World
History
2013-2014
Description
World
History is a study of who we are within the context of the people,
places and events that shaped mankind. The course is designed to
develop a solid and well rounded understanding of a global history
through essential questions highlighting representative themes across
a broad scope, from the migration of early humans to the middle ages.
Course
Goals
Names
and dates are a essential element of any history lesson. This is
unavoidable but should not be feared. For some students, retention of
this information is dreaded. However, for our class, these facts are
only a part of understanding World History. As a primary goal, our
class material will focus on a strong understanding of historical
themes, concepts, and connections seen within a context of the
people, places, times, and events that have influenced who we are
today. It is our goal to understand this greater picture as
thoroughly as possible so that the details become more a part of our
collective knowledge rather than learning through rote memorization.
Topics
Perspectives
in time
Who are we and how did we get here?
What do we know
about early modern humans?
How did societies develop?
What are
the effects of cultural exchange?
How did early societies
organize?
What influenced major change during the Middle Ages?
Course
Content
To meet our goals,
students will read, write, infer, analyze, discuss, debate and create
examples of how the history of the world has transpired. This class
does not rely upon a textbook. Instead, a variety of resources will
be called upon to instigate and augment classroom activities and
discussions, including: fiction and non-fiction literature, primary
and secondary source material, film, and internet resources.
Homework
& Projects
Students
should expect at least one reading assignment and one written
assignment per week. There will
be at least one extended research paper or
essay assigned each trimester. Additionally, each trimester will
include one construction project and one oral presentation, either
formal or informal.
Participation
This
class is interactive. In addition to individual work, we will be very
active in group assignments, projects, class readings and definitely
discussions. Class participation is expected in all areas and is
paramount to successfully understanding the intricacies of our study.
Active participation can cement true retention of the material.
However, the greatest outcome of participation can be a genuine
enthusiasm for what history can mean to you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Sieling
Contact
