Western Civilization (9th Grade)

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Class Description

In this class, we will examine and learn the history of Western Civilization (Europe and North America). We will focus on the important themes and events that shaped Western Civilization. Also, we will examine the impact of these themes and events during this time and how it has also affected today’s world. The class will include lectures, class discussion, partner/group work, debates, multimedia presentations, and reflective essay writing.

Class Objectives

1st Semester

  • Examine and learn what makes a civilization and its beginnings in Europe and its impact on other early regions in the world. (August – September)
  • Examine and learn the emergence of important civilizations in Greece and Rome and how they became the foundation of the modern world. (September – October)
  • Examine and learn the important events of the Renaissance, the Reformation, Exploration and Expansion, Absolutism, and the Enlightenment. (October – January)

2nd Semester

  • Discuss the importance of revolutions including the French and Industrial, as well as the rise of Nationalism and Imperialism. (January – April)
  • Examine the rise of totalitarianism and communism/socialism against the backdrop of the two world wars and the Cold War. (April – June)

Skills Objectives

  • Develop comprehension skills through the textbook reading and examination of primary source documents.
  • Develop listening and speaking skills through lectures/discussions, as well as formal speaking assessments of presentations and debates.
  • Develop writing and creative writing skills through the implementation of essay based assessments and RAFT learning activities.
  • Develop critical thinking skills through differentiated learning activities such as PowerPoint presentation, group activities, and self-reflection exercises.
  • Develop important study skills such as note taking and identifying main idea and supporting details through outlining.

Resources Required

  • World History: The Human Legacy by Holt (Ramirez, Stearns, Wineburg)
  • A binder or folder
  • Black or blue pen
  • An email address for communication purposes
  • Access to Microsoft Office or Google Docs/Slides
  • Laptops will only be used if allowed through special accommodations or the FYHS Administration)

Grade Breakdown

  • Preparation and Participation (5 points/class day)
    • Every class day, each student will receive 5 points if he is on-time and participating positively in class. Students will be prepared at the beginning of each class or lose points.
    • At any time during class I have to call on a student for misbehaving, points will be taken off. This also goes for any classroom rules not followed in the school handbook (i.e. cutting class, chronic tardiness/absences, cell phone use, disrespect to fellow students and teachers, and etc.)
    • Think of this as a positive grade curve for students that do what they are supposed to be doing and an incentive for good behavior and discipline.
  • Bell Ringers (5 points/class day)
    • These are guided discussion questions that each student must write down their responses to. These will be checked weekly and must be dated.
    • All bell ringers will be emailed or turned in the purple box at the end of every week.
  • Assignments (15 – 30 points)
    • On most class days, students are expected to complete assignments in class. These assignments will be collected on the next class day. These assignments range from individual work, partner/group work, and etc.
    • All assignments will be emailed or turned in the purple box when it is due.
  • Assessments (50 points – 300 points)
    • Assessments are chapter tests, projects, and exams. Students will have adequate time to study/finish for these assessments. Chapter tests and exams will include multiple choice, short answer, and short essays. Projects will be PowerPoint presentations, oral presentations, debates and etc.
    • Most assessments will be emailed or turned in the purple box when it is due.

FACTS

Students’ grades, assignments, and announcements will be made on FACTS. Please make sure you have access. Contact Rabbi Zisook if you need help.

Late Work Policy and Make Up Work Policy

Each student can choose ONE assignment skipped per quarter. All other assignments are expected to be completed by its due date. Any missing assignments will count as ZERO.

If a student is on an excused absence, they have ONE class day to complete the work. If a student is expected to be on a prolonged excused absence, he must see me, and I will give him the work he will miss.

Any missed projects, term papers, writing assignments must be turned in on time, or it will count as a ZERO. These types of assessments can only be made up for HALF CREDIT.

Any missed in-class assessments must be taken upon the student’s return to school.

Code of Conduct

This class will follow the rules and guidelines put forth by Fasman Yeshiva High School student handbook. Also plagiarism (the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own) will not be tolerated and will be reported to the administration. Please review the student handbook for any other rules clarifications.

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