Course Syllabus
World History
Mr. Jonathan Batts
Louisburg High School – Room #406
Fall 2021
E-mail: JonathanBatts@FCSchools.net
Course Webpage: http://jbattshistory.weebly.com/
“Murum Aries Attigit”
“The Ram has Touched the Wall”
-Julius Caesar
Course Description: Welcome! World History is truly a passion of mine, and I could not be more excited to have you in my class. World History is a challenging and exciting course that covers pre-history to the present. Throughout the course of this semester, we will be exploring the depths of our world’s foundations, ideals, actions, historical figures, and so much more.
History is inescapable as a subject of serious study because the past causes the present, and thereby the future. My goal in this course is not simply to have you memorize names and dates, but instead to have you become effective critical thinkers. This class will specifically encourage you to read and think analytically and broadly about events, trends, and changes over time, which have guided our world for thousands of years. Our focus is to understand the world of today and how history has shaped us in preparation for creating the world of tomorrow.
The study of history is an ongoing human conversation that excavates for origins, explores cultures, clarifies the present, and looks for wisdom that can guide our future actions. The world history curriculum can be further explored on these sites:
North Carolina World History Content Standards :
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/social-studies/world.pdf
Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/
Materials: You will need the following materials for this class:
- 3- subject College ruled notebook
- Pens and/or pencils; color pencils
- Cheap earbuds
- Notecards (Lots)
- Highlighters (several)
TOPICS COVERED
- Unit 1: Pre-history, Ancient Civilizations & Rome/Greece
- Unit 2: Middle Ages
- Unit 3: European Rebirth (Renaissance and Reformation)
- Unit 4: First Global Age (Exploration & Colonization)
- Unit 5: Absolutism & Age of Revolutions & Age of Industry
- Unit 6: Imperialism
- Unit 7: A World at War
- Unit 8: Global Issues & Modern Day
Expectations:
Be Prepared: At the bell, students in their seats and quiet/working on bell ringer
Participate: Learning is most effective when we are engaged, Heads up, eyes open
Follow Procedures: Help us to maximize time
*Get Respect & Show Respect: I will show you respect; I expect the same in return
A NOTE ON RESPECT
I respect you all as young adults and expect that you do the same thing for me. Remember, I am a person before I am a teacher, so I get it- life does not revolve around your World History class. Keep me in the loop. I am not a mind-reader so come and speak with me directly regarding any issue that arises that affect your ability to be successful in my class (academic, personal, or otherwise).
Furthermore, this course will touch upon issues that are areas of concern for everybody in class—remember to be respectful of everybody else’s opinions and beliefs and to phrase your thoughts in a respectful manner.
If you are unclear about something we are doing in class- whether it be content you’re struggling with or in the realm of “why do we have to do this?” – I expect you to come to speak with me. I am available by appointment before and after school as my schedule allows. I am here to support you.
Lastly, have fun! This course is awesome. I hope to get to know all of you this semester and inspire you to learn more about the history of the world!
Classroom Norms: The classroom should be a productive place for learning above all else. As such, the following norms shall be observed and enforced.
- Be in class and seated when the bell rings. (if not= tardy. I will not let you know; you are simply tardy)
- Show respect – for yourself, your peers, and your teacher. (You do NOT have the right to keep someone else from learning)
- Unless otherwise directed, cell phones should be in your bag, ON SILENT! Phones WILL NOT be seen. This will serve as your 1st warning, you will get 1 more as a class, & then ISS.
- Use language and discuss topics that are school appropriate.
- Come ready to class with a positive attitude, ready to listen & learn!
- No hats, hoods, bandanas, head warmers, headphones, etc. worn in class.
Arriving on Time:
Students will be in the classroom when the bell rings and beginning the entering the classroom procedure. If a student is tardy they will go through the tardy procedure for Louisburg HS.
PHONE & BATHROOM POLICY (NO PHONES OUT, EVER, FOR ANY REASON)
Students cannot leave the room the first 15 or last 15 minutes of class. Students who abuse the bathroom will get a call home. Afterwards, you may go on the way to ISS.
Absence Policy: It is the responsibility of the student to make sure he/she has received and completed any makeup work. Only when asked will I give you handouts that you missed. Any other activity, like the notes taken for that day, should be received from a classmate. Always check the course website in order to find out what you missed.
Homework: The majority of your homework will consist of completing activities that we begin in class that day. You will rarely start and finish a new assignment for homework. The majority of our projects will be completed in class.
Homework, Assignments, and Make up Work:
Students will complete all assignments on time. When absent students must check Mr. Batts’ website, get a copy of any notes from a classmate, and speak with Mr. Batts outside of class time. For students missing 1-3 days they will be given 1 day per day absent to complete makeup work. For students missing 4 or more consecutive days they will be given 2 days per day missed to complete makeup work.
Late Work |
|||
1st day late |
2nd day late |
3rd day late |
4th+ day late |
-10% |
-20% |
-30% |
-40% |
Students are responsible for picking up missed assignments from the class folder when they are absent. They can also check the class website for daily assignments, important dates, and projects. Students have two days make up assignments with 5 points being deducted each day it is late. Tests and Quizzes must be made up during lunch tutorial within two days of an absence. If you are here and turn in NO work- you get a “1” for a grade and will not be allowed to make it up.
Grading: Your grade will be divided into three general categories for different types of assignments. The specific grade weight breakdown is as follows:
A – 100-90%
B – 89-80%
C – 79-70%
D – 69-60%
F – 59% and below
*I will do my best to keep up with your grades in PowerSchool so you can check them.
Grading
1st Quarter= 40%
2nd Quarter= 40%
NC Final Exam= 20%
Class Grading Breakdown
(Normal) (Honors)
Tests: 30% | Tests: 30%
Quizzes: 20% | Quizzes: 20%
Project/Essay: 30% | Project/Essay: 30%
Classwork/Homework: 20% | Classwork/Homework: 20%
PowerSchool
Students will monitor PowerSchool. Grades are entered at least once per week. Students must hold onto any graded assignment until they check it in PowerSchool. Any irregularity in PowerSchool can only be corrected if the graded assignment is returned to class. This helps to prevent any issues at the end of the semester.
Availability: I will always do what I can to help you succeed as a student. I will be available in my classroom at these times:
- In the morning from 7:450-8:10am; during lunch; by appointment after school.
Note to Parents
- Please feel free to contact me, preferably through email, if you have any questions or concerns about your child. I can set up after school meetings to sort through what’s needed for your child’s success or even just shoot you a quick message on how they are doing in class or any other concerns you may have
- If you’re wondering what you can do to help, just having a conversation with your child and what they learned does wonder. If you don’t know about it, let them explain it to you. Glance at their notebook, their assignments should be in there and you can always check to see how they’re doing or what they can do more.
Cheating and Plagiarism: Students will do their best and maintain academic integrity at all times. This will include taking responsibility for their education and preparing accordingly for assignments. Cheating on assignments will result in a 0, for both the cheater and the person supplying aid.
Help: If you at ANY time have questions or are having difficulty with this course, please know that I am available after school and at various other times to work with you. Please feel free to contact me whenever you need help, and we can schedule a time to meet.
The following page MUST be returned to me by Sept 1st, 2021
(PHONES & excessive talking = ISS)
I have read and understand the Policies and Procedures for Mr. Batts’ World History Class. I also understand that I can contact her at any point with questions or concerns.
Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________
Student E-mail: ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________
Date: ___________
Parent/Guardian E-mail: _________________________________________
Parent Comments/Questions:
Course Summary:
Date | Details | Due |
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