Honors World History 2008-2009 Course Overview

Mr. Sandler, Room 335
msandler@arlington.k12.ma.us

Course Overview

Welcome to AHS and Honors World History! I am looking forward to an exciting, challenging and fun year with you. Throughout the year, you will use a variety of skills (for example: complex reading, note-taking, research, political cartoon analysis, etc.) to unlock the secrets of one of the most important and fascinating time periods in human history. We will be exploring:

1. The Enlightenment and the French Revolution
2. The Congress of Vienna and the Age of Ideologies
3. The Industrial Revolution and Economic Systems
4. Imperialism
5. German and Italian Unification
6. World War I and the Russian Revolution
7. Nazi Germany and World War II
8. The Cold War

Required Materials

1. Pencil/pen
2. Notebook
3. Folder/Binder for handouts
4. Textbook

Extra Help

I will be available after school Mondays and Wednesdays until 3:10. Please let me know if you need to see me and we will schedule a time that works. I am here for help; please do not be afraid to ask me for assistance.

Three Main Expectations

1) Always be respectful to the people and materials in Room 335.
Regard yourself, those around you, and the school itself with consideration and appreciation. No put-downs!
2) Work hard and strive for improvement.
Be responsible for your own learning.
3) Have fun!

Late Work & Attendance

Late work will not be accepted. This is non-negotiable.

If you know you will be missing a class, you need to speak to me beforehand to make arrangements. If you are sick on the day an assignment is due, you will be expected to turn it in upon returning to class. If a test or quiz is scheduled and you are out sick, e-mail me to make arrangements to take it shortly after you return, either during a free block or after school.

Please check the extra copies folders to pick up any handouts that you missed.

Legitimate Absences: Work missed due to excused absences must be made up in a timely fashion. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed, retrieve the necessary materials and information, and turn it in.

Unexcused Absences: Missing class without a formal excuse is unacceptable. Unexcused absences will result in a dramatic drop in your Class Participation grade for the term (see below for grading information). Additional offenses will involve the Dean’s Office and calls home to parents. Please see your handbook regarding the attendance policy.

Classroom Policies

Tardy Policy: Class will begin promptly according to schedule. If you are late, you must enter the classroom quietly without disturbing anything or anyone in the room. Repeated tardiness will result in a dramatic drop in your Class Participation grade for the term.

Food & Drink: If you are on time, it is fine to bring in a covered drink with you. Food is not allowed.

Cell Phones and iPods: Turned off and out of sight during and between classes.

If You Choose to Break a Rule: You will be given a verbal warning. If misbehavior continues, you will receive an after-school detention. If conduct issues persist, parents will be notified and you will be sent to the Dean’s Office.

Grading Policy

Your term grade will be determined as follows:

Tests (approximately 100 points each)
Quizzes (approximately 50 points each
Papers/Projects/Presentations (30-100 points each)
Homework and Classwork (approximately 20 points each)
Class Participation (10% of point total)

Final Notes

I aim to be fair and consistent in enforcing school rules and my classroom guidelines.
You have a voice in this class and will have opportunities to voice your opinion.
I am human and make mistakes. I will admit to them.