HISTORICAL GENOCIDES
Mr. Holyst
Historical eras, regardless of their location on the timeline, have possessed components that people can generally anticipate. Wars between countries, changes in borders, and political power plays are just a few typical occurrences. However, there are events that baffle, horrify, and simply provoke the question, “why?”. Genocides have produced effects on such levels, besides the obvious atrocious goal of eradicating populations. This semester, we will be examining genocides from history, ranging from the most commonly to the lesser known. We will analyze the psychological, sociological, political, economic, environmental causes and outcomes. Lastly, we will evaluate the ways in which genocidal acts can be combated and/or prevented.
I am Mr. Holyst and this is my seventh year at Wamogo Regional High School. Prior to my time here, I have held positions in education such as a mentor for online classes, a paraprofessional and a Social Studies teacher for an Adult Education program. Currently, on top of being the Social Studies Department Chairperson, I teach two sections of Honors World History, one Honors level of World History, one section of AP European History, a section of Historical Genocides, and three sections of Law and Civics. Granted these courses consist of students from two different grades, all enrolled students are at significant points in their academic careers. On that note, the students and myself will make this an enjoyable, yet hard-working, year to continue their progress towards academic and future professional goals.
During the semester of the 2013-2014 school year, the units of study for the course will progress as follows:
1. Introduction to Genocide (1 week)
2. The Holocaust (5 weeks)
3. The Armenian Genocide (2 weeks)
4. The Camodian Genocide (1 week)
5. The Rwandan Genocide (2 weeks)
6. The Bosnian Genocide (2 weeks)
7. The Darfur Genocide (2 weeks)
8. Prevention of Future Genocides (1 week)
Grading:
Grading in this course will be based on a weighted percentages system. The grading value breakdown is as follows:
Homework/Class Work/Participation 30%
Quizzes/Tests/Essays/Projects 70%
(Final Exam will be calculated into your grade separately from this breakdown.)
Notice of assignments/assessments will be given well in advance (at least a week). Rubrics will be attached to all essays and projects to display point distribution for the corresponding assignment.
Homework and Other Assignments:
In this course, homework will be assigned quite readily. All homework assignments are expected to be completed thoroughly, neatly and on time. Homework assignments will be accepted for up to half of its value the following day. Two or more days late will not be accepted. As for major projects and essays, they will be graded differently. These types of assignments must be completed and no zeros will be given. Instead, an incomplete will be in their place until an appropriate level of effort is displayed on the assignment. Penalty for lateness of handed in work still applies, as well. Late assignments due to excused absences and/or dismissals will follow the WRHS rules.
Tardiness and Absences:
With regards to tardiness and absences, WRHS rules and consequences apply. If you have an excused absence, you have that number of days to make up the assignment or take the owed test or quiz.
Supplies:
Essential supplies for this class include a notebook/binder with loose-leaf paper, a pen or pencil, and a folder. All mentioned materials will be used everyday to some degree.
Class Rules:
In our class, above all, the WRHS rules apply. There is another rule, however, that will exist. Our classroom will have an environment where mutual courtesy and respect allows everyone to contribute in class with feelings of comfort and safety. Any infraction on this rule is inexcusable and will be responded to with consequence.
Our class will be more than a period of time in our day. It will be a period of interaction, questioning and, overall, fun with the presented material and members of the class. At any point, if you need to communicate with me out of class, please feel free to address me before class, after class or stop me in the hall. If your parent/guardian needs to contact me, I can be reached by phone at (860) 567-7410 X112, or by email at pholyst@rsd6.org. Once again, welcome and I hope we can make this experience a terrific one.
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