World Themes 113
Mr. Schopick
Classroom – 529
Blocks 1, 2 and 5
Office – 532 (next door to your Social Studies/English learning center)
Neal_Schopick@greenwich.k12.ct.us – E-mail
Introduction
During the course of this year we will be studying four of the major themes that have shaped the
modern world: nation building, imperialism, revolution, and cooperation. Before we can
accurately understand the world we must start by understanding the people of the world. We will
therefore start this class with a brief study of stereotyping. In order to better understand each of
these themes we will look at case studies. The case studies are designed to help you better
understand the theme. We will also be using current events to help us better understand each of
the themes.
Case Studies
Stereotypes
 We will be talking about stereotypes. Who do we stereotype? Who stereotypes us? Are
all people in the world equal and what are the differences amongst us?
Nation Building
 Japan
Imperialism
 Africa
 India
Iraq
 Has Iraq been successful in building a nation?
 Has the United States benefited from going into Iraq 4.5 years ago?
 Have the Iraqis benefited from having the United States enter Iraq 4.5 years ago?
Revolution
 France or Romania
 Russia or China
 Current Events – Haiti and other current events
Cooperation
 League of Nations and the impact of World War I
 United Nations and the impact of World War II
 Current Events
Required Supplies
 Prentice Hall World History: Connections to Today – This book should be kept at home.
Don’t lose it. Don’t break your back and bring it to school everyday. We do NOT use
this book often but some students find it useful to have at home to reference when they
don’t understand what is happening in class.
 Paper and a place to put handouts. I suggest you organize yourself using one of the two
following systems…
1. A three ring binder with some blank paper kept inside of it.
2. A folder and a notebook.

3. You need a separate folder for your current events
4. I also suggest you don’t combine classes and have a separate folder for World
Themes because it tends to help with organization.
You do NOT need anything else. Don’t waste your time and money buying anything
else.
Writing in Social Studies
 One thing I promise you is that you will grow as a writer this year. In this class we will
have two separate writing goals.
1. You will continue to learn the different steps in the research paper process before
eventually writing a complete research paper on your own.
2. You will learn to write a successful essay for the CAPT test that you will be
taking at the end of sophomore year.
Current Events
 In order to understand World History you must understand what is happening in the
world today. Therefore, you will be expected to stay current on current events. For the
first semester we will be reading articles and gradually working towards writing a
response paper based on them. In the second semester we will either continue this
assignment or start another.
 Just because I do not mention this everyday, please keep up with the news by watching or
reading some news source everyday. I will happily give you advice on what sources are
better.
Extra Help
 I am available for extra help anytime that I am not teaching (or have another assignment).
 That means that I can never give extra help blocks 1 (WT), 2 (WT), 5 (WT) and 6
(Psych). I also teach Sem Skills block 3 days “D” and “E” and block 7 day “D”
 I am available before school (anytime after 7A). If you plan to come before school
please tell me beforehand. I often have meetings before school and I would hate for you
to arrive here early if I am not available. If you tell me beforehand I usually will be able
to arrange to help you.
 I am available after school some days (usually NOT Tuesday or Wednesday) so ask me
in class if you can stay after.
 I can meet during blocks 4, 7, and 8 most days. Please ask the day before or e-mail me at
night to see if I am available.
Grades – Each assignment will have the following point values unless you are told otherwise.
At the end of each marking period I will add your points up and divide by the total amount of
points possible. Homework, quizzes, and tests will account for 70% of your total grade for each
semester.
Homework – 10 points each
Current event responses – 20 – 75 points depending on the assignment
Quizzes – 100 points each
Participation and Attendance – When added together participation and attendance will count
for 30% of your total grade.


You are required to speak in class. Your participation in class will count for 20% of
your total grade. The participation grade can help you out if you are doing poorly in the
class or hurt you if you do not speak. Try to make a contribution to the class everyday.
For some people this will be the easiest points in the class and for others it is the hardest.
No matter which category you are in remember 20% of your grade is a lot. This is an
accelerated class and you should be active in the class at all times, MAKE SURE YOU
PARTICIPATE!!!
You are required to come to class ONTIME every day (THIS INCLUDES DAYS
YOU HAVE ME FIRST BLOCK). Getting to class on time, everyday will be counted
as part of your grade. Coming to class does not just mean to be in the classroom but in
the classroom, in your seat, with your materials out before I am ready to start class.
Attendance counts for 10% of your marking period grade.
If you are Absent
 If you are absent (and it is excused) feel free to AIM/e-mail me for the work that you
missed. You will have time to make-up the work once you return (assuming it is
excused). However, if you are home and want to start on the work I strongly suggest you
e-mail me. If your absence is not excused you will NOT be given the opportunity to
make up the work because it is not fair to the other students who are here everyday (this
includes missed tests/quizzes/papers).
Cleanliness
 As you probably can tell this is a very nice classroom and I’d love not to ruin it. Please
make sure you clean up after yourself everyday. Before you leave please look down and
pick-up garbage even if it is not your own. Damaging anything in the classroom is
completely unacceptable.
Electronic Devices (excluding phones)
 Unless I specifically say so I never want to see any electronic devices in this classroom.
From time to time (usually while you are writing or testing) I will allow you to use MP3
players. However, if I have not specifically said they are okay please put away all
electronic devices and do NOT use them during class. If I see them I will take them. It is
NOT okay to listen to music even if you can still pay attention.
Cellphones
 It is NOT okay to text message during class. It is NOT okay to answer your phone
during class, even if it is your mom. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO TURN
CELLPHONES OFF BEFORE CLASS. MOST OF THE SCHOOL DOES NOT
GET RECEPTION BUT THIS ROOM DOES AND THEREFORE YOUR PHONE
WILL RING
Lying
 Please don’t do it. Lying drives me crazy because I can’t trust you after I know you have
lied to me. Please be honest and tell me real stories. I am much more likely to be
understanding if I know that you are not lying to me. I won’t lie to you and I strongly
suggest you not lie to me.