UPDATED: Patterns in World History
This course explores reoccurring themes of the human experience common to all
cultures and civilizations. We will examine present day “hot topics” and use history to
better understand the significance of the issues. At the end of the course, I hope you
will identify patterns of human experiences throughout history and into the present
day, recognize the complexities of current issues, view yourselves as agents of
change and possess the desire to continue learning about the world around you.
Core Learning Targets:
1. I understand the different forces that affect people (PEGS).
2. I can explain how multiple perspectives shape my understanding.
3. I can recognize why change occurs and its effects over time.
4. I can identify the dangers and sources of single stories. I understand how to
challenge those stories.
Required Materials:
 Assignment notebook, pens and pencils, 1 container of tape, 2 highlighters,
3-ring binder with loose-leaf OR spiral notebook (70-100 pages) with and
folder.
 The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis (2nd or 3rd quarter)
 You are expected to come to class prepared every day.
Semester Grade Break Down
Assessment: 45% (tests, quizzes and projects)
Community Membership: 10% (attendance, work habits and participation)
Attendance: regular attendance and on time arrival
Work Habits: brings required materials daily to class, on time homework
completion and follows class organizational systems
Participation: Focuses on lesson plan, stimulates class discussion, encourages
others to positively participate in class, takes on a leadership role, follows inclass technology policy, respectful to people and classroom environment
Work: 30% (homework and in-class work)
Final Exam/Project: 15%
Classroom Expectations:
 Classroom Community: It is our responsibility to make sure that our
classroom is a safe environment where all of us can grow as human beings.
This class is conducted as an exchange of ideas, and I hope to learn from
you as much as you will learn from me.
 Homework: My goal throughout the year is to not overwhelm you with
“busy work”. I assign less homework with the understanding that each
assignment I give is extremely valuable. On average, you can expect to
have homework about 2 times a week. You will complete a variety of
homework assignments such as journal reflections, current event write-ups,
map work, etc. Homework assignments will be spot-checked in the
classroom or collected. You can expect to receive feedback on your
homework in a timely fashion.
 Late Homework: There is a “Zero-Zeroes” policy in my classroom. It is
expected that ALL work is handed in. If you hand in an assignment late, it
will affect your community membership grade.
 Attendance: It is expected that you are in class on time. Three tardies in a
semester will result in a conference with a Dean. Any unauthorized absence
will result in a parent conference with a Dean. If you miss class because of
unavoidable circumstances, it is expected that you notify me the same day
(via email or phone call).
 Extra Help: Please seek extra help when needed. We all need extra help
from time to time. I am happy to meet with you if you schedule a meeting
in advance. The best way to reach me is by email. I will try to return all
phone messages and emails within 24-48 hours. The Learning Center is
also a great resource to use when you need help understanding assignments
and revising your writing. In addition, the Library is also a great resource
for getting help with research and revising a bibliography.
 Chromebook/Digital Devices: Chromebooks and other digital devices will
have a positive impact on your education and on the classroom learning
community. These same tools can also be a source of distraction and aid in
superficial thinking (as opposed to sustained, critical thinking). Recent
research has shown that laptops in the classroom have great benefits, but
also significant drawbacks if used incorrectly. As a result of this research,
here are some general guidelines for our classroom regarding the use of
chromebooks in the classroom.
a. Chromebooks will be used at the teacher’s discretion. Based on the
research, a wide variety of activities in class do not make optimal use of
laptops/digital devices—particularly student discussions, group textual
analysis (close reading) and brief teacher lecture. In these cases, we will
put devices in “discussion mode” (aka close the shell). Similarly,
notebook and pen are required for class every day; we will explicitly
develop note-taking skills in a paper and pen medium.
b. Digital devices are to be put away until the teacher authorizes the use.
Once we are done using a particular digital device, they must be stored
so as not to distract you from learning.
c. Students caught being off task with any digital device will jeopardize their
community membership grade.
I look forward to getting to know you, Mrs. Levin
My contact information:
Social Studies Office, A311
llevin@dist113.org
224.765.2296