World History & Geography II Syllabus 2015-16
Mr. Daniel
Course Objective: Welcome to World History and Geography II. In this sophomore level
history class, students will have the opportunity to study a plethora of cultures from
approximately 1500 to the present. Whereas World History and Geography I focused on the
ancient world, World History and Geography II focus on the modern world. Historical
development and its impact upon world cultures are central themes of World History. Historical
emphasis is placed upon such areas as comparative political, economic, and social systems.
Contemporary emphasis is placed upon current crises, international relations, and the increasing
interdependence of nations. Concepts stressed throughout the course are the same as those
employed by all social scientists: critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation.
Grading: Grades will be based on a point system. The breakdown is mostly categorized on
individualized summative assessments and ongoing formative assessments. The following rules
will be consistently recognized, as emphasized with the PFHS grading policies:

Summative assignments, such as tests, quizzes, projects, and Interactive Notebook
(assessments which measure students understanding and mastery of content):

90%
Formative assignments, such as individualized and collaborative assessments, including
class work, homework, projects, and quizzes (assessments and activities which allow
students and teacher to gauge progress toward mastery):
10%
Quizzes/Tests: Reading and review quizzes are very common, and are a part of the summative
assignments 90%. Reading comprehension and retention is a life skill. Tests will be given at the
end of each unit and will normally include multiple-choice questions and a variety of short
answers/essays. If the quiz/test is “open note,” then there will NOT be an opportunity for a
retake. If the quiz/test is “closed note,” then there WILL be an opportunity for a retake, if the
student so chooses (see Test Retake on the reverse side). There will also be a Quarter Test to
reflect all information learned within the quarter.
Projects: Interactive notebooks will be graded as quarter projects. In addition, there will be a
number of smaller projects throughout each quarter to be completed inside/outside of class.
Homework: Expect it if the student does not finish the class work in the appropriate amount of
time given. Most assignments involve reading and analysis and will be completed in the
interactive notebook. Homework is relevant to class discussions and especially reading quizzes.
Homework is also an opportunity to become disciplined, organized, and prepared. Homework
will NOT be graded; however any time it is assigned it WILL be reflected in the quiz in the next
class period. Failing to do the assignment(s) will definitely affect grades. All assignments are
expected to be completed for the notebook grade at the conclusion of the quarter.
Test Retake of Summative Assessments- This only applies to tests. Students that receive a
grade of 89% or below are eligible for the retake. The grade the student receives on the retake
will replace the first grade they earned (unless the score is worse). Retakes are always given in a
different format to ensure the mastery of the subject and not the memorization skills (mostly
done in short answer or essay format). In order to retake a test, the student must have all
of the formative assessments completed for that unit. The student will have the whole
quarter to retake a test but all retakes must be done ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE END OF
THE QUARTER. Retakes are not available for quizzes or the interactive notebook.
Approximate Course Timeline:
First Quarter
Geography Skills
World Religions Review
Renaissance and Reformation
Scientific Revolution
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Geography Skills
Ottomans/Mughals
Exploraton
China/Japan
Absolutism
Enlightenment
Revolutions
Geography Skills
Industrial Revolution
Imperialism
World War 1
Geography Skills
Inter-War
World War 2
Cold War
SOL Review
This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A
Standards of Learning test is given at the end of this course.
Classroom Responsibilities:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
I
I
I
I
I
will take pride in working to the best of my abilities
recognize that quality communication requires both listening and speaking
will get along with others through respect and cooperation
realize that the choices I make today will influence my future
recognize that in my home, school and community some decisions are not mine to make.
Supplies: You will need to have the following materials.
Heavy Duty 5 subject/large notebook (this will hold our interactive notebook notes for the year
so it needs to be HUGE)
Colored pencils (you will use these a lot)
Writing Utensils
Glue stick (Get a box that has like 6-8 sticks per)