World History
Mrs. A Durr. Room 226. . email: andurr@asd5.org
Text/Resources: Holt World History: The Human Journey,
various online readings from World History for Us All and Big History Project.
Videos: Crash Course World History and Mankind: The Story of Us All
Since the time of early humans, people have been asking questions about humanity and our place in the
world. Who are we? How do we fit within the world? Why is the world this way? What does the future
hold for us? What does this all mean? In World History, we attempt to answer these questions by
exploring human history through study of the following themes and units.
Course Standards:
Students will analyze and understand…
the interaction of humans and their environment
the development and interactions of different cultures.
the growth and expansion of states and empires.
conflict, change, and continuity of and between cultures.
global communication and trade.
the development of societies and social structures.
Course Units
Unit 1 The Growth of Agriculture and Settled Society
Unit 2 The Growth of Empires & Religions
Unit 3 The World In Transition
Unit 4 Exploration and Expansion
Unit 5 Globalization and Global Conflict
Early People to 589 BC
2000 BC- 476 AD
476 AD -1500 AD.
1400 AD- 1910 AD
1910 AD- present
Grade Breakdown This class is graded on total points earned.
Tests and Quizzes
Due to the depth of information in the course, you will be required to read the textbook and take
notes at home Monday-Thursday night starting the second week of school. Every other Friday
there will be an open note quiz on the at home reading worth 10-30 points.
Classwork, Projects, and Essays
In this class we will be using the tools of historians to read, analyze, and discuss the content of
each unit. We will examine maps, charts, art, video, and written (both primary and secondary)
sources. Classwork assignments are worth 5-20 points. Periodically, there will be a project or an
essay in order to compare concepts across time and location. Projects and essays are worth
21-50 points. All essays will be written in class and will be timed, but can be rewritten in my
classroom throughout the quarter before or after school or during lunch.
Participation and Entry Task
Active engagement and participation are essential skills not just for school but also for the world
outside school. Each month you will earn 20 points for being present, on time, prepared (with a
notebook, pen, and your text.), and actively engaged with home and school work without
distracting others.
Grading Scale
93-100 = A
90-92 = A87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C67-69 = D+
60-66 = D
0-59 = F
Absences, Late Work and Retakes.
As part of your preparation for life after high school, it is important that you turn your work in on
time. However, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that may prevent this from
happening. Please contact me during class, through email, or by phone if you feel you cannot
make a due date due to a serious family or personal conflict.
Absent Work: If you are absent from school for more than one day, please see me before or
after school. It is difficult to catch a student up from a multi-day absence while I am working with
other students. If you are absent, you have double the time of your absence to make up the
work for full credit (Example: 3 absent days=6 school days after your return to turn in the work).
Any work done during an unexcused absence regarded as truancy cannot be made up per
district policy. If a student has missed more than 10 class sessions during the semester,
he or she may be subject to loss of credit in that class.
Late Work and Retakes:: All late or redone work must be turned in for partial credit directly to
me by 3:30 on the day of the Friday quiz for that chapter(s). Once a chapter is complete no
work (classwork, projects or essays) will be accepted unless previously approved by the
teacher. Retakes of tests or in class essays must be done in my classroom before or after
school or during lunch. Exceptions can be made by speaking to me at least 3 weeks before the
semester’s end.
Class Expectations.
All school rules automatically apply in this classroom.
In addition to all school rules,
1. Participate.
Be present, on time, prepared (with a notebook, pen, your text, and planner), and
actively engaged with home and school work without distracting yourself or others. Ask
questions when needed.
2. Treat other people and other people’s things with respect.
Be kind to others. Keep mean and negative thoughts to yourself. Use things the way
there were meant to be used (example, a pencil is for writing on paper and not on a book
or desk).
3. Preserve a positive learning environment.
Use your class time to learn. Stay in your seat until the bell rings unless otherwise
directed by the teacher. Follow directions. Don’t interrupt the teacher or your classmates.
If you have a question or comment during instruction, raise your hand.
4. Take responsibility for your actions.
If you have something missing, talk to the teacher. If you break a rule, show that you
understand and have learned from your mistakes.
I look forward to working with you this year and getting to know each of you better. If you have
any questions or concerns please email or call me. I will do my best to reply within 24 hours but
no later than 48 hours. Email is probably the best way to get of hold of me as I check it
regularly.