World History is a survey course which will explore major political, economic, social, and cultural events of the past within the context of their impact on today’s world. The first semester will review the classical contributions of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Reformation, and the first Global Age. The second semester will examine major world events during the past 400 years.

Honest effort and a positive attitude are important if you are to succeed. The following guidelines will help to insure you of a good school year in this course.

1. A loose-leaf binder notebook is recommended to keep all notes, handouts and assignments.

2. Textbook: Spielvogel, Jackson. Glencoe World History. New York, NY: Glencoe, 2008.

3. Class notes are an important part of this course. You must keep up with all class notes and handouts. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to copy notes from a classmate and see the teacher for missed handouts.

4. Homework is to be neatly completed on loose-leaf paper and written in full sentences with a blue or black pen. You may also word process your homework. Your name, the assignment date, title, chapter and section number must be written at the top of each page. All homework is to be handed in on time and placed in the “homework box” at the front of the classroom. If you are absent, remember to check with the teacher for any missed assignments. Homework is worth 10 points. Special assignments and projects may be worth more. Always turn in assignments even if late. Some credit is better than no credit. Twenty percent will be lost for each day late. Homework will not be accepted after the unit of study is completed. Special circumstances may exempt students from this policy on an individual basis.

5. You must always be prepared for a test. If you are absent and miss a test, it is your responsibility to arrange for a make-up. Tests must be made up within one week of returning to class. Full credit is given for make-up tests; otherwise the grade will be zero. The use of cell phones, IPODS, MP3 players, or similar devices during a test will be considered cheating and you will receive a zero for the test. See the Student/Parent Handbook for the school policy on cheating. Tests are worth 100 points.

6. Grades are based on the average of total points earned on tests, homework and other assignments. Example: The teacher gives 5 tests at 100 points each = 500 points and 20 homework assignments at 10 points each = 200 points. Total points: 500+200 = 700 points. You score on the tests a 64, 76, 88, 90, 92 for a total of 410 points. You turn in 15 completed home assignments for a total of 150 points. Your combined total is 560 points which is divided by 700. 560/700 = 80 points or 80% (B-)

7. Positive behavior and active participation is strongly encouraged. All school policies apply to this class. Cell phones, IPODS, MP3 players are not allowed in class. Consequences may be imposed for behavior that is inappropriate or disruptive to the learning environment.

I hope you have a positive learning experience. Learn and enjoy!