Mr. Kopkas

Room 705

E-mail – kopkas@fulton.k12.ga.us

Web Page – http://jkopkas.tripod.com

In addition to the textbook, supplementary material will come from a variety of sources.

This course will focus on introducing students to the varied histories of societies and regions throughout the world. With this in mind, content coverage will follow a combination of regional, social/cultural, chronological, and thematic approaches to study, with each designed for student recognition, understanding, and appreciation of the diversity and interdependence in our world.

The following areas and topics will be covered this year:

SEMESTER ONE - Human Beginnings and Ancient Civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia); Classical Civilizations (India, The Americas, China, Greece and Rome); The Medieval World; Renaissance; Age of Exploration/Commercial Revolution; The Scientific Revolution; Russia; China.

SEMESTER TWO - Reformation; Absolutism/Constitutionalism; Enlightenment; English and French Revolutions; First and Second Industrial Revolutions; Africa - Nationalism and Imperialism; India – Nationalism and Imperialism; European State Building; World War One; World War Two; Latin America; Cold War; The Modern World.

In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the Magnet World History course are to develop:

1. An understanding of some of the principle themes in World History
2. An ability to analyze and interpret historical evidence
3. An ability to express historical understanding in writing

Grading

The Fulton County Grading Scale is:

A = 100 – 90

B = 89 – 80

C = 79 – 70

F = 69 – Below

All assignments will have a numerical point value. Adding the points earned and dividing by the total number of points possible will calculate numerical averages. This will be done for each assignment and at the end of each semester. Students MUST keep an accurate log of their own individual grades so that they will have a good idea of their averages at any given point in the semester. In order to remain a magnet student in good standing, you must maintain an 80 average in this course.

World History Grades

The major components of a grade will be derived from:

Tests – These will consist of multiple-choice and essay questions 100 – 200 points

Projects – These will include oral presentations, written reports and simulations

100 – 200 points

The minor components of a grade will be derived from:

Quizzes – These will be based on class lectures and/or reading assignments and will occasionally be unannounced 10 – 25 points

Note Cards and Unit Reviews – These will include the major themes and impacts of the reading assignment and/or unit. When the word "note card" appears with a reading assignment, write (on a 3 x 5 card) responses to the following:

1. In one clear and concise sentence - for each dark-typed heading - state the main idea or theme.
2. List the three most important pieces of factual information which support the main idea.
3. What do I still find confusing?

In the event that a student is failing the course, opportunities for academic assistance are available. An academic assistance plan is a second opportunity to demonstrate competence in the originally evaluated objectives. In order to receive this opportunity, the STUDENT must initiate the request, and it is at the discretion of the teacher as to which type of assistance is necessary and proper. Making up assignments that were never completed is NOT an example of recovery; neither is retaking a test. Students will have an appropriate time period to complete the work which corresponds to the recovery assignment, however, this period will not exceed five (5) total days (not class periods). ALL REQUESTS FOR ASSITANCE MUST BE INITIATED BY THE END OF THE 14^TH WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

1. General rules of behavior, as outlined in the student handbook, will be observed. In particular, you must be on time to class.
2. In cases involving cheating and plagiarism, and Honor Code Violation will be filed with the administration. Furthermore, all infractions will result in a zero for the assignment, or exam, with no opportunity to make-up the assignment.
3. Students are to be prepared for class each day, and all written work is due on the assigned date. For each day an assignment is late (whether by an excused or unexcused absences) an entire letter grade will be deducted.
4. All make-up work is your responsibility and is to be completed within three school days (not class periods). Be sure to check your file folder and/or the class web page (http://jkopkas.tripod.com)
5. Detention will be served before regular school hours – 7:45 A.M.
6. The primary responsibility for learning the material is yours. Every effort will be made to help you experience success in this class. Please see me if you have questions or concerns related to the subject matter and your grade. For matters dealing with your grade, you must see me before the beginning of the fourteenth week of the semester.
7. In order to remain a magnet student in good standing, you must maintain an 80 average in this course.
8. Assignments, selected readings, tests, etc. will appear on the board and web page at the beginning of each week. It is your responsibility to keep up with the work.

All units include the QCC objectives related to: Research and Reporting – (29 – 32); Geography Skills – (33 – 37); Time and Chronology – (38 – 45).