Modern History

Coach Keith Jones
Room: 315
Phone:  397-3182
E-mail:  jonesk12@k12tn.net

Classroom Website:  http://classroom.jc-schools.net/jonesk

Text (supplied by school)

Ramirez, Susan, et. al.  World History: Human Legacy, Texas:  Holt, Reinhart, and Winston, 2008.

Supplemental Materials (Supplied by school)

Jones, Jr., Keith S.  Classroom Website:  http://classroom.jc-schools.net/jonesk

Supplemental Materials (supplied by student)

• 3 ring binder (at least ½ inch)
• Loose leaf paper- NO SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS
• Nine dividers- Labeled as Chapters 1-9

Students will keep up with all that we do in their notebooks.  This notebook is to be used for Modern History ONLY and must be kept neat.  Points will be deducted for messy notebooks as well as for using the notebook for any other class.  Students do not have to keep returned papers in their notebooks.  Students must have all sections up to date as there will be periodic notebook checks at least once every chapter.  This syllabus and the parent signed copy of the class rules, guidelines, and procedures must be kept in the front and will also be checked periodically.

I.  Course Description and Objective

In Modern History, students will focus on the world wide chronological events, and significant persons from the turn of the century (1900) to today. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes.  Students will utilize different learning methods to research, discuss, debate and formulate opinions on modern historical events as it relates not only to America's developing history but also the world's unfolding events.  The course will address skills that students will need for upper level high school courses, college, and life beyond school such as:

1.      Written expression

2.      Oral communication

3.      Comparing and contrasting

4.      Critical reading analysis including primary and secondary sources and literary and historical works,

5.      Develop the ability to decipher and explore history while drawing their own conclusions about historical events 

6.      Time Management skills

7.      Organizational skills

8.      Prepare students for college style classes (AP & College)

II.  Course Format

The structure of this course is formatted around a system to prepare students for college level history courses.  The primary mode of delivering information will be lecture/discussion.  Students will be responsible for readings and expected to engage in discussion as a part of their participation grade.  This course will also rely heavily on a technology component that features multiple trips to the computer labs for multimedia exploration.  Other forms of instruction include, but are not limited to collaborative learning teams, independent outside exploration, and various multimedia uses.

III.  Tests and Quizzes

Tests- Students will be tested regularly in this class.  These tests, not to exceed one (1) per week, will consist of several combinations of the following:

1.      Matching

2.      Fill in the Blank

3.      Multiple Choice

4.      True/False

5.      Short Answer

6.      Essay- classic 5 paragraph style

Quizzes- Students will be taking a series of map quizzes that will familiarize them with the geography of the time period.  These will be based on maps and map activities given during the course of a chapter.  Quizzes may also be utilized in other forms to assess comprehension of material other than maps.  These may be presented in auditory, written, and/or PowerPoint format.

IV.  Nine Weeks and Final Exam

This course does not have a nine weeks exam.  The nine weeks test grade is replaced by the class project that is completed at the end of the first nine-week term.  The final examination is a comprehensive exam that consists of 100 multiple choice and matching questions.  This exam covers the entirety of the class with a focus on the latter half material.

V.  Other Required Assignments

Essays-  Essays will be a key part of daily assignments during this class.  Improving the student’s written expression and ability to write is essential for success at the college level.  These essays will be standard 5 paragraph essays most of the time, however, the instructor reserves the right to change the format at any time.

Nine Weeks Project- This project will take the place of the 9 weeks exam.  The project is a group effort, but will have very individual grades.  Points will be deducted from individuals who do not complete their assigned task.  Points will also be deducted from students who are found to have completed all tasks themselves as this would negate the purpose of the project.

VI.  Sources and Materials

Much of the material of this course will be derived from the text and outside research done by the instructor.  There will be, however, supplemental readings required.  Some of these readings will take place in the classroom, but other readings, will take place outside of class.  Much of the readings will be excerpted; however, a complete work may be assigned.  Many of these excerpts will be taken from the internet.

VII.  Grading Policy
Grades are based on a point system.  Each assignment will have a point value.  At the end of each 9 weeks, I divide the number of points achieved by the number of points possible for each student and a grade is determined.  The grading scale is as follows:
                                    A:  93-100
                                    B:  85-92
                                    C:  75-84
                                    D:  70-74
                                    F:  69 and below

Participation Grade- Each student will receive a participation grade.  This grade is a 100 given to the student at the beginning of each 9 weeks.  From that 100, points can be deducted for several different things over the course of the grading period.  Some of them are, but not limited to:

• Tardy to class:  -1 point
• Sleeping in class: -5 points
• Not having book/materials: -2 points
• Not completing readings: -3 points

VIII.  Classroom Website:

There is a class website that goes along with this course.  The use of this website is REQUIRED.  I do realize that access to the internet may be limited in some cases, however, access to the site is available at school in one of the computer labs.  These labs are open for access before school, during lunch, and after school.  There is a computer available in my classroom as well.  If internet access is a problem please indicate this on the signed class guidelines sheet that is sent home.

IX.  Extra Credit:

Extra credit is offered for this class.  It is obtained through the class website with complete instructions.  No one may earn more than 100 points extra credit during the SEMESTER.  The extra credit is offered only to get students to explore historical places in the country, it is not there to replace the work students should have completed during the semester.

X.  Course Content:

Unit 1- Nationalism and Imperialism

• Chapter 1:  Nationalism in Europe:  Italian and German Unification, Austria-Hungary, and Russian Revolution part I.

• Chapter 2:  The Age of Imperialism

Unit 2- The World at War

• Chapter 3:  World War I:  1914-1918

·         Chapter 4:  The Great Depression:  Interwar Period and Financial Ruin

• Chapter 5:  World War II:  1930-1945

Unit 3- The Cold War

• Chapter 6:  The Spread of Communism:  Communist China, Korean and Vietnam Wars

• Chapter 7:  Star Wars:  Cuban Missile Crisis, Westernization of the USSR, and the collapse of the Soviet Union

Unit 4- The World Today

• Chapter 8:  Conflicts in the Middle East

• Chapter 9:  Globalization, Technology, and War on Terror