Mrs. Pirkle (pirklem@mtnbrook.k12.al.us)
Rm. 221 Extension:7528
Mountain Brook Junior High School
9th Grade World History
9th Grade World History Syllabus
Course Description: The course directs students to think critically about the forces that combine to
shape the world today. It will span world historical topics, events, and people from the 1500’s to the
present highlighting economic, social, and political changes overtime.
Course Thematic Topics
 Nationalism and Revolution
 Absolutism
 Historical Game Changers
 19th and 20th Century Nation Building
 Imperialism and decolonization
 The World Wars
 Post-War World
 Current 21st Century Issues and Questions
Student Expectations
Be prompt-Be ready to learn when class begins.
Be prepared- Have materials with you and know due dates.
Be a polite and positive participant- Speak in a normal tone of voice, and listen attentively.
Be productive- Turn in work on time, and always do your best.
Be a problem solver- Correct problems quickly and peacefully before they escalate.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (cell phones, IPods, tablets, etc.) are NOT to be used in the classroom, unless given
permission by the teacher to use for an activity. MBJH has 4 NO electronic devices places. They are the
hall (including outside), gym locker room, bathroom, and lunch room. If caught with any electronic
devices when it is not permitted, it will be taken up and turned over to an administrator.
A personal note about cell phones: Cell phones are a powerful tool that at times can be useful in the
classroom. In most cases though, they are misused and distract the students. For the protection of your
child, I will ask that they put their cell phones in the designated spot in the room.
Materials
1. 1 ½” binder
2. Dividers
3. Notebook paper (wide or college)
4. Writing utensils
Required Book(s)
1. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
 Assigned January 2015
 Encouraged to read on own during the Winter Break
 Details to follow
Moodle
Moodle is a learning management system. It will be used by students to access materials, complete
assignments, and discuss general and course specific topics. Moodle will be an integral part of the
learning process. Get in the practice of visiting your course's Moodleroom page. Password: pirkle14
Absence/late policy
School policy allows students with an excused absence to make up work. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to find out what you missed, get the notes, schedule make-ups, etc. I will not hunt you
down to make up any missed assignments, including tests. Upon returning to school you need to make
timely arrangements to turn in all missed work. You can also use Moodle to see any power points or other
assignments you might have missed while out.
Grades
Assignments and assessments will include but are not limited to homework assignments, small quizzes,
traditional tests, written assignments, interaction on the class Moodle, and multi-media presentations.
Graded student work will be calculated into one of three categories. Weight level will be identified upon
assignment of the activity. Generally, the higher the weight the more required by the student and more indepth the assessment.
Gold: 75% of quarterly grade
Silver: 20% of quarterly grade
Bronze: 5% of quarterly grade
*Please put your name, date, and class period on all papers. You will receive 10 points off all
assignments without these requirements.
Students may turn in late work up to the day of the test for a loss of 20% credit. If you choose to turn in
work after the unit test it will result in 50% credit.
Retesting will also be available. If a student makes a 69 or below on their unit test they have the option to
retake the test. In order to retake the test you must meet the following requirements:
1. All work must be completed for the specific unit
2. You must come to AO and complete a self-reflection so you know what you need to focus on
when studying.
3. Along with your self- reflection you must show one other piece of evidence that you have
studied. An example would be notecards, answering the learning target questions, or creating
your own study guide
4. You must make the test up on the given day and time.
If all requirements are met you can make, the highest you can make will be a 75%.
Class Expectation Agreement
Please read and sign below. Due _______________.
I __________________________ have read the course expectation
handout and agree to its terms.
Student signature: _____________________________________________
I am looking forward to a great semester, and I hope you are too. Please
review this handout and the letter with your parents and have them initial
below.
Parent initials: ____________________