WORLD HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY I TO 1500 CE*
2015-2016 SYLLABUS
MS. SMITH & MRS. ROGERS; 8th Block; Room 108
DOMINION HIGH SCHOOL; 571-434-4400
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this class is to examine and understand key global developments of people, places, and
patterns from the dawn of civilization to the Renaissance. As we travel through time students will develop their
geography, critical thinking, writing, and analysis skills using maps, pictures, artifacts, and a variety of primary and
secondary sources. It is our hope that students’ engagement with historical content will translate into a passion for
history, and in turn also help make history more relatable to their lives.
* “CE” is the new abbreviation used by historians and archaeologists. It stands for “Common Era.” “BCE” stands for “Before the
Common Era.”1500 CE refers to the same year as 1500 AD.
1st Quarter: 8/31/15-10/30/15
Early Humans
River Valley Civilizations
Hebrews, Persia, Judaism
India
3rd Quarter: 2/1/16-4/14/16
Byzantine Empire and Russia
Islam
Africa and the Americas
2nd Quarter: 11/4/15-1/28/16
China
Greece
Rome
4th Quarter: 4/18/16-6/14/16
Middle Ages
Renaissance
SOL Test in May (date TBD)
Geography and Enrichment
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
Remember that we are here to learn history, so the rules are simple: Everyone should be doing the right thing, at the
right place, at the right time.
1. Be respectful of everyone in the classroom at all times. This includes not talking while the teacher or
another student is talking.
2. Try your best each and every day.
3. Remain in your seat, unless you have the teacher’s permission to move about the classroom or to leave
class.
4. Personal electronic devices are to be stored in backpacks during class unless the teacher has given
permission for them to be used only for academic purposes.
CLASS POLICIES:
 PREPARED FOR CLASS=ARRIVE ON TIME WITH YOUR AGENDA, HISTORY BINDER, PENS/PENCILS, AND ANY OTHER
SUPPLIES
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Students will take responsibility of their learning and be proactive if they do not understand a
concept or have missed an assignment. This is high school behavior. To this end, students will engage in
the Homework Buddies System (see class website for more information)
Plagiarism (including copying homework) will result in a 0 and disciplinary action from administration. It’s
better to try and have the work wrong than to copy.
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*LATE WORK POLICY: Completed assignments should be turned in on the given due date, unless you are
absent. Late homework can only be turned in the next class period after they are due for ½ credit. After
that they will not be accepted. Students who are absent must turn in completed assignments the day after the
next class attended. All non-homework assignments (projects and essays) not turned in on time will be
deducted 10% of the overall grade value for that assignment for each block our class meets. All work for each
unit must be turned in by the date of your class’s unit assessment (project or test date). Reminders from
the teacher regarding late work should not be expected.
GRADED WORK:
 Homework: Assigned almost every class; usually synthesizing reading thru note-taking, focus questions,
and key vocabulary; worth it; counts as part of grade
 Quizzes & Tests: At the end of each unit expect one or the other depending on size
 Writing: At least one assignment per unit; research paper in 3rd quarter
 Projects: One per quarter; summative assessment; creative
*Please note that students are required to complete a research project including a double-spaced
research paper on a relevant world history/geography topic (3rd quarter)
GRADING:
 A weighted category grading system will be used in this class:
o Unit Tests/Projects 45%
o Quizzes/Essays 35%
o Homework 15%
o Class Participation 5% (notes, homework buddies, presence during class)
 Students should reserve questions about their individual progress for Titan Time or email-these
should not be brought up in class. Generally once graded assignments have been returned, parents and
students can expect to see the updated grades reflected in Phoenix.
 Students can expect feedback on assignments in the following time frame:
o Homework Assignments: Will be handed back within one school week
o Quizzes: Will be handed back to the student within two school weeks
o Projects, Essays & Research Papers: Will be handed back within three school weeks
WEB-BASED RESOURCES:
 Course Website- Updates on class assignments and course materials can be found here
http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/Domain/16595
 Phoenix-rubrics and graded assignment information
 No Vision course for our class at this time-we are using the above resources instead
EXTRA HELP/QUESTIONS:
 We set the bar high for our students, and want to ensure that each and every one is successful. Please do
not hesitate to let Ms. Smith or Mrs. Rogers know if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, need help getting
organized/understanding material; asking for help is always encouraged in this class.
 The best way to get extra help outside of class is to send Ms. Smith or Mrs. Rogers an email and set
up a time to meet. Ms. Smith and Mrs. Rogers are also available during Titan Time as well as after school
on most days.
 The best way to reach us outside of class, should you have any questions or concerns, is via e-mail. You can
expect a response to your email within 24 hours rebecca.smith@lcps.org
laura.rogers@lcps.org
*Supply list is on the Zero Day Handouts and also available on the class website
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PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS SHEET TO MS. SMITH/ MRS. Rogers
Student Name: ________________________
Parents, be aware that the students will need Internet access to complete homework assignments.
Computers are available in the library before and after school, in an open computer lab before
school, and during Titan Time. Students will be expected to use the class website to complete
homework and study, however, limited paper copies of the material will be available for students
without home Internet access.
 Check here if you do not have Internet access at home
STUDENT CONTRACT:
I have reviewed the course syllabus. I am aware of and understand the class policies, as well as the possibility
that some things may change. I will adhere to the class policies and behavioral expectations listed above.
Lastly, I understand that is my responsibility to contact the class teacher(s) with any questions or concerns I
may have throughout the year.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
Parent Signature: ________________________________________________________
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