Course Description: The world is a big, exciting place that is getting smaller and smaller. Every day we are better connected to and more reliant upon the rest of the world than we were the day before. To survive and thrive in this world, we need to understand it.

In this course we will trace the progress of humankind by studying the historical development of the world's most important cultural areas. During our historical journey we will also consider the geography, the major economic and social structures, political systems, religions, and arts of these places. Through this study, we will learn to appreciate the connections and similarities (as well as the differences) of the world's many people.

Textbook: "World History- Continuity and Change" (Make sure your book has a blue cover.)

Grading: Everything you do in this class is worth points. At the end of each quarter, these points will be added to determine your grade. A basic breakdown of the grading is:

Participation, Homework, Quizzes, and miscellaneous projects: 80%

Tests: 20%

Extra Credit: ????

Grade Scale:
A 100-90%

B 89-80%

C 79-70%

D 69-60%

F 59-0%

First Semester Course Content:

1. Study Skills

2. Geography Skills

3. Early Man

4. The Fertile Crescent

5. Egypt

6. Early India and China

7. Greeks

8. Romans

9. Middle Ages

10. The Renaissance

11. Using the Internet to find information and solve problems

Second Semester Course Content:

1. Age of Exploration and European Expansion

2. Early American Civilizations

3. Africa

4. Revolutions: Scientific, Industrial, and French

5. Nation-States and Imperialism

6. World War One

7. Between the Wars: Depression and Totalitarianism

8. World War Two

9. The Cold War World

10. The Post Cold War World

11. Using the Internet to find information and solve problems

Class Participation: Students are expected to have read the assigned materials, completed any written homework, and to be prepared to discuss the assigned materials prior to coming to class. They are expected to participate in class activities and discussions.

Homework, Quizzes, and miscellaneous projects: Homework will be assigned on most evenings. Often, this will consist of moderate reading and short written work. Quizzes will be given randomly each week throughout the course of the year to ensure that the assigned material has been read. Miscellaneous group projects will be assigned throughout the year that deal with topical historical themes.

Tests: Tests will be given approximately every four weeks upon completion of each unit.

Extra Credit: Please see the extra credit section on this site's menu for information about specific extra credit opportunities.

A Note on the Grading of Written Work: All assigned written work is expected to be neat and legible. Proper English grammar and punctuation is required. Failure to use proper grammar and punctuation will result in a grade reduction. Written work will also be graded upon the quality of the thought that the student applies to it.

This criteria applies to all written work including homework and chapter questions. (An example of unacceptable work is to answer a question with a simple "Yes" or "No" without fully explaining your answer.) Students will be allowed to rewrite any written work that has been deemed unacceptable. All rewrites will be due the day after the work has been returned to the student.

Course Schedule: A detailed weekly schedule will be posted on this site each Friday for the upcoming week. This schedule will include information on the subjects and readings to be covered and of the homework expectations.

We have many things to learn and a great deal to accomplish this year. If we are going to achieve all that we need to in this classroom, there are certain things we must do to make this job easier for all of us. The following rules all revolve around the simple concept of RESPECT. If you show respect to your fellow classmates and to Mr. Landreth, you will do well in this class (and all your classes).

1. Do not speak when another person is speaking. If you have a question or something to add to the class, wait to be recognized by the instructor.

2. Stay in your assigned seats. No one may sit behind the fourth row of desks unless directed to by the instructor.

3. No eating or drinking in class. Gum is allowed.

4. Do not touch the blinds and windows without asking permission.

5. The school tardy policy and dress code will be enforced.

1. Homework will be checked at the beginning of class on the day it is due. The highest grade late homework may receive is 50%. Homework may be turned in until the test on that particular unit for credit.

2. In-class assignments are to be done on the assigned day. The highest grade late class work may receive is 50%.

3. Students with an excused absence must talk with the instructor about making up work on the day that they return to school. Students with an unexcused absence will be given a "0" for work or quizzes given during their absence.

4. Makeup tests and quizzes for students with excused absences will be given on the day the student returns to school as per arrangements with the instructor.

5. A notebook is required and will be graded at the end of each quarter. The notebook must be spiral or glue bound. No other form of notes will be accepted to grade.

6. Bring your book, notebook, and pen to class on a daily basis unless otherwise instructed.