Pre-AP World History Syllabus
Coach McRae
lmcrae@alvinisd.net
TH
6 Period Conference 1:00 – 1:45
World History Studies is the only course offering students an overview of the entire history of humankind. The
major emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present.
Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and
issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Students evaluate the causes and
effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Students
examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary
economic systems. Students analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as
the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process. Students trace the historical development of
important legal and political concepts. Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical
traditions. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth
of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources
of evidence.
To support the teaching of World History, the use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source material such as
biographies and autobiographies; novels; speeches and letters; and poetry, songs, and artworks is required.
Motivating resources are also available from museums, art galleries, and historical sites. A greater depth of
understanding of complex content material can be attained when integrated social studies content from the various
disciplines and critical-thinking skills are taught together.
Rationale for the Course
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional mastery of previous social studies courses
and who desire the opportunity to do more in depth study of World History. While teacher recommendation is
preferred, all students are welcome. This course is designed to offer students the greatest amount of verbal and
written self-expression, with the teacher acting as monitor. In addition, Pre-AP World History will enhance
student’s development of conceptual information and skills necessary for success in future advanced placement
classes.
Thematic Units
Unit 1 Foundations of Early Civilizations
Project – River Valley Civilizations (9/4)
Unit 2 Ancient Civilizations
Project – Roman Newspaper (9/20)
Unit 3 Middle Ages
Project – Village Project(10/11)
Unit 4 Renaissance and Reformation
Unit 5 Age of Exploration
Unit 6 Absolute Monarchs
Project – Countries of Absolute Monarchs (11/15)
Unit 8 Intellectual Revolution
Unit 9 A New world order emerges
Unit 10 Industrial Revolution
Unit 11 Imperialism & World War I
Unit 12 Interwar Period
Unit 13 World War II
Project – Cold War (5/23)
Other Classroom Issues
Materials
Positive Attitude
Cooperative attitude
3 Spiral Notebooks
World History Textbook
Pens Red/Black/ Blue
Map Colors
Pencils
Poster Board (occasionally)
3 Ring Binder
Grading Policies
Major Exams
Class Work
Homework
Total
50%
30%
20%
____
100%
Classwork
Each 9 Weeks there will be between 3-5 Major exams, 9 or more homework assignments
and 15 or more daily assignments. There will also be at least one major project per nine weeks
also.
Absences
Please avoid being absent as much as possible. Frequent absences will make it very
difficult to stay current on our assignments. In the event of an absence, you will come and see me
for the work missed. You have the same amount of days to make up the work as the number of
days you were absent. You are responsible for coming to me for missed work. Since this is a Pre
AP class, LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED!!!
Class Rules
Respect yourself and others both in actions and words
Come prepared for class everyday both mentally and with materials
No eating or drinking in classroom
Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings (Tardies are Unacceptable)
Remain seated until I dismiss you at the end of class(No Lines at the door)
Do not alter any materials in the room(Books, Desks, Screens, Globes)
Participation
Everyone is expected to participate in all classroom discussions and activities.