World History Honors
Course Syllabus
Fall 2015
Instructor: Mr. Whitaker
Room G-215
Email: wesley_whitaker@iss.k12.nc.us
World History
Name: _____________________
This is a Freshman Social Studies course. World History is a required course for graduation in NC. This semester course
World History Honors provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous study, and systematic study of major ideas
and concepts found in the study of global history. The course is challenging and requires students to take greater
responsibility for their learning by participating in problem-seeking, problem-solving, scholarly and creative processes,
critical analysis and application, and reflective thinking
Materials:
3ring binder (at least 2 inches)
Writing utensil
loose leaf paper (no spiral notebooks) Composition book
Blue or Black ball point pens (NO FELT TIP)
Cell Phone Policy:
There will be a basket on my desk that you can put your cell phone in at the beginning of class. If you choose not to put
your cell phone in the basket, and I see it out for any reason it will be taken.
 See Student Handbook for Consequences.
Tardy/Attendance Policy:


Being simply in the classroom does not exempt you from being tardy. You must be seated at your desk
when the bell rings to not be counted tardy.
For Attendance/Tardy Policy refer to Student Handbook
Attendance/Make-up Policy:
Please be in my class everyday! If you must miss a class it is your responsibility to make up any missed work. After
School Detention will be dedicated to make-up days. If you need to make up any assignments or need extra tutoring, you
will need to let me know you are staying so I can make sure to have the proper assignments ready. Work must be
completed with 80% proficiency in order to get credit for the assignment.
Tests:
If a test is missed then it will be made up the day the student returns to school. If you do not make up the test the
day you return the school then the test will count as a zero. All tests must be made up before or after school. Notify
teacher when you plan to make-up test.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given daily and are to be kept in your composition book. The material covered on these quizzes
will be from previous class periods and not just the previous class.
Notebooks:
Notebooks will be taken up 3 times a 9 week. Students will be notified in advance when this will happen so they
will have ample time to organize them. Refer to notebook handout for information on organizing notebook.
Current Events:
We will cover different regions of the world each week. During each week students will be required to complete a
current event each week dealing with each region. Students should refer to the guide that has been provided to
complete the current event. Current events will be due every Friday and predetermined students will share their
current event on that day.
Grading:
Homework/Classwork
Tests
Participation/Notebooks
20%
35%
25%
Quizzes/Current Events
20%
Food: There is no food allowed in class. This includes gum and candy.
Student Signature ________________________________
ATTENTION PARENTS & STUDENTS:
I believe it is important that each parent/guardian and especially the student to always know how he or she is doing
in my class. Every three weeks students will receive a progress report that must be signed by a parent/guardian and
returned the following day for a classwork grade. It is the student’s responsibility to get this signed and to turn in
any missing work.
I also believe it is important to have good communication between the teacher and parent/guardian. If you have
any questions or concerns please feel free to call before or after school or between 9:45 – 11:20 to schedule an
appointment or to voice concerns. I would also wish that you would provide an email address that I can contact you
with. In this busy world one of the best ways to contact each other is by email. Please provide below. Also by
providing your email address I can send out weekly reminders about Tests and about day to day assignments and
when they are due. If we work together we can ensure that your child has a successful experience in World History.
Internet use: We will be using the Internet in class for projects. Please fill out the following statement giving permission for
your student to use the Internet.
I give permission for____________________ to independently access educational resources on the Internet.
____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
ATTENTION STUDENTS:
I look forward to having you in class. You are in training to become mature young adults, who are learning how to
be accountable for your actions and choices. In order to assist you in this wonderful learning experience, I am
requiring you to sign below along with your parent/guardian to assure we all understand the rules and to commit to
what is expected in World History.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. No Food
2. Be ready to work when the bell rings
3. 1 Room
1 Conversation
4. Show respect to other people and their property
5. Follow all school rules
I am looking forward to working with you and your parents/guardians!
Mr. Whitaker
Parent/Guardian Signature __________________ Student Signature _________________
Parent/Guardian email address ___________________________
Course Plan and Exam Dates: (Subject to change)
Unit
Text Chapters
Estimated Length
1 Week
Paleolithic/Neolithic/Ancient
Civilizations
(8000 BCE – 600 BCE)
Empires
(600 BCE – 600 CE)
Rise of Islam and Mongols
2 Weeks
The World In Transition
2 Weeks
The Age of Exploration and
Expansion
From Absolutism to
Revolutions
Industrialization/Nationalism
2 Weeks
WWI/Inbetween Years
1 Week
WWII/Rise of Cold War
1 Week
Cold War
1 Week
Decolonization/Present
1 Week
1 Week
2 Weeks
2 Weeks
Exam Dates