Course Syllabus

Mr. Burns

Room 317

Email: burnsj@wellesleyps.org

 

Welcome to the AP Modern World History Canvas page! Here you will find 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

 

Please note that information about signing up to take the AP Exam itself will be sent out later in the semester by the school's testing coordinator.

 

AP Modern World History

Course Overview

AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation (apcentral).

The scope, pace and assessments of the course are designed to prepare students to take the AP History: Modern exam in the spring.

 

Grading and Course Expectations     

Minor Assignments: 25%  (Examples: short reflections or creative prompts, graded class discussions, quizzes on individual assignments)

Major Assignments: 75% (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. Expect late assignments to be penalized according to departmental policy. Powerschool automatically translates letter grades into numbered equivalents and calculates your score.

There is no final exam in this course. Your year grade is calculated by averaging your four term grades together.

 

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

You will be assigned a textbook for this class, which you should keep at home unless expressly asked to bring it in to school. 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) 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 required.

 

Important Links:

Schedule: Mr. Burns's Schedule

Social Studies Lab Schedule: Social Studies Resource Room Schedule