Dominion High School
World History II
Syllabus
Instructor:
Phone:
Mr. Burns
Work: 571-434-4400
Room:
Email:
L302
corey.burns@lcps.org
Course Description:
Historical development and its impact upon world cultures are central themes of World History. This course
will cover history from the “Great Convergence” (1300 CE) to the present. Cultural emphasis is placed upon
literature, art, architecture, music, religion and philosophy. 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. From a
balanced and inclusive world history course students may gain an appreciation both of the world’s many
peoples and of their shared humanity and common problems.
Text: Modern World History
Materials: spiral notebook (8 ½ x 11 inches and 3-5 subjects), black ink pens, #2 pencils, High lighters, tissue
box
Course Objectives:
Students will…
1. master a broad body of historical knowledge
2. develop a better understanding of the history of the world from 1450 CE to the present
3. demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology from a global perspective
4. improve writing, research, and critical reading/thinking skills
5. use historical data to support an argument or position
6. interpret data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc.
7. effectively use analytical skills such as evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast
8. communicate and collaborate effectively with fellow classmates and the teacher
Classroom Expectations and Policies
1. Come to class on time (If you are late please come in quietly).
2. Respect each person in the classroom.
3. Do not interrupt anyone in the classroom while they are talking.
4. Please raise your hand first before addressing me or the class.
5. Do not use profanity or put anyone down in the class.
6. Begin the bell ringer as soon as you walk in the classroom.
7. Come prepared for class both mentally and with your material.
8. If you miss a day of class please check your email and see me right away for missing work.
9. Late assignments will be graded:
- Late homework can be turned in for half credit up to a week after the
assignment was originally due.
- Late projects will be a 10% deduction each day it is late.
10. Plagiarism and cheating will result in the assignment being a zero, as well as consequences from the
student’s rights and responsibilities that pertain.
I believe if we all follow these expectations that we will have a positive experience in the classroom learning
about the functions of our government.
Organization/Class Requirements
Guided Readings-Students will be expected to read each chapter in the text and complete corresponding
worksheets. Usually assigned as homework.
(Approximately 10-12 per quarter x 5 points per guided reading)
Notebook Quizzes-Students will be given occasional open notebook, unannounced quizzes.
(20 points per quiz)
In-class assignments- Periodically students will be asked to create a poster, a skit, or participate in a structured
discussion for a grade.
(Approximately 5-6 in-class assignments per quarter x 5-10 points each)
Projects/mini-projects- Students will generally have one or two projects per quarter.
(points for projects vary; generally there are 50-150 total project points per quarter)
Quarterly Major Writing Assignments-There will be one major writing assignment per quarter.
(50-100 points for each major writing assignment)
Test/Quizzes—There will be approximately 3-4 tests per quarter.
(Each test is worth 100-150 points)
Each quarter will vary between 600-900 points
Grading Procedures:
Nine-week grades will be based on a ratio of the number of points earned out of the number of possible points.
(Total Points earned/ Total Points possible x 100 = Your Grade.) Students and parents will be able to access
their grades from Clarity.
**Course Requirements, Procedures, and Routines are subject to change by the teacher.
World History II Pacing Guide
Date
8/31-9/4
9/7-9/11
Topic
Expectations for the Class, Renaissance
The Reformation and Counter-Reformation
9/14-9/18
9/21-9/25
Expansion of the Muslim World and the Ottoman Empire
The Age of Exploration
9/28-10/2
10/5-10/9
Age of Absolutism, Louis XIV, European Absolutism
The Westernization of Russia and English Civil War
Unit Assessment:
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
10/12
Student Holiday
10/13-10/16
10/19-10/23
The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution
Onset of the French Revolution, Reign of Terror
10/26-10/30
The Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte
11/2-11/3
Parent Conferences/Teacher Workday
11/4-11/6
11/9-11/13
11/16-11/20
Congress of Vienna and effects on the political climate
Nationalist Revolutions in Europe
Nationalist Revolutions in Latin America
11/23-11/24
11/25-11/27
11/30-12/4
12/7-12/11
Romanticism to Realism
Thanksgiving Holiday
The Industrial Revolution
Finish Industrial Revolution, Age of Reform
12/14-12/18
12/21-1/2
1/4-1/8
1/11-1/15
1/18-1/22
1/26-1/30
Age of Imperialism
Winter Break
World War I
Finish World War I and Treaty of Versailles
Review of First Semester
1/25 -1/29
2/1-2/5
The Russian Revolution and the formation of a Communist State
Interwar Period and rise of Fascism
2/8-2/12
2/15
2/16-2/19
2/22-2/26
Onset of World War II and Blitzkrieg
No School
American involvement and the Pacific Front. Germany stalls in Russia
European Front and the end of the war
2/29-3/4
3/7-3/11
Potsdam and Yalta, beginning of the Cold War
Spread of Communism and Korean War
3/14-3/18
3/21-3/25
3/28-4/1
Vietnam and the stagnation of Communism
Spring Break
Perestroika, Glasnost, and the end of the Cold War
4/4-4/8
Struggles in Democracy in Africa and China
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 9
Unit 10
Unit 11 part 1
Unit 11 part 2
4/11-4/18
4/15
Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East and Asia, Iranian Revolution
No School
4/19-4/29
5/2-5/6
Genocide and Terrorism throughout the world
Global Interdependence
Unit 12
Unit 13
*** Dates are subject to change if needed.