Course Name: Non-Western World History (Latin American History)
Instructor: Mr. Burnett
Credit: 1.0
Weight: Regular
Course Status: Social Studies Elective (Open to Upperclassmen)
Description:
This course is designed to introduce the student to world history with a non-Eurocentric
approach. Students will focus on the history and global interactions of Latin America.
Students will consider the political, economic, and social institutions of Latin America
pertaining to itself as well as on the global stage.
Required Text: Latin America and its People, Cheryl E. Martin and Mark Wasserman.
ISBN # 9780205054701
Goals and Objectives:
The student will:
Enhance their knowledge of non-Western culture
Describe and evaluate major global events and their impact on non-Western society
Gain a broader perspective of global religions and their socio-political outcomes
Describe regional conflicts and their effects on the global community
Develop a global approach to history as well as current events
Identify achievements and technological advancements of non-Western culture and
societies
Units:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Foundations – Native and European Influence in Latin America 500-1800 AD
(5-6 Weeks)
Post-colonial Latin America and the Independence Movement 1800-1900 (5-6
Weeks)
Modern Era Political and Economic Development 1900-1950 (4-5 Weeks)
Revolution and integration in the Global Community – 1950 – Present (4-5
Weeks)
Evaluation:
10% Reading Quizzes
40% Unit Tests
30% Presentations and Minor Assignments
10% Homework and Study Guides
10% Class Participation and Attendance
Reading Quizzes: Reading Quizzes will occur after each reading assignment and
typically consist of five to ten questions. These are short identification and fill-in-theblank style questions, with a few AP-style questions. These are designed to check the
quality of your reading and your note-taking skills. Read the assignments and take notes
carefully! Should a reading quiz be missed, the next one will count as double. Should
two or more be missed consecutively, quizzes will count as double grade until all missed
quizzes have been made up.
Unit Tests: Unit Tests are period-long, comprehensive examinations of the facts,
changes and continuities of the time period, and themes of the topics studied over the
course. These will happen roughly every five weeks, are announced at least one week in
advance, and consist of a multiple-choice, short answer, and essay section. Tests, barring
extenuating circumstances, are to be made up the first day after the student returns to
class. The teacher reserves all judgment in setting any alternate schedule for the student
to make up a test.
Presentations and Minor Assignments: At least one major presentation, concerning
presenting current-events research upon a country and analyzing a conflict in the area,
will occur over the time-frame of the course. Other assignments, such as the map test and
the Socratic Seminars, will also occur.
Class Participation and Attendance: It is easier to do well in this class by actually
showing up and participating during discussions.
Grading Scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89 %
C = 70-79%
D = 65-69%
NC = < 65%
There is no extra credit if any assignments are missed. There are no surprises on
examinations: expectations are made clear of what knowledge the student is to
demonstrate. Exemptions on the semester final are granted for a 93% and above average
with an “A” earned during both quarters.
Instructional Methods:
Teacher-Centered:
Lectures based on materials not based in the text
Demonstrations of specifics or writing about history and how to approach primary and
secondary source analysis
Student-Centered:
Oral and Written Reports
Map Work
Analysis of secondary and primary sources
Small and large group discussions
Additional Help:
I will be available for extra help: I simply ask that you make an appointment with me.
Most of my extra help time will be in the afternoon.
Fenwick, unlike many other schools, has superb tutoring services and one-on-one aides in
Friar Mentors and the Write Place. The instructor may refer students to these aides for
their benefit. Given the nature of the class, expectations exceed those of a standard
history class. The student should not hesitate to avail themselves of legitimate sources for
help.