Course Description: The International Baccalaureate course of 20^th Century World History is a unique experience in which highly-motivated secondary school students explore three main topics:  1) the causes, practices and effects of war; 2) the rise and rule of single-party states; and 3) the Cold War.  In following IB guidelines, the topics will be explored through a selection of case studies that are drawn from different regions, i.e. Europe, Asia, and the Americas.  This course is designed to promote an awareness and understanding of the inter-relatedness of the modern world through a comparative analysis of political, social, cultural, and economic issues. 

General Information:

1.          Instructor: Ali Moon

2.          Office: 209

3.          Contact: Phone: # 837-7742 Email: moona@issaquah.wednet.edu (messages will be returned within two working days)

4.          Hours at SHS: Long and lengthy, but prefer to be reached by appointment

Course Goals and Objectives: Skyline High School is committed to building our IB Social Studies program to honor the aims, objectives and content outlined for a successful IB student.  Having participated in the course and IB program at the higher level, students should be able to:

1.       demonstrate historical understanding through the acquisition, selection and effective use of knowledge,

2.       present clear, concise relevant and well-substantiated arguments,

3.       evaluate, interpret and use source material critically as historical evidence,

4.       identify and evaluate different approaches to, and interpretations of, historical events and topics,

5.       explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change.

Student Expectations:

Throughout this class, you will be expected to:

1.    Maintain a courteous and respectful classroom attitude toward yourself and others (listen when others are speaking, avoid put-downs or negative comments, provide critical suggestions and input during class discussions).

2.    Adhere to school guidelines and rules (arrive on time and in an orderly manner, refrain from bringing food/drink to class, treat school property with respect, exhibit on-task behavior, etc.).

3.    Accept responsibility for your own learning and your performance (demonstrate self-discipline, initiative and follow-through, prove your ability to function as an independent member of this class and society).

4.    Work cooperatively as a member of a team (follow through on your responsibilities while working in groups, exhibit a willingness to cooperate with others in a group, participate with a variety of different people in a variety of different situations, etc).

5.    Please inform me as soon as possible when issues arise affecting your work.

Materials:

Our main texts will be Modern Times, Revised edition by Paul Johnson, Diplomacy, by Henry Kissinger and The End of the European Era, By Felix Gilbert and David Clay Large.  (Other texts will also be used depending upon the subject matter.)  General supplies brought daily to class should include pen/pencil; loose-leaf, three-hole-punched paper; 3-ring binder - for Think Journal; day planner; and text(s).  At times you may require 4” x 6” note cards, floppy disks, project supplies, etc.

Attendance Policy:

1.    Regular attendance is extremely important, because others are impacted by your availability. 

2.    Students are expected to make up missed notes and homework/assignments within the same number of days as an excused absence and to meet posted dates for major papers/projects regardless of absence unless an extreme emergency arises (extreme emergency will be determined by the teacher). 

3.    Absent students are responsible for getting notes from another student on their own and completing their own individual work.  It is important to note that a number of in-class assignments and activities in this class cannot be replicated, and absent students may not be able to make them up (typical examples might include a guest lecture, a unique group exercise or group led discussion, etc.). 

4.    Students who miss class when work is due, but who arrive later in the day are expected to turn in any homework due on that day.  However, major papers/projects are due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date regardless of absence except in an extreme emergency. 

5.    Assignments due during prearranged absences may be due before the student leaves, students need to make arrangements at least one week prior to the absence if possible.

Late Work Policy:

NO late work is accepted, except under the conditions noted above for excused absence. Major assignments will have inflexible due dates.

Homework:

Any written homework is due at the beginning of the period on its assigned date.  Completion of other class homework is not permitted during class time.  If any students are violating this rule, the work will be removed and can be picked up at the end of the school day.  Homework will primarily consist of reading, research, and writing.  There will be major essays, presentations and projects that students will also need to prepare.

Cheating/plagiarism:

This is defined as submitting anyone else’s work or ideas as your own, submitting dishonest work/activity records, copying, etc (please see school planner page 11).  This course will follow the plagiarism policy outlined in the student handbook.

Grading:

Your progress in this class will be evaluated on the following criteria and weighting system:

Major Assignments/IB Papers                35%                 Participation/Text-Based Discussions     20%

Homework/In Class/Think Journal          20%                 Tests and Quizzes                                 15%

Final Exam                                            10%

Letter grades will be assigned on the following scale:

            A     93-100     B+   87-89        C+   77-79        D+    67-69       F      below 60

A-     90-93         B     84-86        C     73-76        D      63-66

                                    B-    80-83        C-    70-72        D-    60-62