Academic Plan: World History 2 & 3
2014-2015
Teacher: Rhys Walters rhys.walters@shorelineschools.org
Room: Room 346
Telephone: 206-393-6257, extension 3346
Introduction
Course Content:
This yearlong course will focus on the history of human development from 1650 to
the present. We will examine a variety of peoples, cultures and events. In the process
of studying the modern history of human civilization we will work on developing
important skills such as expository writing, how to effectively research, critical
thinking, and cogent verbal communication. Our class textbook is History Alive!
World Connections. In this course we will also examine significant contemporary
issues and events, with efforts made to view them from different perspectives and to
understand their relevance to historical events and to our lives today. In addition to
studying and analyzing history, you will also get the opportunity to reinforce and
develop the practical skills necessary for success. Specifically, we will focus on the
following units and World History Power Standards:
Enlightenment/Nationalism:
1. I can describe the characteristics of a revolution.
2. I can describe the political, and social philosophies of the Enlightenment.
3. I can identify and analyze the causes, course and consequences of the French
Revolution.
4. I can describe and analyze the impact and spread of nationalism on various regions.
Industrial Revolution/Rise of Imperialism:
1. I can identify and analyze the causes, course and consequences of the Industrial
Revolution.
2. I can differentiate between philosophies of political and economic models.
Imperialism in Action:
1. I can identify the different forms of political, economic and social imperialism.
2. I can identify and analyze impacts of imperialism on the colonizing nation.
3. I can identify and analyze the impacts of imperialism on the colonized people.
Russian Revolution:
I can identify and analyze the causes, course and consequences of the Russian
Revolution.
World War I:
I can identify and analyze the causes, course and global consequences of World War I.
Interwar Years:
1. I can identify and analyze the rise of totalitarianism.
2. I can explain the causes and consequences of the global depression.
3. I can identify the changes to political boundaries after WWI.
World War II:
1. I can identify the causes, course and consequences of WWII.
2. I can explore and evaluate moral issues involved in war.
Impacts and Results of World War II:
1. I can explain the purpose of the formation of the United Nations and the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
2. I can explain the geo-political impacts of World War II.
3. I can define the Cold War and its impact on the world.
Modern World: Decolonization, Independence, and Nationhood:
1. I can compare and contrast post-war independence movements.
2. I can explain political, economic and social development since World War II.
3. I can connect contemporary global issues in to their historical origins and evaluate
their impact.
Social Studies Skills: CBA (Classroom Based Assessment)
1. I can use organizational strategies to support my learning.
2. I can find and evaluate a variety of credible sources through research.
3. I can differentiate between primary and secondary sources.
4. I can use critical thinking skills when evaluating social studies content.
5. I can demonstrate effective communication through a variety of methods.
6. I can employ multiple strategies to effectively read and understand a variety of
materials.
7. I can articulate a clear position/thesis.
8. I can support a position/thesis with appropriate evidence.
9. I can use proper MLA citation, including a Works Cited page and parenthetical
notation.
Expectations
Student Expectations:
 Arrive to class on time and ready with materials and assignments.
 Be polite and respectful when interacting with your teacher and classmates.
 Participate fully and respectfully in class and group activities, so that
everyone can succeed.
 Take care of matters due to absences (excused and unexcused). If you are
absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed by talking with
a classmate or me before or after class. I keep a record of what happens in
class each day in the “Daily Record” book at the back of the room. Make
sure you read through this and get any handouts you missed in the folders
kept behind the “Daily Record” book. You must make up any work that we
did on the days you missed in order to receive credit for them. You have
one class period for each day of absence to make up that work. You can
also check the website for homework assignments or see me before or
after class.
Materials: bring these materials to class each day:
 Fully charged iPad (unless you have opted out)
 A spiral or composition notebook used exclusively for World History (you
will turn this notebook in from time to time)
 Pen, pencils, highlighter and loose-leaf paper for class each day
 Planner: students are expected to have some type of planner and an entry
each day of class
Grades
Points are divided into two broad categories, which are weighted as follows:


Tests and Projects: worth 60% of your final grade
Class Assignments (this includes homework, in-class assignments and notes,
and class participation): 40% of your final grade
These percentages convert to a letter grade in these ranges:
B+ 87 - 89.9%
C+ 77 – 79.9%
A 93 – 100%
B 83 – 86.9%
C 73 – 76.9%
A- 90 – 92.9%
B- 80 – 82.9%
C- 70 – 72.9%
D+ 67– 69.9%
D 60 – 66.9%
F
0 – 59.9%
Your grade is a running total for the semester. I do not average between the two
quarters of the semester.
On-line Grades:
Grades will be available online at Data Dashboard. They will be updated, at
minimum, twice a month.
Late Work Policy:
Homework is assigned to help you better understand the next day’s lesson –not
doing homework means you are unprepared. Homework assignments should be
done not just for points, but also for content. Though special or exceptional cases
will be dealt with on an individual basis, the general policy for late work is as follows.
 All work is due on the assigned date at the beginning of class (unless otherwise
stated).
 Complete late work is worth a minimum of 60% of the original score and only
accepted before the unit test for that material. No late work is accepted after a
test on the unit.
 If you have an excused absence, work which was assigned during your absence
(including work done in class) is due at the beginning of class one class day after
you return.
 Assignments given prior to your absence are due on the day you return to class.
 If you are absent, it is your responsibility on the day you get back to find out what
assignments and content you missed and to immediately make those up.
Attendance and Tardy Policies
I use the school-wide attendance and tardy policy that is detailed in the Student
Handbook.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
Bathroom:
I have a hall pass at the back of the room. You must sign in and out whenever you
leave the classroom or potentially lose this privilege. Only one person may go at a
time, regardless of gender.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices:
Students who bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school are solely
responsible for the safety and security of those devices. The school accepts no
responsibility for cell phones or other electronic devices that are lost, damaged or
stolen at school or while traveling to and from school. Cell phones, iPads and other
electronic devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during class time. iPads
are only to be out when directed by the teacher. Cell phones, cameras, Ipads or other
devices should not be used to photograph or film others without their consent.
Students who violate the rules will face corrective action as outlined in the Shorecrest
Policies. This includes a warning and notification to parents by phone or email for a
first offense. A second offense leads to confiscation and the item being returned at a
parent conference attended by student, parent and administrator/designee. A third
violation involves confiscation and school discipline being imposed. In case of an
emergency, students can be reached by calling the main office at 393-4286.
iPads
If you have checked out an iPad, you are expected to bring your fully charged iPad to
class with you each day. iPads will remain in their cases and closed at all times unless
instructed by the teacher. iPads are to be used for academic purposes only and
students may only use their iPads for teacher-directed activities (no websurfing,
playing games or other inappropriate use of the iPads).
A printer for student use is not available in the classroom. Unless otherwise stated,
assignments completed on the computer are to be turned in hard copy (printed)
form; they will not be accepted if emailed or submitted in the form of an electronic
file (unless there are unusual circumstances that you speak to me about). Keep in
mind that it is your responsibility to print out your completed homework
assignments, and that these must be printed before coming to class.
Ethics and Honesty
Shorecrest High School is a place of integrity, responsibility and authenticity. Simply
stated, we expect students to represent their own work honestly and accurately at all
times and to avoid academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not
limited to, plagiarism, cheating and forgery/stealing. All work must be the student’s
own thoughts, writings and views. Any views or ideas that are not their own must be
properly credited and cited. My classroom adheres to the Ethics and Honesty Policy
outlined under Policies of the Shorecrest High School website. All cases of academic
dishonesty will be referred to the administration. Discipline for first, second, third and
fourth offenses are detailed on the Shorecrest High School website.
Harassment Policy
Shorecrest High School is a place where ALL students are safe to learn without threat
of violence or concern for safety. Shorecrest adheres to a strict zero tolerance policy
regarding harassment of any form between students, faculty, and staff. Students and
staff who experience or witness harassment of any form at Shorecrest should report
the incident to an SC adult that you trust, or if you prefer, our point person on
harassment incidents, Lane Loland, Dean of Students. You may also fill out a
harassment incident report that is available in the security office, online, main office,
or with your counselor.
Social Studies Writing Standards and Conventions
The following guidelines should be followed for all writing assignments in your Social
Studies class. Please keep this in your notebook as a reference.
Standard typed format:
12-point font / Times New Roman
Indent paragraphs (once)
No extra spaces between paragraphs or at the top/title
One-inch margins on all sides
1.5 spaced
Center title of work at top of page
Name, period, date and assignment name at top (right or left) corner of paper
Standard conventions:
Spell properly
Proper use of punctuation and grammar
Formal written language:
Avoid use of slang and contractions
No first person usage
Maintain consistent tense:
No rhetorical questions
Explain acronyms and abbreviations
Spell out numbers one through ten
In Conclusion
Please contact me if you have questions or concerns about the material covered in
this course or your performance in the class. I update course grades frequently and
post these online. Periodically checking this is a great way to see your current grade
for the class, the grades you have received for each assignment, and any assignments
you are missing. Again, I look forward to an exciting, productive year, and I am glad
to have you in my class. Welcome!
Sincerely,
Mr. Walters
Administrator Lori Longo:
Course Commitment
I have read and understand the World History Academic Plan (available on my
website under “Documents” as well as hard copies in the classroom) and the
Shoreline School District’s Ethics and Honesty Policy. I understand the policies and
procedures stated in the Academic Plan and will work to the best of my abilities to try
and fulfill them. (Please bring back this signed form by Monday, September 15th.)
Student Name (Print): ____________________________________________
Period: ___________
Student Email address:______________________________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________
For Parent/Guardians:
Parent/Guardian Name (Print):_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: ________
What is your email address?
What is the best way to contact you during the day? (work/home/cell number)
During the evening? (work/home/cell number)
Is there anything I should know to help your student do well in this class? (Any and
all information is helpful – you can use the back if you would like!).
* Parents please check my website for class schedules and homework. I regularly update Data
Dashboard to help you monitor student grades throughout the school year. My email
address is rhys.walters@shorelineschools.org if you need to contact me directly.