Course Syllabus

Tentative Syllabus World History, 2025/26

 

This course has eight individual units of study that cover various periods of World History.  Each unit has its own focus, its own map to learn, and will end with a Unit Test.   Class will meet every other day and you may expect to have graded assignments most days with at least one homework assignment per week–attendance is absolutely crucial to your success in this class!

• Introduction Unit  (September 3–19)  Topics Include: an overview/refresher course on our essential skills of chronology (timelines), media literacy, essay writing, and map reading/memorization.  Map: World Map: Continents, Oceans.  Test: by September 19

• Renaissance and Reformation  (September 23–October 29)  Topics Include: the Renaissance of Greek and Roman ideas; Humanism; Renaissance Art; the Protestant Reformation.  Map: Renaissance Europe. Test: by October 29.

• The Age of Discovery: Trade Routes, Exploration, & Colonization  (November 4–24)  Topics Include: Indigenous People Prior to1492, Naval Exploration; Key European Explorers; the Columbian Exchange.  Map:  South America.  Test: by November 24.

• Absolutism, Enlightenment, & Industrialization  (December 1–19)  Topics Include: Enlightenment Philosophy; Absolute Monarchs; Seeds of Revolution; Advent of the Industrial Age.  Map: Enlightenment Europe. Test: by December 19.

• World War One  (January 6–28)  Topics Include: Causes of WWI, Chronology of the War; New Methods of Warfare; Life in the Trenches; Key Battles; WWI Poetry; The Treaty of Versailles  Maps: Europe WWI.  Test: by January 28.

• Colonization to Decolonization: Africa & the Middle East  (February 2–March 19)  Topics Include: Colonization of Africa; Apartheid in South Africa; the Arab-Israeli Conflict.  Maps: African Continent and The Middle East.  Test: by March 19.

 

• Colonization to Decolonization: India & Eastern Asia  (March 23–April 30) Topics Include: Modern Indian History; Gandhi; Spheres of Influence in China; French Indo-China; Rise of Japanese Empire.  Maps: India and Eastern Asia. Test: by April 30.

 

1. The Rise of Fascism in Europe (May4–June 5)Topics Include: Economic Factors Lead                .          to the Destabilization of Europe; Holocaust Terminology; the novel Night by Elie Wiesel; .          Map: Modern Europe. Test: TBD               

 

What You Need for This Class

 

A Notebook/Binder A spiral bound, college ruled notebook with pockets for handouts, or a 3-ring binder with plenty of lined paper in it would be ideal.  In order to stay organized, it should be designated just for this class.  You will use it almost every single day.

 

Pens and/or Pencils You will also need something with which to write every, single day.  Scrounging around for a writing utensil wastes valuable class time---so stock up and be prepared.

 

Your Laptop Much of the work you do in this class will be submitted on Canvas (our online learning platform) via your laptop.  You will need it most days.

 

Course Objectives

 

-Students will gain working knowledge of the last 500+ years of world history as well as an understanding of how that history affects the world we live in today.

-Students will be able to effectively communicate their ideas in short essay format by introducing and developing a thesis, using unified and coherent arguments to support that thesis, and concluding their arguments—all in original, grammatically correct sentences.

-Students will develop good note taking skills by mastering the outline format as well as developing their attention span and ability to stay on task.

-Students will be able to analyze media messages for veracity and trustworthiness and become familiar with most forms of media bias.

-Students will be able to recognize and name many historical and current day regions (empires, trade routes, battlegrounds, countries, and capitals) on a variety of world maps.

 

Grading Policy

 

Daily class assignments (2-3 times a week) are worth between 10-20 points; homework assignments (once  a week) are 30-45 points; quizzes (roughly every 2 weeks) will generally be 30-60 points; major tests and projects (eight over the course of the year) will be 150-200 points. Late work will be penalized (marked down) depending on the circumstances; after two weeks it may not be accepted.

A Final Note to Consider

What should you do if you find yourself struggling, if you’ve fallen behind in your work, or if you have missed school?  Your first step is to LOOK ON CANVAS—it’s all there.  If you still need help after that, you can usually find me in my room 30 minutes before school, 30 minutes after school, during break, and during most lunches.  Email me (m.lowe@georgestevens.org) only if you can’t find help on Canvas and/or can’t find me in person.