ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY

COURSE SYLLABUS 2015-2016

Teacher: Ms. Stephens

Email: Pamela.Stephens@browardschools.com
Room: 1407
Course Number: 2109420
Class page: Class jump and/or Schoology
Textbook: Strayed, Robert. Ways of the World: A Global History with Sources. Boston, MA. Bedford St.
Martins. 2011.

Course Description
The purpose of Advanced Placement World History is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes
and human interaction from 8000 B.C.E. to the present day. The course is designed to prepare students for the rigor of a fullyear college course by imposing similar demands that will strengthen students analytical and critical thinking skills. Writing and
reading skills are developed through the evaluation of primary and secondary sources, extensive essays, oral presentations, and
research assignments; all within a historical framework. The AP World History course will give students the opportunity to
understand and appreciate the bigger picture through various approaches of scholarship while developing the skills they need
to be successful in college.

Course Periodization and Percentage of Coverage on Exam

Period
Period
Period
Period
Period
Period

1 8000 b.c.e.600 b.c.e.

2 600 b.c.e. 600 c.e.
3 600 c.e.- 1450
4 14501750
5 17501900
6 1900the present

5%
15%
20%
20%
20%
20%

Major Course Themes

Theme
Theme
Theme
Theme
Theme

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:

Interactions between humans and the environment

Development and interaction of cultures
State-building, expansion, and conflict
Creation, expansion, and economic systems
Development and transformation of social structures

Historical Thinking Skills

Students will be able to.
Craft historical arguments from historical evidence: Define and frame a historical question and address that question through
the construction of an argument (thesis) which is supported by relevant historical evidence
Demonstrate chronological reasoning: Identify, analyze and evaluate (1) multiple long and short-term causes and effects, (2)
continuities and changes over periods of time and (3) analyze models of periodization used by historians to categorize events
into blocks and to identify turning points

 Make comparisons and contextualize: Make comparisons within and across different societies or time periods and connect
historical developments to specific circumstances of time and place.
Demonstrate historical interpretation and synthesis: Understand and analyze primary and secondary historical sources and
arrive at meaningful conclusions by presenting an original argument that is supported by historical evidence

Major Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

Correctly locate each of the basic features of world geography: continents, oceans, major rivers

Describe the crises of late antiquity

Identify and describe key cultural and social systems across each time period covered

Locate and describe the principal international connections that developed across each of the time
periods covered

Discuss the issue of periodization in history with a direct focus on world history

Describe and explain the key demographic and environmental changes that have taken place in each of
the time periods covered

Describe and explain political revolutions and independence movements, and new political ideas from
various parts of the globe

Discuss various theories about the rise of Western dominance in the period from 1750-1914 and
explain how Western dominance has impacted other societies around the world

Discuss the rise of nationalism around the world, along with ways that nationalism has changed in
major nations

Explain new forces of revolution and other sources of political innovations in the modern world

Discuss the impact of major global economic developments.

AP World History Exam Date:

May 12th, 2016

Course Assignments may include:

Homework: Nightly readings with completed notes, review activities, atlas and document exercises
Essays: are an important part of the course and require students to master three specific skills: document analysis,
comparative analysis, and change-over-time analysis. Practicing these skills leads to success on the AP exam while improving
your writing skills.
Tests and Quizzes: are given at the end of each unit. They may include four types of questions: identifications, map
knowledge, a short essay on a specific topic and a long essay on a broader topic. You will have the entire period to complete the
examination.

Classwork: will consist of in-class activities, such as Socratic discussions, essays, projects, group activities.
*All tests and essays will model the college-board style in terms of length of time to complete and types of questions being
asked.
Grading Policy
A
B
C
D
F

90- 100
89-80
79-70
69- 60
59 or below

Course grades will come from the following:

Homework: 15%
Unit Tests: 30%
Weekly quizzes 30%
Classroom Activities: 25%

Extra credit is just that extra. Therefore, you will not have an opportunity for extra credit assignments if you have missing,
late or incomplete assignments. All extra credit opportunities will come BEFORE major unit tests and not after .

Student Responsibilities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Keep up with the weekly readings and turn in all assignments on time.
Maintain good attendance and check the website before coming to class.
Come prepared to every class by bringing your notebook, keeping it organized and up to date.
If falling behind, attend tutoring, use digital resources, buy a pre book or join a study group.
Prepare for student-led seminars.

Homework, Exams, Assignments and Absences:

*Missed tests/quiz or essays can only be made up after school, by appointment and within 1 week of the missed assignment.
*Students are given two class days to complete make-up assignments for EXCUSED absences.
*All assignments must be turned in as an original hard copy, emailed and or photo copies will not be accepted.
*If a student is absent, it is the students responsibility is to find out what assignments were given. In case of an absence,
previously assigned work is due on the day of return to school.
*All assignments are expected to be turned in on the due date.
*Assignments will be accepted late, however every day your assignment is late 10 percent will be deducted from your grade.
Students will have up to 4 days to turn in late work.

Writing Component (Essays):

Demonstrating essay-writing skills is essential to passing your AP exam. It is not possible to pass this class if you refuse
to write essays. Even though you have been selected for this class because you have shown mastery of basic writing
skills, you are not expected to know how to write college-level history essays. My job is to teach you how to write
document-based, comparative and change and continuity essays. This will take most of the year. Your progress will
depend on your ability to turn in all writing assignments on time, studying the rubrics and completing the rewrites so you
can participate in the peer editing and feedback that will take place in class.

Write a comparative essay that specifically addressing all parts of the question in the introductory paragraph,
providing arguments that are relevant to the time period and region of the question. Arguments will then be
supported by relevant historical evidence throughout the body of the essay.

Write a continuity and change over time essay that specifically addressing all parts of the question in the
introductory paragraph, providing arguments that are relevant to the time period and region of the question.
Arguments will then be supported by relevant historical evidence throughout the body of the essay.

Write a document-based essay that specifically addressing all parts of the question in the introductory paragraph,
providing arguments that are relevant to the time period and region of the question. Arguments will then be
supported by relevant historical evidence throughout the body paragraph obtained through the analysis and synthesis

of historical documents provided, including points of view of various sources.

All essays will be grade using the college-board essay grading scale/rubric.

Classroom Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

All students are expected to be in their assigned seat, prepared for class when the bell rings.
Respect the rights and property of self, others, and the school.
Follow teachers instructions the first time they are given.
Exhibit behavior that does not interfere with the teaching or learning process.
Food, drinks, or any distracting items are not allowed in the classroom.
Adhere to school rules and Broward County Code of Student Conduct.
Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight, unless, permission is granted by the teacher for research
purposes via web only.

Academic Honor Code

The Honor Code exists to reinforce MYP traditional values, and to ensure that the work submitted by students is their own.
Malpractice and plagiarism are of great concern to IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) and they may withdraw
diploma candidates if violations are found. The Honor Code exists at all levels from MYP to IB, and students violating this code
are subject to referral to a discipline committee, a deduction in grade (a grade of zero for the assignment), and possible
removal from program.
What constitutes malpractice/plagiarism?
1) Looking on someones paper during a test or quiz.
2) Allowing someone else to view your paper during a test or quiz.
3) Plagiarizing anothers words or ideas including using Wikipedia, encyclopedias or Internet sources in any form
without correctly crediting the source. (DO NOT COPY AND PASTE INTERNET SOURCES)
4) Getting questions from another student who has taken a test or quiz prior to taking the test.
5) Copying homework.
6) Using unauthorized notes on a test or quiz.
7) Using unauthorized electronic resources.
*If you are not in the MYP/IB program, the above examples constitute plagiarism/cheating in the classroom. Everyone is held to
this standard.

Required Supplies

Students are required to bring to class:

Textbook Bring to class daily
USB Flash Drive
Binder or 3-5 Subject Notebook (for home notes)
1 portfolio folder to leave in class
Blue or black ink pens (gel pens not allowed)
Number #2 Pencils
Notebook Paper
Colored pencils
Hand sanitizer and Kleenex for personal use (keep with you in your book bag)

Recommended Study guide:

5 Steps to a 5 for AP World History by Peggy Martin (published by McGraw-Hill),

AP World History Crash Course (JP Hammond), Preparing for the Advance Placement Examination (An AMSCO publication.
FinallyHow to Earn An A
Every student in this class can earn in A in this course and pass the AP exam with a level 3 or higher. School is a system, and if
you know how the system works, you can earn whatever grade you want. Here is how to earn an A in my class:
1. READ! READ! READ! Every night. Make notes.
2. Do the work
3. Study, Study, Study

4.
5.

Participate
Have a good attitude

AP World History Parent/Student Agreement

My signature below indicates that I have read and understood the classroom policies and procedures and am aware of initiatives
that I can pursue to aid in my childs success in the AP world History class.
X_____________________________________________________________________
(Parent signature)

(date)

_______________________________________________________________________
(parent email address and BEST contact phone number)

X_____________________________________________________________________
(Student signature)

(date)

STUDENT DATA

1.

Name _______________________________________________________________________

2.

Address _________________________________________
_________________________________________

3.

Name of parent/guardian (s) _____________________________________________________

4.

Daytime contact telephone number(s) _____________________________________________

5.

Parent/guardian email address(es): _______________________________________________

6.

Are there any special circumstances (medical or other) that I should be aware of?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________