AP WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS
2014-2015
TO: AP World History Students & their parents
FROM: Mrs. Swartz
Date: August 17, 2015
Course Content:
In accordance with the College Board approved Advanced Placement World History Curriculum you will be studying
world history from the Neolithic period through present day in order to prepare for the AP World History exam
given on Thursday, May 12, 2016.
Student Objectives: Students will
 Utilize the four historical thinking skills throughout the course:
Crafting historical arguments from historical evidence
Chronological Reasoning
3. Comparison and Contextualization
4. Historical Interpretation & Synthesis
1.
2.

Investigate the five course themes regularly throughout the course
Interactions between humans and the environment
Development and interaction of cultures
C. State building, expansion, and conflict
D. Creation, expansion and interaction of economic systems
E. Development and transformation of social structures
A.
B.




Participate fully in class discussions, seminars, and collaborative assignments
Develop and utilize transferable analysis skills of evaluation, cause and effect, and compare and contrast.
Prepare to be successful on the Advanced Placement World History test through:
o mastery of content relevant to the test
o frequent practice in writing analytical and interpretive essays with special emphasis on the
documents based essay (DBQ)
Develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation of the complexity of historic issues and their
relationship to current events by examining primary and secondary written, oral and physical evidence.
Unit and Chapter Organization and Pacing
Text
Chapters
Approx.
Dates
Period
/Units
Period Title
Date Range
AP
Exam
Weight
1
2-5
6-15
16-22
23-27
28-36
August
Sept.- Oct.
Oct. – Dec.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Technological and Environmental Transformation
Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies
Regional and Transregional Interactions
Global Interactions
Industrialization and Global Integration
Accelerating Global Change and Realignments
to c. 600 B.C.E.
c. 600 B.C.E. to c. 600 C.E.
c. 600 C.E. to c. 1450
c. 1450 to c. 1750
c. 1750 to c. 1900
c. 1900 to the Present
5%
15%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Jan.
Feb. - March
March- April
*Part of unit 4 and all of units 5 & 6 are double period classes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Course Design & Methods:
The basic textbook for this class is the 6th edition of World Civilization: The Global Experience, AP Edition. In
addition, information from many outside sources, including books, magazines, newspapers, photographs, diaries, &
other primary & secondary sources will be utilized. A variety of methods, such as, reading, writing, lecture,
research, group work, seminars, presentations and projects will be used to meet the goals of this course.
AP World
1
2014-2015
AP WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS
Mindset and Approach for Success: (adapted from the College Board “Advanced Study Skills”)
Preparing for an AP Examination in World History is a cooperative venture between students and teachers.
Students are advised to read widely and reflect on their reading through extensive discussion, writing, and
rewriting. You should assume considerable responsibility for the amount of reading, writing, and thinking you
do. Although teachers utilize a variety of models and do not follow a prescribed syllabus, all AP students should
study a rigorous college-level introduction to World History along the following lines:
Reading
Your textbook is a college-level textbook and it should be studied thoroughly. A college-level book will ensure that
you are exposed to the full chronology, the basic facts, and the major trends in the past, regardless of your
teacher’s emphasis or the nature of other assignments. Be sure to study the graphs, charts, and maps included in
the text to see not only what they say but what you can infer from them about the causes or consequences of what
is being shown. Study the primary sources (“Document,” “Visualizing the Past,” “Thinking Historically,” “Global
Connections” sections) to gain familiarity with the “raw materials” of historical inquiry and to practice assessing the
validity of historical evidence.
The following are a few practices that may make your AP reading more efficient and productive:
 Preview by skimming the pages of the chapter. Take notice of the key ideas/themes before you read.
 Pause to consider the principal ideas the author is expressing and the evidence used as support.
 In reading important passages in any text, slow down and vocalize — that is, pronounce the words by
moving your lips. Reading experts say that comprehension of difficult materials is substantially improved
by pronouncing the words.
 Ideas are not always easily caught on the first reading, so go back and read them again. Explain to
yourself what you are reading.
 Form the habit of consulting the dictionary, the thesaurus, the encyclopedia, and maps. These
resources are tools to aid you in discovering new ideas and knowledge.
 Your reading assignments are necessary for your preparation for the next class. If you haven’t read
the material, your ability to participate in class activities will be limited and greatly impact your
success in the course.
Writing
We will work diligently in developing the skills necessary to write an AP level thesis statement and how to
use evidence in support of a valid generalization. We will address approaches to writing for the three types of
essays on AP exam throughout the year. Be prepared to write extensively and evaluate each other’s work.
Expected Levels of Achievement:
1. Students can expect approximately ONE HOUR of reading or other assignments to be completed outside
of class each day.
2. Students will maintain an 85% or better average on all assigned work.
3. Students are expected to complete all assigned work on time and participate in all activities.
4. Students are expected to be prepared for class and keep all course materials organized.
5. Students are expected to maintain good attendance and accept responsibility for make-up work.
6. Completion of summer assignments is also a prerequisite for enrollment in this course.
Class Rules:
 Be Prompt - Arrive to class on time, be in your seats, and prepared for class, when the late bell rings.
Attendance and tardiness are recorded at the beginning of each class. You also will turn in all assignments
on the day they are due. There will be a 30% deduction each day assignments are late.
 Be Prepared - You are responsible for bringing the following materials to every class: textbook, writing
utensils, notebook paper, plus handouts or materials needed for class.
CONTINUED>>>>
AP World
2
2014-2015
AP WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS
 Be Polite - You will follow the guidelines for behavior as outlined in you student handbook. Your attitude,
actions, and language should be respectful to everyone.
General Unit Structure and Assignments: You are expected to maintain the pace of the class with these
assignments and be prepared to submit all items at the beginning of class period in which they are due.
Chapter Assignments:
 Students will read each chapter and complete the multiple choice study questions for each chapter. These
are due BEFORE the chapter quiz is given.
 Students will receive a copy of the PowerPoint notes for each chapter. Students are responsible for writing
additional notes in their own handwriting on the PowerPoint as they read. Some portions of the
PowerPoint will be presented and discussed in class; students are expected to add information to their
notes during this time. The other sections are the student’s responsibility to review and make additional
notation.. Additional notes by students will include vocabulary definitions or examples, analysis, or
connections with other content.
 Students are expected to conduct a close reading and analyze documents from the textbook and those
provided by the teacher. These should be included with your chapter notes.
 The study questions, PowerPoint notes, and completed documents will be organized by chapter, compiled
in order, and submitted for grading the day of a unit exam (or partial unit exam). These chapter note sets
for each unit are worth 50 points.
Chapter Quizzes: Chapter Quizzes (usually 10 questions each) will be given following each chapter or two.
Students may use their textbook and notes for these quizzes, but there is a time limit of 20 minutes for completing
the quizzes. *Some chapter quizzes will contain 2-5 AP exam style multiple choice questions, which will be given
separately, and students may not use their book or notes. These questions typically require the reading and
analysis of short excerpts, political cartoons, charts or graphs, followed by analytical questions.
Unit Exams: For each unit you will take a unit exam reflecting the material from the unit or part of a unit for those
that are lengthier. These exams will contain multiple choice questions, document analysis, and essays. They will be
given over two class periods and students may not use their textbooks or other materials for these exams.
Seminars
Throughout the year we will hold class seminars. Students will critically read and take notes on assigned primary or
secondary sources and return to class to discuss the content. Your performance in the seminars will be evaluated
by the rubric provided.
Current Events: Current event assignments will be completed approximately every two weeks and relate to the AP
Themes.
 A mid-term review and exam will be given in December or January.
 A final review period will be held in late April/early May.
 A graded simulated AP exam will be given in late April/early May.
Grading:
You will earn your grade based on the total points you earn on all given assignments. The following categories and
approximate percentages reflect the basis of each nine weeks grade.
 Seminars, current events, and class participation – 20%
 In-class chapter assignments and quizzes– 40%
 Unit Exams, essays, projects – 40%
AP World
3
2014-2015

AP WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS
Extra Credit Assignments may or may not be given during the grading period. Any extra credit that I
present will be open to the entire class. You will not qualify for extra credit unless all other assignments are
completed.
EXCUSED Absences –It is your responsibility to get your makeup work by checking the website and your class’s
make up folder prior to the next class meeting. You may see me after class, before school, or after school to
discuss make – up work. I prefer not go over make-up work at the beginning of class. You have five school days
from the day you return to make -up missed homework, quizzes, tests, etc. Failure to do so will result in an
incomplete/zero.
UNEXCUSED Absences – According to the handbook, you can accumulate 3 unexcused absences. For any
subsequent unexcused absences you will receive zeroes for all work.
As the year progresses, you must keep all of your AP World History materials for two purposes:
 Major concepts and themes are foundations for later units and we will refer back to the previously studied
material.
 Obviously, you will need all of this information in preparation for the AP exam and your binder will serve as
your guide for your mid-term exam, review assignments and other exam preparation.
Class Website: Use my website to access due dates, course information, and other materials related to exam
preparation.
Fire Drills – The red arrow above the door indicates that we exit the room to the left, proceed down the hall, down
the stairs and out to the front of the building. All students know where the emergency procedures folder is located.
Sports and Extra-curricular Activities – If you are in school and will miss class, it is your responsibility to turn in work
that is due and get your make up work BEFORE you leave for your event. I expect the work for the next day to be
completed, regardless if you will be absent from this class.
If you need help or want to discuss your grade, please see me. I am always willing to review information or discuss
ways to improve your grade. As you know, don’t wait until the last minute to get help.
Parents: Please use the PowerSchool’s Website to access your student's grades. A link is provided on the district
website. I make every effort to post grades within one week of the assignment.
Students who are absent have 5 school days to make up missed assignments. Assignments missed due to
absences will be marked as "ABS" in the grade book, which will calculate the assignment score as a zero, until
the assignment is completed. If a student fails to make-up assignments within five days, an "M" for missing will
be noted. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements to make-up their missed work in the one-week
time frame or the score will be calculated as a zero.
If you have questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to contact me. You may email me at
aswartz@wrsd.org or by calling the High School office at 649-5166.
Education is not preparation for life, it is life itself.
~John Dewey
*Please complete the following page and return it to Mrs. Swartz.*
AP World
4
2014-2015
AP WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS
As a student in Mrs. Swartz’s AP World History class, I understand the above expectations, commitment needed to
be successful, and I will follow the rules and guidelines outlined above.
Student Signature ________________________________________ Date _______________________
As the parent/guardian of the above student, I understand what is expected of him/her in Mrs. Swartz’s AP World
History course.
Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________ Date ____________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SURVEY
DUE Monday, August 24, 2015
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The more information I have, the better we can work
together to help your student excel. If you do not wish to fill out the survey, please fill in the contact information
and return it by the due date. THANK YOU!
Student Name: __________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s): _________________________________________________
Relationship to Student (i.e. parent, grandmother…): ___________________________
Do you have Internet access at home? _____ E-mail Address:____________________________________
Do you give me permission to discuss your student’s performance with you using email? Yes No
Do you give me permission to post pictures of your student on my website/around the room from class activities
and projects (I will not post names)? Yes
No
Contact Phone number you prefer (circle one) Home Work Cell Phone# : ________________________
What is the best time to contact you about your student if needed? _______________________________
1. If you had to describe your student in three words, what would they be?
2. What do you wish that teachers knew about your student that they might not know? Also, does your student
have any special needs or conditions that make school/learning more difficult for them?
3. What motivates your student?
4. What are your goals for your student?
5. Is there anything else that I should know that would be helpful in making this year a success for your student?
AP World
5