Global Studies

Course Expectations

Course Description:

Skills and knowledge in the regions of the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America are the focus. Students will continue to develop skills in organizing information from primary and secondary source materials. Various forms of student presentation are emphasized, while argumentative writing receives emphasis. The course will center on the cultural conditions of the Middle Eastern world and its current regional problems, the historical development of modern Latin American society and politics, and the historical political and economic development of Europe. In particular, we will look at the process of modernization and the development of modern societies, as well the ways in which societies, including the United States, relate to and interact with each other in the modern world.

Key Skills:

Over the course of the year, students will work to develop the following skills:  conducting research to gather information; analyzing evidence (including primary and secondary sources); analyzing and developing arguments; communicating clearly in both speaking and writing; and working collaboratively to develop solutions to problems.

Course Outline:

1. The Middle East
   1. Religious roots of the contemporary Middle East
   2. Development of Islamic Society:
      1. Theocracy vs. Secularism; role of sharia
      2. Fundamentalism in Iran and Afghanistan
      3. Conflict in the Middle East: Arab-Israeli conflict, Iraq, Syrian Civil War
2. Latin America
   1. Imperialism, Nationalism, and Independence
   2. Struggle for Democracy in the 20^th and 21^st centuries
   3. Challenges in Latin America today: Venezuela and Brazil
3. Europe
   1. Modernization of Europe in the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution
   2. The development of democracy in Britain and France
   3. The Industrial Revolution and development of modern economies
   4. Nationalism and the world wars
   5. The Cold War, the EU, and the future of European unity

Grading:

Homework and practice activities are worth 10% of the student’s grade; the other 90% of the grade will be based on major assessments (quizzes, essays, projects) and will be points-based, with point values varying based on the amount of work involved. The midterm and final exams are each worth 5% of the final grade.

Students will be allowed to revise essays for a new grade based on teacher feedback. On other  assignments, however, re-dos will not be allowed.

Textbook:

Beck, Roger B., et al. World History: Patterns of Interaction. United States of America: McDougal Littell, 2009.

Technology:

Phones will always be put away. Personal learning devices should only be out when directed for class use. Phones will be collected on days of major assessments. Tablet mode will be used for homework checks.

Classroom Guidelines:

1. Respect yourself and others. The classroom is a place where everyone should be comfortable sharing their views and thoughts. We are going to be studying some complicated issues, and a variety of perspectives will further enrich your learning. If you have a question, someone else in class is usually wondering the same thing. Stay positive, and be willing to learn!
2. When the bell rings students will be in their seats. If you are not to class by the time the bell rings, you are considered tardy.
3. Typically, there will be an activity for you to do called a “warm-up” when you enter class. Get started on this as soon as you get in the room.
4. Use appropriate language and behaviors.
5. Raise your hand to talk. Listen while others are talking. DO NOT shout things out.
6. I expect your best effort. Have high expectations for yourself.
7. ALWAYS cite your sources. If you are unsure… CITE IT.

Additional Help:

If you ever have any questions or concerns, or would like help with the class, please contact me. You can email me (vitaliz@region10ct.org) or contact me through Teams. If you would like to meet to talk or to get extra help, I am free every morning before school. I tend to be pretty busy after school, but if you see me in advance we can set up a time to meet that will be convenient for both of us.