World History -- Course Syllabus

Mr. McDougall Room 236 (extension 3010)

Email: steve.mcdougall@salinasuhsd.org
World History Course Description:
Students will examine the major turning points in shaping the modern world, from the origins of Western
thought, the Greek and Roman traditions, and late eighteenth century through the present. Students trace the
rise of democratic ideals and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, as they
pertain to international relations. Students should learn that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price
and remain vulnerable. Students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their
historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students will consider multiple accounts of
events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives.
Grades:
There will be open-note quizzes, group assignments, oral presentations, homework, unit tests, and a final
examination to assess each students mastery of the California State Content Standards. In addition, students
are required to do AR (Accelerated Reader) reading independently for this class, and it will count towards their
total grade.
Arrangements for missed quizzes, tests, or other classroom activities will need to be made with the teacher
immediately following an absence by appointment and are the responsibility of the student. You will have one
(1) day to make-up work for each day you have an excused absence.
If you do not pass a quiz or test (except for semester finals), you may retake the assessment in order to raise
your grade until it reaches or exceeds 70%. The highest score that can be achieved on a re-take shall be capped
at 70%. If you are missing homework or assignments you must turn them in before any retakes can occur.
Retakes are completed by appointment with the teacher.
Your citizenship grade will be affected by both your tardies (if any) to class and as well as your behavior in
class, just prior to the start of class and the moments following class. Five (5) or more tardies and/or invalid
absences will result in an Unsatisfactory (U) citizenship grade.
Homework
There will be homework assignments relating to the standards such as activities from the textbook Glencoes
World History. Successful homework completion is a significant part of a students grade and must be regularly
completed on time in order to pass the course.
Whether present or not, you are responsible for all material covered in class. This includes notes and
assignments. Each day an assignment is late, I will deduct 10% of the total points on the assignment. After five

days, I will deduct half of the total points, and so on. If you turn in work late due to substantiated
circumstances out of your control, (i.e. computer crash, late-night ER visit, etc.), the assignment will not be
docked points.
Participation
Students are expected to participate in class through responding to prompts given by the teacher as well as
collaboration with their peers. Students are given a monthly participation grade which is worth 60 points (more
than a major test!). Be sure to participate often in class to ensure a good grade.
Needed Materials
Each student will be required to show up with a 3-Hole Punched, 8 1/2" x 11", 5 Subjects, College Ruled, 180
Sheets notebook where the majority of assignments will take place, pen, paper, and pencil each and every
day. Only black or blue ink is allowed. Additionally, students must keep a binder at home in order to
archive, in chronological order, all class materials that have been returned. This will be VERY helpful
when preparing for Exams. The notebook should be kept up to date by students and will be collected,
reviewed and graded approximately every two weeks.
Academic Honesty
Any student who is caught plagiarizing (generally greater than 23% of a paper uncited) will receive a zero on
the assignment until it is completely redone and can earn up to half credit for that. Parents as well as any
extracurricular groups to which the student belongs will be notified. The student will also receive an
unsatisfactory (U) grade for the quarter. Dishonesty (cheating) on tests or quizzes, including Accelerated
Reading (AR) tests will be dealt with in the same manner as plagiarism.
Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to show respect to their fellow students, the teacher, and the classroom at all times
Cell phone policy: Cell phones are NOT to be powered on during class. Please keep them turned off.
No headphones visible during class time
Be on time and on task at all times while class is in session. A tardy is not in ones seat when the bell
to start the class has sounded.
No food or beverages except water.
No gum in the classroom.
BATHROOM:
If you have to go to the bathroom, write out a simple pass (on the back of a student handbook) that includes
your name, the time and date, and your destination. Then, come to the front of the class for my signature before
you exit the room.
I am more than happy to make accommodations or modifications on a case by case basis. For issues not
covered in this syllabus, please bring them to my attention in order to appropriately deal with them.

I am looking forward to a great 2015-16 school year with you!

**********************************************************************
This page must be turned in by the assigned due date for a homework grade.

Student Name_________________________________________________ Period _____

Contact Information
E-Mail: The best way to contact me is by e-mail at: steve.mcdougall@salinasuhsd.org. I check this email daily. Please
contact me with any questions. I look forward to a great semester with the wonderful students and parents of
Salinas High.

I have reviewed, understand and agree to the information presented in this syllabus.
X__________________________________

_____________________________(Student Signature and Printed Name)

x___________________________ _______________________(Parent Signature and Printed Name)

Parent E-Mail address(es): PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. THANK YOU.
______________________________________
______________________________________
Parent BEST contact phone number:
______________________________________
______________________________________