Advanced Placement World History

Course Syllabus

2004-2005

www.historyhaven.com

Jonathan Henderson

West Orange High School, Winter Garden FL

Course Description

AP World History is a two-semester college level course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam administered by the College Board in May of each year. Final test scores are reported on a 5 point basis; students who score a 3 or better may earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, depending on their college.

This course will be much different than the traditional high school World History course. Its approach will be global, analyzing and comparing several themes across different global regions and time periods. European History will comprise only about 30% of the course. American History is only considered to the extent of its involvement in global processes.

Requirements

This is a college-level course and will be treated as such in every respect. Students should be aware that college courses require inordinately more reading and writing than their high school counterparts. It is impossible to cover all the material for the AP test in class time. Consequently, it is imperative that you read all the assigned material. Please understand that I will test you on reading material not covered in class. The readings are intended primarily to facilitate classroom inquiries into to the material at hand; hence class discussions will not be adequate substitutes for not having read the assignments. Discussions are meant to analyze and connect the readings with class themes, not repeat the material. One of my goals for this class is to create an atmosphere of relaxed alertness, intellectual freedom and analytical discussion. This cannot be accomplished if you come to class unprepared.

Since some assignments must be typed, access to a computer is strongly recommended. All students must have an email account (see me if you need one.)

Exams

The Unit exams in this class will follow the format of the AP exam you will take in May. Each exam will be comprised of multiple-choice questions and an essay question. There will also be small chapter tests periodically.

Papers and short writing assignments

The class as a whole will create an online hypertext project on the themes and periods of APWH. The class will be divided into groups and each one will research its “theme” for the given period and report it to the teacher before each Unit Exam. These reports will be compiled for the online project and posted on the class website. Additionally, the students will complete document analyses and Data Based Questions (DBQs) throughout the year.

Notebook

Every student is also required to keep a notebook. The notebook will contain class notes, papers and handouts, and all documents used in class. Documents should be organized according to standard categories. More detailed information will be given in class.

Class participation

This grade will be determined by the students' part in class discussion, their awareness of the topics through reading the material, and their preparedness for class. The former includes coming to class with materials, notebooks, etc.

TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES

The primary text for this class is:

Bently, Jerry H., et al, Traditions and Encounters, 2^rd edition (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003).

Other required reading:

Documents and primary sources available in class or on reserve in the library.

The class website is:

www.historyhaven.com

GRADING

The semester and quarter grades for this class will be calculated according to the following guidelines:

EXAMS 35%

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS 35%

NOTEBOOK 15%

CLASS PARTICIPATION 15%

Note: Unit Exams will be graded on the College Board guidelines for AP test, not on an exact percentage.

HONOR CODE

It should be understood that all academic work is to be completed by students without collusion with others. Cheating will be dealt with immediately and without equivocation. This includes plagiarism, copying another student's work, and the giving and receiving of information on the content of class examinations. All students will sign an Honor Code and any student cheating will receive a failing grade in addition to any disciplinary action stipulated by school policy. If you are caught cheating there is nothing to discuss.