Mr. Matthews – Modern World History/Geography

General Course Information:

Purpose: In this course WE will have an opportunity to develop “habits of mind” that allow us to think historically: this means (at least to me) critically investigating the past in ways that reveal our present and prepare us to navigate our future. You will be challenged to organize large amounts of information in such a way that leads to transformation (real change)…again, this will be a challenge as we will be USING what we learn, not just memorizing "facts" to be regurgitated on a test. This course is an attempt to prepare you for the difficult and often confusing task called "democracy"...it's worth your time and effort.

            Method: Most units of study will revolve around a general "Central Question" (CQ) and a specific "Driving Question” (DQ). We will examine historical events, documents, and people in an effort to “get at” these questions. These questions are typically “ill-structured”, that is, they are not black-and-white, easily answered questions (i.e. “Is war ever necessary?", "When is it justified to use violence to change things?"). This forces you to develop your point of view and back it up with evidence. You will be challenged to develop skills (including “habits of mind”) that make this possible.

Building a Framework: You will be required to gradually memorize a set of “core dates and timeframes” – these are basic dates and time periods that allow you to construct a meaningful overview of history. Without them, studying history is about as effective as climbing Mount Everest naked. If you will firmly commit yourself to learning these as we add them to our list in each unit, you’ll be shocked at how easily you can maneuver through history. Once you have them memorized, we will be able to use them, as tools of history, to think contextually/historically.

Geography: This course includes a significant geography component including map skills and location of countries, major land and water forms, as well as culturally significant areas or objects. You will gradually learn the location of all countries in Europe (as most of this course does focus on “Western Civilization”), the basic world map, and other assorted geographical information.

            Miscellaneous: Homework will be given only when necessary. This means that when I give it...you should do it. It will typically take the form of introductory readings and the reading notes that accompany them. These are designed to prepare you for the upcoming class. You will need a 3-ring binder that is just for this class and a set of 3x5 index cards (hole-punched ones are the best).

Grading:

Your grade will be based on a total point system. Tests will typically range from 50 to 150 points, projects from 100-200 points, homework and other assignments from 10-40 points. Tip: If you do all of your homework, it is virtually impossible to fail the course…because you’ll actually have a clue of what we’re doing in class (and why it matters). If you don’t consistently do it, it will be quite difficult to pass.

Late & Make-up work:

Homework may be turned in 1 day after its due date for partial credit. More than 1 day…we’ll have to chat about that. I like second and third chances (I need them regularly), but you’ll have to “pay”…do extra work, prove that you actually care, etc.

If you miss a day, you need to check the website, call a classmate, etc…it’s your responsibility. If you miss 1 day, you have 1 day after returning to turn it in on time. Miss 2 days? You’ve got 2 to turn it in on time…you get the idea. The “rules” above about late work apply if you miss these deadlines.

Classroom Guidelines:

These are simple and are based on maximizing our time together.

1.   Be READY: this means, first of all, that you must be on time – your 3^rd tardy will result in after-school detention. Secondly, bring textbook, notebook, pen, etc EVERY day unless instructed otherwise. Check the board every day when you enter for “starter activities”. You are expected to begin these immediately and quietly.

2.   Be RESPECTFUL: this means to each other, not just to me. Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking. Disagree without verbally attacking the person. Don’t leave your seat without permission…unless you’re about to spew…then leave your seat and the room as quickly as possible. J

3.   Be RIGHTEOUS: put simply…don’t cheat…at all…on anything…period. Copying homework, using someone else’s reading notes, conveniently missing school the day of a big quiz…these are all forms of cheating.

4.      Be REAL: your knowledge, ignorance, and perceptions truly matter…especially in a study of history. Don’t, don’t, don’t be afraid to open your mouth in our class (after you raise your hand!).

 

 

History is a tool to be used, not just a subject to be learned, a boring class to survive, or a bunch of garbage to memorize and then quickly forget.