World History Syllabus

World History A

Instructor: Kenneth Uhde

groves.uhde@gmail.com

The Objectives… This is not your typical world history class. In this class we will be looking at history from a skills-based perspective. What that means is that rather than memorizing dates and facts you will graded on your ability to devise questions and seek out the answers. Other essential skills: ·         Read and interpret primary documents ·         Summarize historical text ·         Work as a partnerwith a group (even if you don’t like them) ·         Ask good questions ·         Summarize info ·         Public speaking ·         Debate facts and come up with a logical  argument ·         Conduct meaningful research ·         Write, revise, and write some more.	Technology… I am pretty big on using technology as a tool for learning. In this class it will be common to hear me say “take out your phones”. You are encouraged (but not required) to bring your electronic device to class to help you with research. An ideal use of technology would be to Google facts, people, or definitions that we are discussing in class, take notes, or record conversations. We will also be using our devices  to complete mini assessments on Socrative.com Warning: If you use your phone to text, you will lose it. If you are caught cheating, you will receive a zero for that assignment.
Grading… 25%- Class Participation (classdojo.com) 20%- Class Portfolio 15%- Meeting of the Minds 40%- Projects	Final Portfolio… All students will be required to keep a world history portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best and worst work along with written assessments and reflections. You will be expected to write a 1 page, typed reflection on a minimum of 3 assignments. The reflection can be what you have learned, personal growth, how you would do better… Your final portfolio must be neatly organized and labeled.  A 3 ring binder would be perfect.
Participation… In a 21st Century classroom your participation is essential. Our brains aren’t wiredto learn by sitting in a chair and taking notes. I will be assessing your participation using Class Dojo.  Points will beawarded for things like asking good questions, staying on task, working as a team, completing homework and notes. You can track your points through the log in code given to you on the first day. If you lose your code see me for a replacement.	Textbook… In a 21st Century classroom you have many resources at your disposal. You are assigned a textbook which you may use as a reference. Most of the work I assign comes from the web. One of the primary web sources we will be using is www.gohistorygo.com. One of the main challenges of all history students is that facts will vary from website to website. It is your job to use your head and verify any facts that may not “seem right”. But don’t worry if you write down the wrong answer. The important part is being open-minded enough to correct your mistakes.
Other important Stuff… 1.      If you are absent it is your responsibility to go to my website:groves.uhde.blogspot.com 2.      If you miss a quiz or test you have one week to schedule a make up time during X-Block or after school. You will receive a zero if you fail to do so. 3.      All writing assessments can receive re-do credit 4.      You get one “late-pass” without penalty. After that all late work is deducted an automatic 10%	I can’t stress this last point enough: success or failure or whether or not you enjoy this class is entirely up to you and the effort you put into it. In the words of Yoda: “Do or Do Not, There is No Try”