“History is the record of the past from creation to the present, revealing the interactions of God and man.”

What will this course give you?

This course is intended to give you understanding about and enthusiasm for several major dynamics that underlie and compose world history: 1} the principles for life that God has given to mankind for an enjoyable and productive life on earth; 2} the reasons why societies, nations, and leaders have crumbled; 3} the ongoing presence of God and the people of God throughout history; 4} the various kinds of societies, cultures, and governments mankind has erected; and, 5} important epochs, persons, dates, places, and events that rise to the surface in studying world history.

Big Questions About History

A basic belief of this course is that  the Bible is our primary source to understanding history.It does not contain all the events of history, but it does provide  principles that serve as glasses through which we can understand history.

Why do people do what they do? Why do events happen as they do? Is there anyone in charge of history? Is there a master plan or is it all just a series of events driven by luck and chance? Where is history headed today and tomorrow? And where do we fit into the whole story?

The Textbook and Reference Books

The main textbook is right here on this web site. The eBookWH is your textbook. I wrote it with you in mind. What is worth knowing about World History? Most printed textbooks are (1) too detailed, (2) contain too much information, (3) take at least two years to get through all of the information, and (4) weigh a ton in your backpack. So I wrote this eBookWH so that you can read about and concentrate on the big ideas of World History, especially from a Christian perspective. The eBookWH contains much information left out of secular textbooks.

Remember this. All textbooks reflect the author’s bias about what is and what is not important.

For reference purposes a classroom set of traditional textbooks is available for you to use in the classroom or to check out for your use at home. You can use these to explore a topic or person to greater depth, or for use when you construct your essays. Use it to explore topics, people, places, events, that have special interest for you.

The Reference Textbook is World History, by Jackson Spielvogel, Glencoe, 2008. This is a reference tool for your use.

Also use the internet to explore topics, names, places, events that interest you. The world is your library!

What are you expected to do in this course?

1. 1.Read the entirety of this eBookWH.
   

2. 2.Maintain good notes from class lectures, many of which will be Keynote or PowerPoint presentations and charts and diagrams on the white board.  Most Keynote presentations will be stored on DropBox for you to review on your own.
   

3. 3.Keep a notebook where you will file handouts from class. These will be minimal since virtually everything will be contained here in the eTextbook.
   

4. 4.Go to web sites assigned to explore maps, articles, art work, museum pieces, etc.
   

5. 5.Review for 15-20 minutes every evening after having been in World History class in order to recall what we discussed that day.
   

6. 6.Keep a list of vocabulary cards containing key dates, key people, and key events.
   

Essays

You will be expected to write a number of essays. Some will be traditional essays. Others will be presentation essays using either Keynote, PowerPoint, or one of the Open Source programs. All essays are sent to me via email. I do not accept paper assignments.

All essays must be turned in on time. Usually the deadline will be at midnight on the assigned date. Essays turned in after that deadline will receive a 10% reduction in grade per day late. Four days after the original due date the grade will turn to a zero.

Late essays with prior permission: There are always things that come up over which you have no control. There are also times when you have other major assignments due in other classes. For this reason you may postpone an essay for one class session (two days)  if you give me prior notice that this is necessary. You may do this for one essay per semester. 

Tests

There will be at least one test per unit and one final exam at the end of each semester. The final exam is worth 20% of the semester grade.  There are no exemptions from the final exam.

You may retake any test within two class periods following the original test date. The two test grades will be averaged and the higher score will count for 2/3 of the test grade. In other words, if you get a 69 on the original test and an 82 on the retake, your grade will be 69+82+82 = 78.

General Topics Covered: Semesters One and Two

The 30 Units of the course and the Learning Objectives you will be expected to meet  follow the recommended objectives set out by the National History Standards. However, because this course is contained in only two semesters, not all of the topics and objectives recommended by the National Standards will be covered.

Topics not covered in this course will most likely be covered in later courses in United States History (grade 10), European History (grade 11), and United States Government (Grade 12).

Syllabus

Syllabus World History • Grade 9 • 2012-2013 • Seven Rivers Christian School

Teacher: Dr. Ken Wackes

Email Address: ken@kenwackes.net

Course Description:

The course is intended to give you a basic understanding of the development of civilizations in the major areas of the world and what major contributions they have made to the overall development of humanity. However, because only two semesters are provided to cover all of the possible material, most of the emphasis will be on East Asia (China and Japan), the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, and North America.

This course is also intended to give you understanding about several major dynamics that underlie world history:

1. •the principles for life that God has given to mankind for an enjoyable and productive life on earth;
   

2. •the reasons why societies, nations, and leaders have fallen;
   

3. •the ongoing presence of God and the people of God throughout history;
   

4. •the various kinds of societies, cultures, and governments mankind has erected; and,
   

5. •important epochs, persons, dates, places, and events that rise to the surface in studying world history.
   

6. 
   

A basic belief of this course is that “the Bible is our guide to history. It provides principles that help us to better understand and interpret historical events.”

Course Framework:

This course is divided into 30 major units.

Course Textbook:

Dr. Wackes’ eBookWH, 2012

Classroom Resource Textbooks:

1. •Spielvogel, Jackson, World History, Glencoe, 2008
   

2. •Sherman, Dennis, Western Civilization: Sources, Images, and Interpretations, McGraw Hill, 2008
   

Course Web Site

http;//www.worldhistory.kenwackes.net

Learner Objectives

You are to review the major ideas (“What’s Worth Knowing?”) and the things you should be able to do by the end of each unit. Major learner objectives are listed for each of the 30 units at the beginning of each of the 30 units in the eText. This course meets the majority of the recommended learner outcomes contained in the National History Standards. Specific biblical and Christian learner outcomes are also included.

Course Themes:

World History develops an understanding of the main themes in history that run through each of the seven eras – the Social, Political, Religious, Intellectual, Technological, and Economic themes in history (SPRITE). You are expected to use SPRITE as you seek to understand each of the major units of study. Questions addressing SPRITE will be contained in both semester exams.

Semester Exams

There are no exemptions for students in this course from the final semester exams. The exams carry a weight of 20% for each semester grade. The course work in each semester carries a weight of 80% of the semester grade.

Semester Grading

Essays = 40% of grade; Unit tests = 40% of grade; Reading Quizzes = 10% of grade; Lecture Quizzes = 10% of grade

Readings

You are to read in its entirety at least once the eWHBk. There will be occasional required readings from internet sources and from original sources found in the classroom textbooks.  The emphasis will be upon class lectures and the material contained on the class web site. When readings are required, they will be posted in class.

Historical Essays and Due Dates

A calendar containing due dates for historical essays is found below. Instructions for how to write the essays follow. Clear instructions will also be covered in class. You may choose one historical figure or one event or theme for each of the required due dates. Each essay is to be 300-350 words in length.

Grading is based upon the rubrics found in the last section of this syllabus.

Choose one major character or one major event and present a two-page essay for each, containing at least three (3) resources with at least six (6) footnotes and a bibliography. Use a font no larger than 10-points in either Verdana, Arial, or Times fonts. One inch margin on left, one inch margin on top, .5 inch margin on right, .5 inch margin on bottom. No spelling or grammatical errors. No historical errors. Check your facts carefully. Use spell check and proof read your essay carefully. The papers must follow the rubrics for a Free Response Essay (FRE).

This means the following:

1. (1)The thesis will seek to answer a question or a problem that originates with you concerning the major character or event featured in your essay.
   

2. (2)The thesis statement will be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph of the essay.
   

3. (3)The thesis statement will contain 3-4 major points in your response to the original question.
   

4. (4)Each of the 3-4 major points in the thesis will have at least one supporting paragraph that proves, clarifies, or explains that major point. Therefore your essay will contain at least four to five  paragraphs: an introductory paragraph containing your thesis, and three to four supporting paragraphs.
   

5. (5)The grade given to the essay will be based upon the rubrics contained in the last section of this web page. The rubrics used are similar to those used to grade Advanced Placement essays.
   

No plagiarizing is permitted. I will test at least one paragraph or set of statements in each of your essays with Google to see if your essay is your original work.

1. •Do not copy and paste from Wikipedia or any other internet source.
   

2. •The essay is to be your original work.
   

3. •When you want to use something that another author has written, use quotation marks and then note in (parenthesis) where you obtained that quote.
   

4. •If you make note of important data that you obtained from another person’s work, like statistics or profound statements, cite where you obtained that data using (parenthesis).
   

Example quotations:  How to list a source that you use in your essay

Sources you use are to be included in the text and not at the bottom of the essay. There are to be at least six (6) in each essay. Here are two examples from the eTextbook. Again--a minimum of six (6) notations in each essay of quotations, facts, statistics, etc. used in your essay.

You are to place in italics the titles of all works cited.

You are to place in italics all direct quotations that you include in your essay.

Example 1:

There has never been a group of people, no matter how primitive in their culture, that did not have a religion. The concept of the supernatural seems to be innate in human beings. It is what the philosopher Paschal has termed the “God-shaped void.”

“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace?

“This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.” (Pensees, Blaise Pascal, New York: Penguin Books, 1966, p. 75)

Example 2:

In his book, Iron and Steel, William Harris states that Wilhelm II, king of Germany was an evangelical Christian and held Bible studies in his home every Wednesday night (William Harris, Iron and Steel, p. 65).  I wonder how this played out in his normal everyday living, however, because John Jones states that Wilhelm was harsh, militaristic, and unforgiving in his treatment of his own children (John Johns, Wilhelm II, p. 102).

Example Source Page

At the conclusion of your essay you are to list the sources that you used in obtaining information for your essay. You are to use at least three (3) sources for constructing your essay. Note: The list of sources does not count towards the 300-350 words required in the essay.

1. •Iron and Steel, William Harris, Scholastic Press, 1998.
   

2. •Wilhelm II, John Jones, Oxford University Press, 2001.
   

3. •Wilhelm II, Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.com/Wilhelm II.
   

Rubrics for Historical Essays

A rubric is a standard or device by which something is measured or evaluated.

Points will be awarded to your essays according to the rubrics below. If any one of the rubrics below is missing or poorly crafted, the grade for the essay cannot be higher than the numerical value for that rubric. The passing grade is 4. The highest possible grade is 8.

No late papers will be accepted for a passing grade without prior approval.

Rubrics

The following four items are required to receive a passing grade of 4 (4 = 60%)

1. 1.The essay must contain a clear thesis statement that is placed as the last sentence in the introductory paragraph and must be underlined. (1 pt)
   

2. 2.The thesis statement must contain three or four (3-4) major ideas. (1 pt)
   

3. 3.At least three outside sources must be listed at the end of the essay in a bibliography and all quotes must be cited in the essay. There must be at least six (6) such citations (1 pt)
   

4. 4.There must be at least one supporting paragraph that proves or substantiates each of the major points in the thesis statement. (1 pt )
   

The following items are required to receive a grade of 5 or higher (5 = 70%)

5. 5.Each substantiating paragraph contains dates, names, places, events, evidences that prove the major point contained in the thesis statement which the paragraph is substantiating. The more specific data used, the higher the score. (1 pt or 70%)
   

6. 6.There must be a clear summary paragraph that recapitulates the thesis. (1 pt = 80%)
   

7. 7.The essay is clearly written, using accurate grammar, correct spelling, and well-constructed sentences. (1 pt = 90+%)
   

Electronic Presentations (Keynote, PowerPoint, OpenOffice)

If you choose to make your report by using Keynote, PowerPoint, or Open Office, the rubrics still apply. At least one of your essays each semester must be submitted as a Keynote, PowerPoint, or Open Office presentation.

1. •The first slide contains the title of the essay, your name, date, course title (World History).
   

2. •The second slide contains the thesis statement.
   

3. •Each supporting paragraph would be one or several slides that support one of the major points in your thesis. This should be clearly noted on the slide. Examples: Major Point #2 or listing the item from your thesis that this slide will support by using that item in a full sentence and posting it at the top of the slide and underlined, or placed in bold font, or with a color font so that the viewer knows that this slide supports one of the major items in your thesis statement.
   

4. •One of the last slides contains your summary statement.
   

5. •The last slide contains your sources.
   

6. •There are to be graphics (maps, pictures, etc.) included that illustrate your essay.
   

Electronic essays are to contain at least twelve (12 ) slides, not including the title slide or the resource slide.

Unit Tests

The specific dates for unit tests will be posted on RenWeb and announced in class at least one week prior to the test date. The test schedule is flexible. If the class has not covered the material sufficiently, or if the material is covered more quickly than planned, test dates will be changed, but always with sufficient prior notice. Most of the tests will be primarily multiple choice. See the Calendar of Topics for when the unit tests will generally be given.

Personal Expectations

1. 1.Act as a Christian who understands that you have been given a job by God, and that job is to be a good, alert, hardworking student in this course. Be present and be on time.
   

2. 2.Be prepared.
   

3. 3.Actively participate in class with ideas, questions, and insights gained from reading. 
   

4. 4.Be courteous and polite, treating every other student and me as teacher as people who are created in the image of God and loved and valued by Him. No put downs or negative talk will be allowed. Boys treat girls as ladies and girls treat boys as gentlemen.
   

5. 5.Do not talk when someone else is talking or “has the floor.”
   

6. 6.Everyone's ideas and comments are worth hearing and considering. No questions are "dumb" and no comments "off the wall."
   

7. 7.No heads on desks. No materials from other classes on your desk. No working on assignments for other classes.
   

8. 8.Computers, tablets, or smart phones are permitted and encouraged in class -- but only for note taking or when asked to do so by the teacher exploring topics or web sites relevant to the class discussion. No games , no text messaging, no email. This will be on an honor system and a pledge will be signed at the beginning of the school year.
   

9. 9.Act as a Christian who understands that you have been given a job by God, and that job is to be a good, alert, hardworking student in this course.
   

The Bible is our final authority in determining basic principles about history. Genuine history principles are used to evaluate events, facts, etc. Evidences and primary sources are to be highly valued and used as often as possible. 

Assignments

1. 1.All assignments must be turned in on time. Usually the deadline will be at midnight on the assigned date. Essays turned in after that deadline will receive a 10% reduction in grade per day late. After one week the grade will turn to a zero.
   

2. 2.There are always things that come up over which you have no control. There are also times when you have other major assignments due in other classes. For this reason you may postpone an essay for one week if you give me prior notice that this is necessary. You may do this for one essay per semester. 
   

3. 3.All assignments and essays are to be submitted by email to Dr. Wackes at ken@kenwackes.net -- no paper copies are accepted. If you ever have an email rejected, then use a second email address for me at kenwackes2@mac.com.
   

4. 4.Your submitted work must reflect careful thought and planning to be received for a grade. If not, will be handed back for re-do.
   

5. 5.On occasion you might be asked to share your work in class. If so, use a flash drive, or your tablet, smart phone, computer.
   

Tests and Quizzes:

1. •Quizzes: There will be frequent 10-15 minute quizzes covering the material studied in the prior class. So, always review before coming to class.
   

2. •Vocabulary tests will have objective questions of a M/C or matching nature. Vocabulary tests will be given during the class period prior to the unit test. The vocabulary items are names of people, key dates, places, and events you select from the chapter and include in your vocabulary card file.
   

3. •Unit tests will always have objective (M/C) questions, matching, and short essays on them. The unit tests will be composed of approximately 30-40 Multiple Choice questions and 1 Free Response essay (FRQ), all dealing with the content of the units being covered.
   

4. •Essays on tests or for homework will always be intended to force you to manipulate the information learned, and not just memorize and repeat it back to me. 
   

5. •At times a take-home test will be given as a way to allow you to spend more time in analyzing complex problems, using your textbook, class notes, or other sources of information.
   

Online Quizzes and Tests:

1. •Frequently you will take tests and quizzes at home on the internet using my site at ClassMarker.com. These will be announced beforehand with instructions.
   

2. •The online tests and quizzes are timed so prevent someone (not you) from attempting to look up answers in notes or books. Once you select your answer, you will receive a message of either “Great! You are correct!” or Sorry! Here’s the correct answer.”
   

3. •The program will grade your work and send a copy to you at your email address and to me at mine.