Barren County High School
Course Syllabus
Course Title: World Civilization
Instructor: Abigail Beard
Contact Information:
School telephone: 270-651-6315
Email: abigail.beard@barren.kyschools.us
Course Description
World Civilization is the study of world history from the beginning of civilization. History is the
interpretation of events, people, ideas, and their interaction over time. In order for students to understand
the present and make plans for their future, you must understand the past.
Course Content
 Pre-History through Ancient Rome
 Islam, Byzantine Empire, Middle Ages
 Renaissance (Reformation, Counter Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Exploration, Slavery)
 Age of Revolutions ( Enlightenment, American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution)
 World in Conflict ( World War I, Russian Revolution, World War II)
 Cold War to Present
Course Materials
 Pen / Pencil
 Notebook
 3-ring binder to organize your class materials, so you can reference them easily.
Course Policies
Every day when you enter my classroom, I will be ready to teach you interesting and engaging lessons. If
you approach this class with a positive attitude, respect for your classmates, and a sense of responsibility,
you will be successful! My expectations for you are listed below.
Make sure you review these expectations carefully and know that I will hold you to these standards of
behavior.
Respect: Every person in this class will be given an equal opportunity to express himself or herself in class
discussions, group work, writings, etc. Individuals may dress differently, have different beliefs, or
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.
communicate in different ways, but I expect you to treat each classmate with respect. In a discussion, a
variety of opinions often surface. While you will not be asked to change your way of thinking, you will be
expected to listen to others with respect and to express your personal opinions in a respectful manner. If
you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, you are free to challenge them. However, please take time to
consider your classmates’ opinions. The ability to weigh different perspectives and a willingness to change
one’s ideas based on the presentation of new evidence are essential skills in today’s information age.
Behavior: I expect all students to:
 Be in class on time.
 Come prepared for class with required materials.
 Respect your teacher and classmates.
 Limit unnecessary trips out of the classroom.
 Turn off and do not use cell phones and electronic devices during class.
 Turn work in on time.
 Be a benefit to a group, not a hindrance.
 Actively participate in class discussions.
 Accept an academic challenge.
Consequences:
1) Verbal Warning
2) Teacher /Student Conferences
3) Office Referral
Leaving Class: I do have the right to limit passes do to habitual use. In addition, 4th block students will not
be allowed to leave the classroom during the last 20 minutes of the day for any reason, unless escorted by a
principal, per school policy.
Absences: If you have a planned absence from school, please notify me in advance and I will give you the
upcoming assignments if possible. If you have an unplanned absence from school, please see me
immediately upon your return to class to obtain any make-up work (see below). You may also e-mail me
to find out assignment details. Regardless of the situation, please talk to me personally when you return.
(THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.) All Power Point notes for this class can be accessed on my
teacher web site.
Make Up Work: Make-up work/Assessments shall be permitted for excused absences only. Students having
excused absences will be allowed the same number missed to make up assignments. Assessments that have
been missed may be made up before or after school, or during appropriate “WIN” days. Again, it is the
student’s responsibility to contact me regarding make-up assignments and schedule a time before, or after
school to make up Quizzes and/or Tests.
School Policies: Any rule stated in the Student Handbook is, of course, a rule in this classroom as well.
Please be very familiar with all school rules and policies.
Writing Component
Writing to Learn (note taking, journals, etc.) - Writing to Demonstrate Learning (open responses, essay
questions, on-demands, etc) - Writing for a Real World Purpose (speeches, editorials, letters, research
papers, feature articles, etc.)
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.
Grading Policy
A quiz can be given at any time over readings, notes, etc. Tests will consist of, or a combination of
multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Various assignments and assessments will be given on a
daily basis.
Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty Policy
I begin the year with complete trust in each of you. Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest.
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be
his/her own effort. Students must give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas
or interpretations taken from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage
after having changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also plagiarism. Students who commit any
act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade in that portion of the course work. Acts of academic
dishonesty will be reported to the administration.
Questions and Help: If you have questions regarding your schoolwork or need extra help, you can see
me after class, by appointment before or after school, and/or you may e-mail me.
After reading the Course Syllabus for my class please complete and return this sheet.
World Civ. - Beard
I have read the course syllabus for ____________________________ (print student’s name), and I
understand the expectations and requirements for this course.
Parent Signature: _________________________
The teacher
the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.
Student
Signature:reserves
_________________________
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.