Saint Joseph’s High School
saintjoehigh.com
World History 2011
Mrs. Alter
Room 106
233-6137 ext. 105
kalter@saintjoehigh.com
Texts and Other Materials:
Glencoe World History: Indiana Edition (2010 edition-new this year)
Needed daily: Notebook-should be taken home nightly for review, binder/folder for assignments and notes
writing utensil, pens should be black or blue no red, clean loose leaf paper
Course Description:
From the Indiana Academic Standards Page:
“This course is a survey of the history of mankind. Emphasis is placed on the development of reading and research
skills necessary for the study of history and on developing an understanding of historical concepts. There is much
reading, writing and discussion of historical interpretation. Students will examine early civilizations such as Egypt,
Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and China. They will study the contributions of ancient Greece and Rome; examine
the regional civilizations of medieval Europe, the culture of the Byzantine Empire and the development of the
Islamic world. The Renaissance, the scientific and industrial revolutions and global imperialism will be analyzed.
Students enrolling in this course should have good study and communication skills.”
Course Outcomes:
 Students will be able to tell the story of history in a way that shows understanding of its
interconnectedness and not simply memorizing dates and names as isolated bits of information. (How did
the Enlightenment change people’s view of individual potential?)
 Students will compare and contrast particular aspects of different civilizations. (Example-What was
emphasized in education in ancient Sparta versus early 20 th century Europe)
 Given a selection of literature from a certain time period, students will draw conclusions about the
significance of the piece to the period and the world today. (What influence do the writings of Machiavelli
have upon citizens today who are unhappy with their government?)
 Students will make theoretical predictions based on historical scenarios that could have happened. (Had
the American Revolution been unsuccessful, would the revolutions in Europe have erupted?)
 Students will empathize with decisions made by world leaders throughout history and argue the merits or
demerits of these choices. (The decision to allow religious freedom in France was good or bad and why?)
 Students will examine the role of law and government and how it influences all classes of society. (If you
were accused of robbery would you rather be punished under the Code of Hammurabi or under the
modern American justice system?)
 Students will connect cause and effect between different times and cultures. (Compile a list of three
activities you have participated in within the last week that were also a part of ancient Greek lifestyle.)
 Students will begin to learn how to organize and develop research, gathered from a multitude of sources,
and synthesize and critique their findings. (Analyzing the importance of various “isms” in ancient Chinese
society.)
Calendar: 1st semester units include Ways we study history, Prehistory vs. history, Early human beings and the
hearth of civilization, Interaction of Different cultures (View film The Gods Must be Crazy), Ancient Civilizations
(Sumer, Mesopotamia, Babylon, Egypt, Greece) World Religions, The Roman World, Early African Civilizations,
Feudalism and the Middle Ages, The Vikings influence on Europe, Crusades
Course Strategies:
Give the best effort you can give daily.
Take your notebook home for review nightly. Read your notes each night.
Actively participate in class each day.
Stay up to date and check assignments and grades on Power-school.
Ask questions in class or before school.
Ask a reliable classmate for missing notes any days you miss due to absence.
Help:
Feel free to ask for help anytime. It is your responsibility to contact me if you have missed days due to absence.
You must also show me an excused absence form when you return. Students who will be absent due to scheduled
absences such as family vacation or field trip should always check with their teachers beforehand to get work that
will be missed.
Class Rules/Expectations/Consequences:
All St. Joseph’s High School rules and regulations as outlined in the Student Handbook apply. There are usually a
few minor rules issues that cause problems.
 There is no food or gum in my room.
 You need to be on time. 1 tardy a quarter is excused Anything beyond that will result in a 30 minute AM
or PM.
 I will consistently enforce dress code, not just with my 1st hour class.
 Be respectful of other students, others’ opinions, others’ abilities, all visitors, and the classroom teacher.
Take care of this old building as well. Have pride in your school.
Formal classroom rules will be passed out on the 1st day of class as a reminder as well. Here is a copy of these
posted rules:
1.) Be on time. One tardy per quarter is excused. After that the following applies:
2nd tardy 30 minute AM or PM, 3rd and 4th tardies= 60 minute AM. 5th and beyond= Detention
2.) Be in dress code throughout the day. It is your responsibility to know the dress code.
3.) Bring materials to class daily.
4.) Always be respectful of others.
5.) Be attentive and on task. If you are talking to others, studying other subjects, or being “creative” in your
notebook you are off task. It is incredibly rude to talk while someone else is speaking. First offense for
these violations is a warning. After that, it is an AM or PM for whatever length of time I deem necessary.
6.) At no time should you ever be doing homework for another class.
7.) Give your best effort daily because I will give you mine. Whatever outside factors exist, consistently come
to class ready to give your best and you will have a successful year.
Extra Credit Policy and Opportunities:
There are no extra credit points given in this class.
Late Work/Zero Policy:
Homework that is turned in after the class period that it is due is penalized 50%for the first day and no credit
afterwards because we cover the answers and materials the day it is due. Projects and papers will be reduced by
10% each day.
Final Exam:
World History is a year long class final exam for each semester will be an objective cumulative exam covering the
material for that semester.
Grade Components:
Your World History grade is based on the total number of points you earn out of the total number of points
possible.
Grading Scale:
A+
A
A-
99 – 100 B+
94 – 98
92 – 93 B-
90 – 91
C+
B
85 – 89
B83 – 84
81 – 82
D+
C
76 – 80
C74 – 75 D-
72 – 73
D
67 – 71
65 – 66
F
64 and below
Academic Honesty
As we dive in to the history of the world I expect students to understand that historical facts do not change and
therefore we cover the same material every year. Students are expected to take their own notes, and use only the
materials I have given to them for studying. Notes, quizzes, tests or other materials from previous years are not
permitted as study tools in my classroom. You will be given a grade based on your actions and abilities, earn your
grade and be proud of it. Asking students from other classes for answers to homework, quizzes, or tests is
cheating and will be treated as such based on the guidelines outlined in your handbook.
Study Hall
I will be available every Tuesday with an open study hall in my room open to all students. Members of the school’s
leadership group; Student Ambassadors will be available for extra help in other subjects, come as often as you like
and bring a friend!