E-mail: cgreenberg@redwood.org
World History – 2015/2016
Ms. Greenberg
Phone: (415) 924-6200 ext. 6287
Website: On www.redwood.org teacher websites
Grades: E-school Plus
“Three quarters of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world would finish if people were to put on
the shoes of their adversaries and understood their points of view”
- Mohandas K. Gandhi
Welcome to World History! I am excited to get to know each of you and work with you this semester in our exploration of
our planet’s history. The purpose of this syllabus is for you to understand the work expectations and goals of the class.
Why Study World History?
The past has implications for both the present and the future. Studying history prompts us to think about how
we can do better in the future than we did in the past. We will identify the largest issues in our world today,
analyze the origin of these issues, and reflect on how we as individuals can improve our society. We will also identify
the successes of the past and consider how we can learn from them.
By studying history, we can examine what we think it means to be a “global citizen,” and how to best contribute to
society today. We will focus our study not just on major historical figures, but also on “ordinary people,” those like you and
I who have lived through extraordinary events.
This class will emphasize the modern historical period from the Renaissance to the present. The primary textbook for
this course will be Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction published by McDougal Littell (kept at home).
The major course themes for the Fall semester are: 1) Foundations of Democracy – Greece and Rome
2) Intellectual Revolutions 3) Political Revolutions 4) Industrial Revolution
5) Imperialism
What skills will I use and improve in this class?
This is a college preparatory class and you will be developing skills that you will need in college and in life. In this class we
will work on effective reading, research and writing strategies. Your class work, homework, projects and tests will all
incorporate several of these skills.
CLASS RULES AND PROCEDURES
In addition to school rules and policies, in order to ensure your success and that of all students in this classroom, the
following is essential:
Be respectful of others, the teacher and the classroom. This means waiting to speak, raising your hand, and not
interrupting other students or me. This also includes finding appropriate times to use a bathroom pass, not while the teacher
or another student is talking. Learning professional communication with teachers and other students is also essential. If you
have questions or concerns, it is important to contact me at appropriate times. I do not respond to e-mails in the evening or
on weekends.
Respect your environment: absolutely no food and drink (except for bottled water). Pick up after yourself and leave your space
clean.
Be polite. This means absolutely no put-downs. Be mindful of the tone you use with others in the class. This classroom
should be a comfortable place where students can speak their mind.
Be on time and prepared with materials and assignments. It is in your best interest to be on time – meaning in your
seat when the bell rings. I start class right on time and you will miss content if you are not ready. You also may have a
graded assignment at the beginning of the period that you will not be able to make up if tardy.
Materials: You are required to have a World History binder. If you are not able to obtain a binder, I will provide you with one.
In your binder, you must have four sections:
1. Current unit class work assignments (unit packet work)
2. Current unit homework
3. Past unit assignments (homework and classwork)
4. Binder paper
Bring your materials to class every day. This means have your binder, paper, pencil and any assignments due. Don’t count
on being able to leave class to retrieve assignments after the bell rings. Your textbook may remain at home unless I ask you
to bring it.
Be positive and participate in all class assignments. You as a student contribute to the positive atmosphere of the
classroom. The expectation is you participate in all class assignments and work diligently and collaboratively with other
students. You are not distracted, nor are you distracting others.
Cell phones must be off and away during instructional time. See Redwood Student/Parent handbook. If your cell phone is
out it will be confiscated.
The participation portion of your grade will be based on your compliance with the classroom guidelines and procedures. Consequences for not
complying with the expectations of the class can include a lowered participation grade, conference with teacher/parent/administrator.
HOW AM I GRADED?
Grades are based on tests, quizzes, projects, homework, class work and behavior/participation. You can expect homework
and tests in each unit, and several projects throughout the year. Projects will utilize different skills than tests and will give
you an opportunity to show your different strengths and interests.
Grade Breakdown:
Tests – 45% Each unit of this course will have a series of homework quizzes throughout the unit and a written test at the end. You
will have a homework quiz on the day your homework is due. You must take the homework quiz, regardless of whether you have
completed your homework. At the start of each unit, students will be given a “unit calendar” describing objectives, due dates and
describing the test format for that unit. This Unit Calendar is the “review sheet” for each unit. Make up tests are given during
SMART period or by appointment before school or during lunch. You must make up a test as soon as possible after your absence.
There is a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
Projects – 25% Units will include a project designed to allow students an authentic and unique way to demonstrate what they have
learned. Projects include research-based visual, digital or written presentations, participation in debates, seminars or simulations, or
expository essays. Specific project criteria will be discussed in class.
Classwork and Homework – 25% These include weekly homework, notes and other short in-class assignments. A running list of
required class work for the current unit packet can be found on the side board and also on my website. Check this board if you
are absent. Homework will be collected weekly. Classwork will be collected in a packet and graded at the conclusion of each unit.
Participation/behavior –see “Class Rules and Procedures Section” – 5%
All grades based on standard grading scale: 90-100% = A, 80-89%=B, 70-79% =C, 60-69% = D, < 60% =F
Late Work:
Homework and Unit Packets: You will have 3 late homework passes per semester that allow you to turn in late work with no
penalty up to one week from the due date. If there is no late pass, you can turn in homework for half credit and unit packets
for reduced credit. Late passes may not be used for any project or paper. Remember that not completing homework on
time can result in other consequences, such as lower quiz and participation scores if you are not prepared.
Projects, papers and larger assignments: Late work will be accepted, and credit reduced at teacher’s discretion up to half
credit. Late passes are not allowed on these assignments.
If you are struggling, you need to see me before the day an assignment is due to get the help you need.
What if I am absent?
You should try to not be absent from this class, but in the case of an absence you may make up the work you have missed.
You are responsible for getting any missed assignments. You will have time to make up any class work you missed.
Make up tests must be taken as soon as possible after your return from your absence.
Long-term projects and assignments (including unit packets and pre-assigned homework) must be turned in on time
regardless of absence prior to the due date. Tests must be taken regardless of absence prior to the due date as these are
scheduled far in advance.
Hard copies of class handouts will be available in class and electronic copies can be accessed on my website. It is always a
good idea to have some go-to people in the class who can share with you what you missed.
Sign and return by Friday, August 21st
Student signature: _______________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ________________________________________________________________