Course Syllabus

On this website you will find everything that you need to stay up to date with our World History class.

You will find assignments, PowerPoints (doubtful), and videos under the correct unit we are currently studying.

The standards of this course are grouped in a way that reflects accepted periodization by historians. The learning standards of this course have been written to focus around a basic core of chronologically-organized periods and events in history in order to have a set of learning standards that can be reasonably taught and learned with some depth and not just memorization of facts, within the time available for classroom instruction. 

Students taking this course will also study major turning points that shaped the modern world. Students coming to this course are expected to have a firm foundation in the themes and tools of geography and early, ancient and classical civilizations from their K-8 experience. This course will challenge students in different ways by using flipped classroom lessons, group projects, individual work, and class presentations.
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Students and parents should feel free to contact me with regards to any additional information or to ask questions about what is expected. I always have an open door policy. 

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​Course Information

Welcome to 9th Grade World History with Mr. Batts! World History is a course that gives students the opportunity to explore recurring themes of human experience common to civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary times. The application of the themes of geography and an analysis of the cultural traits of civilizations will help students understand how people shape their world and how their world shapes them. 

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 & Industry
• Unit 6: Imperialism 
• Unit 7: A World at War
• Unit 8: Global Issues & Modern Day

REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES’ SUPPLIES:
 (For ALL Classes)

• *The Internet.*  We will have online assignments and various aspects of course work both in and out of the classroom that rely heavily upon internet access. If you do not have access at home, let me know ASAP so we can make arrangements.
• ​Please bring your laptop to class with the best charge you possibly can and your charger (if you have one). There should be no asking others to borrow chargers!
• Cheap Pair of head phones. We will be doing a lot with technology that requires them. 

• 3-subject COLLEGE ruled Spiral Notebook (8.5" by 11" page size)
• Note Cards
• #2 pencils and pens at all times. …Black or blue ink only.
• Highlighters; 4 different colors. This will help with organization, classification of info, and studying.​

CLASS EXPECTATIONS
Rule #1 You do not have the right to stop others from learning. Failure to adhere to this, you will be sent out.

• We Respect Each Other    
• ​We Try Our Best
• We Are a Team
• We Learn From Mistakes
• We Celebrate Each Others Successes 

All students, along with myself, will demonstrate the above qualities on a daily basis in order to maintain a workable and safe learning environment.  It is my belief to set high expectations for student and teacher behavior in order to ensure learning within the classroom. 


GRADING (1st Quarter 40%, 2nd Quarter 40%, Final Exam 20%)

Grading Breakdown:
(Honors)

• Tests: 30%
• Project/Essay: 30%
• Quizzes: 20%
• Homework/Classwork: 20%

​(Regular)

• Tests: 30%
• Project/Essay: 30%
• Quizzes: 20%
• Homework/Classwork: 20%

**Note checks will be conducted at random. These will be added in for a cumulative Test grade**

CLASSROOM SOCIAL CONTRACT

One of the 1st steps to a workable and safe learning environment is the maintenance of appropriate behavior.  The class rules will be discussed in detail and enforced.

MISSED WORK
When a student is absent, they are responsible for picking up missed assignments when they return to class.  Students can also check my website for daily assignments as well as notes, vocabulary, due dates, and projects.  Students will follow school policy for the amount of time given for make-up work (2 days). Tests and Quizzes must be made up within two days of an absence. It is the responsibility of the student to ask the teacher or a classmate about missed work.


LATE WORK
10 points will be deducted for each day a class work assignment, homework assignment, or project is late for up to 5 days. Following this, students will only be able to receive a highest grade of 60%.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS 
Cell phones will not be used in class for ANY reason whatsoever while i am actively teaching.  Students with a phone out will be given a warning (which goes for the entire class) after that- the student will be sent to ISS.


BATHROOM POLICY
Students cannot leave the room the first 15 or the last 15 minutes of class.  Regular bathroom use will not be allowed.


ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students at Louisburg High School are expected to uphold the LHS Honor Code.  In cases where a violation of the honor code is suspected, the student(s) will be invited to meet privately with the instructor, the behavior discussed and necessary paperwork will be submitted according to school Academic Integrity Violation Procedures. 
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A NOTE ON RESPECT
I respect you all as young adults and expect you to 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). 
 
Further, 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 and speak with me.  I am available by appointment before and after school as my schedule allows.   I’m here to support you.
 
Lastly, enjoy yourself!  This course can be really great fun if given the chance. I hope to get to know all of you this year and inspire you to learn more about the history of the world.

Contact Mr. Batts
The best way to contact me is by email. Parents, please include the students name in the email. During the week I will usually respond within 24 hours. I typically talk with students about any concerns parents mention before responding to emails so it could take longer than 24 hours for me to talk to the student and then respond. I am available in my room after school until 3:45 Tuesday and Thursday unless I have a meeting. ​
Students are always welcome to stay after those days for any issues they have.

Email: Jonathanbatts@FCSchools.net
Office hours: 3:15-3:45 T/TH