United States History
Mrs. Rodgers
2021-2022 School Year
Contact Information:
kaylarodgers@fz.k12.mo.us
Plan period: 3rd Hour: 9:15 am to 10:00 am
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 6:45am to 7:25am
After school by appointment only
Course Introduction
Advanced Placement World History (WHAP) is a year-long course designed to complete the world
history requirement for graduation. This course is offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The
overall goal of the Advanced Placement program is to prepare students for success in college level
academic courses.
This course traces the development of world history from the year 1200 to present day. It emphasizes
the analytical and writing skills necessary for success in a college level history course. The purpose is
to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction
with different types of human societies.
“In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals,
developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same
skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary
sources: developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing
reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course
provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make
connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the
environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social
interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.”-College Board
Taking the AP Test
The goal of this class is for EVERY student to take the AP World History test at the end of second
semester. This is a great opportunity for you to receive college credit at a discounted price if you score
well on the test. The highest possible score is a 5 and many colleges accept anything scored at a 3 or
above (depending on the college). More information to come throughout the year.
Classroom Expectations
1. Do the work. You signed up for a college-level class, now let’s get to work!
2. Come to class prepared and ready to participate. It is imperative that you know the material in
order to participate. The more discussion we have, the more you will get out of this class. It is
expected that you bring your textbook, writing utensils, Chromebook, and notebooks/paper to
every class.
3. Be respectful of yourself and others. If you can’t say something nice about your peers,
teachers, etc., please keep it to yourself. Bullying is NEVER tolerated!
4. Keep me in the loop. This class can be incredibly overwhelming at times, so please let me
know if you are struggling to keep up or are having other concerns. If I don’t know how
you’re doing, I can’t help you (and that’s my job!).
Period Units
For every period in WHAP, you will be given a list of key terms and chapter outlines. I will post these
on Google Classroom. It is your responsibility to keep up with these and use them to help you study.
Similar to a college-level class, you are in charge of ensuring the schedule is followed and that you
come to class prepared for the day. As with any schedule, it is subject to change.
Grading Policy
The following components will be included in your grade for WHAP. If you have any questions
about your grade, I will be happy to answer them before or after school and class.
a. Tests/Quizzes = 35%
b. Essays/Projects=35%
c. Homework=20%
d. Classwork = 10%
Larger period/unit tests will be given at the end of each unit and can consist of a multiple-choice
section as well as a written section (to be added as the course develops). The multiple-choice section
of each exam is made up of questions that contain information from class lectures and discussions,
textbook readings, and outside text readings such as primary sources.
Essays will be given throughout the course. There will be DBQ (Document-Based Question) essays
and long essay questions (LEQ). The essays will be taught throughout the year, and as the course
progresses, essays will be timed to help prepare you for the exam in May.
You are expected to read each chapter on your own. Reading quizzes and/or notes checks will be
given to ensure you are keeping up with the required readings in a timely manner.
Attendance
Regular attendance is necessary for your success in class. This class is heavy lecture/discussion-based
and you will miss a substantial amount and thus fall significantly behind if you are not in class.
However, if you have an excused absence, make-up privileges will be allowed. In case of an absence,
feel free to email me for missed work/notes, or go to Google Classroom.
Late Work/Test Make-Up
Late work will be accepted through the end of each quarter. Anything more than one day late will
receive no more than 50% of full points possible. Keep in mind, this is a college class and many
colleges do not accept late work at all. If you are gone for a test or quiz, we will discuss your make-up
time when you return.
Cell Phone/Electronics Policy
Cell phone etiquette is expected in class. Cell phones and other electronics are not allowed when your
attention is needed at the front of the room for lectures, presentations, video clips, etc. One warning
will be given and then the device will be confiscated.
Academic Dishonesty
School rules will be followed in regards to plagiarism and copying. Although it may be easy to copy
another student’s work, it is against school rules and will impede you from learning the information.
If you are found to be cheating or plagiarizing, you will be given a zero and referred to your
principal.
Recommended (but not required) Supply List
● Writing utensils
● Notebook/loose-leaf paper
● Preferred binder to keep any additional handouts/notes
● An open mind
○ Classroom discussion is encouraged, but all contributions must be respectful
AP Exam Test Date: May 12th, 2022