each quarter to a maximum grade of a B.  In order to use this opportunity, the initial work must have been submitted on time, revisions must be submitted within 1 7-day cycle of receiving your grade, and revision must show evidence of incorporating feedback.

Late work can be submitted within three days of the due date.  The maximum grade for work submitted late is a B+.

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