World History & Geography II Syllabus 2015-16
Jessica Ewald
Course Objective: Welcome to World History and Geography II. In this sophomore level
history class, students will have the opportunity to study a plethora of cultures from
approximately 1500 to the present. Whereas World History and Geography I focused on the
ancient world, World History and Geography II focus on the modern world. Historical
development and its impact upon world cultures are central themes of World History. Historical
emphasis is placed upon such areas as comparative political, economic, and social systems.
Contemporary emphasis is placed upon current crises, international relations, and the increasing
interdependence of nations. Concepts stressed throughout the course are the same as those
employed by all social scientists: critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation.
Grading: Grades will be based on a point system. The breakdown is mostly categorized on
individualized summative assessments and ongoing formative assessments. The following rules
will be consistently recognized, as emphasized with the PFHS grading policies:

Summative assignments, such as tests, quizzes, projects, and Interactive Notebook
(assessments which measure students understanding and mastery of content):

90%
Formative assignments, such as individualized and collaborative assessments, including
class work, homework, projects, and quizzes (assessments and activities which allow
students and teacher to gauge progress toward mastery):
10%
Quizzes/Tests: Reading and review quizzes are very common, and are a part of the summative
assignments 90%. Reading comprehension and retention is a life skill. Tests will be given at the
end of each unit and will normally include multiple-choice questions and a variety of short
answers/essays. If the quiz/test is “open note,” then there will NOT be an opportunity for a
retake. If the quiz/test is “closed note,” then there WILL be an opportunity for a retake, if the
student so chooses (see Test Retake on the reverse side). There will also be a Quarter
Comprehensive Test to reflect all information learned within the quarter.
Absences for Quizzes/Tests: If the student is absent on the day of the quiz or test, he/she will
take Test Form B, which includes short answer and essay, rather than multiple choice, to ensure
he/she has still retained the information despite their absence.
Projects: Interactive notebooks will be graded as quarter projects. In addition, there will be a
number of smaller projects throughout each quarter to be completed inside/outside of class.
Some may take the place of the Chapter or Quarter Test.
Homework: Expect it if the student does not finish the class work in the appropriate amount of
time given. Most assignments involve reading and analysis and will be completed in the
interactive notebook. Homework is relevant to class discussions and especially reading quizzes.
Homework is also an opportunity to become disciplined, organized, and prepared. Homework
will NOT be graded; however any time it is assigned it WILL be reflected in the quiz in the next
class period. Failing to do the assignment(s) will definitely affect grades. All assignments are
expected to be completed for the notebook grade at the conclusion of the quarter.
Interactive Notebook- Students will be required to complete this year-long project. Students
will receive a packet of class materials at the beginning of each new unit, complete with all
activities required of that student for the given unit. ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES MUST BE
COMPLETED WITHIN THE PACKET IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A TEST RETAKE
(see below for more information). Students will be responsible for completing all packets given
within the quarter for a comprehensive notebook grade at the end of each quarter.
Test Retake of Summative Assessments- This only applies to tests. Students are eligible to
retake any test within the quarter. At the end of each quarter, the retake opportunity for that
quarter closes. The grade the student receives on the retake will replace the first grade they
earned, regardless of whether the retake score is better or worse. Retakes are always
given in a different format to ensure the mastery of the subject and not the memorization skills
(mostly done in short answer or essay format). In order to retake a test, the student must have
all of the formative assessments completed for that unit from the notebook. The student will
have the whole quarter to retake a test but all retakes must be done ONE WEEK PRIOR TO
THE END OF THE QUARTER. Retakes are not available for quizzes or the interactive
notebook.
Help Sessions: Offered every Wednesday morning, from 8:15-8:45. PriROARities/FLEX is also
available for review sessions during the student’s class FLEX period.
Approximate Course Timeline:
First Quarter
Geography Skills
World Religions Review
Early Modern Empires in Asia
Renaissance and Reformation
Age of Discovery and Global Trade Networks
Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
Age of Absolutism
Rise of Constitutionalism in England
Second Quarter
Geography Skills
French, American and Haitian Revolutions
Industrial Revolution
Age of Imperialism
Nationalism in Europe
Third Quarter
Geography Skills
Nationalism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
World War I
Russian Revolution
Great Depression
Interwar Years
Fourth Quarter
Geography Skills
World War II
Cold War
Decolonization
Post-Cold War World
SOL Review
This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A Standards of
Learning test is given at the end of this course. **Please be sure to reference my introductory letter for more
detailed information about my class policies, procedures, and expectations