Saint Joseph’s High School
saintjoehigh.com
World History
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
pen(s)
loose leaf paper
Provided course readings and handouts- as needed throughout the year
Internet access
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?)
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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
We will begin 2nd semester with the late Middle Ages and the Black Death
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 powerschool.
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.
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.
 All students must return my classroom rules signed by both themselves and a
parent/guardian on the 2nd day of school.
 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 traffic flow on US 31, 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.
Grade Components:
Grades are computed using a 40-40-20 system. 40% from 1st quarter, 40% 2nd quarter, 20% final
exam. Grades are computed based on points earned over points possible.
Grading Scale:
A+
A
A-
99 – 100
95 – 98
93 – 94
B+
B
B-
91 – 92
87 – 90
85 – 86
C+
C
C-
83 – 84
79 – 82
77 – 78
D+
D
DF
75 – 76
72 – 74
70 – 71
69 and below
(This is an optional signature sheet. Suggestion – Copy 2 to a page and attach to syllabus for
return by student.)
Course Title
Signatures:
I have read this syllabus and I understand what the course in general is about and what it asks
of both teacher and student. I promise to do my part to achieve the goals of the course.
Teacher _____________________________________
Student _____________________________________
Parent ______________________________________