Modern World History

Syllabus

Instructor: Bryan Back

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Geography from PSU.

Bachelor of Science in Education with History/Gov’t Endorsement from PSU.

Textbook: To Be Determined, Person, Random A., Abigcity: Overpaid Publisher, 2018.

Course Objective:
Students will learn about the era of time beginning in 1300 CE progressively advancing until
present day and gain both insight into and a deeper understanding of the people and events that
shaped the world.

Course Overview:
 We will begin with a brief overview of significant events and happenings in world history
up to our starting point of 1300 CE.
 During the Fall semester we will cover up to 1850 conquering the topics of the
Renaissance and Reformation, Exploration and Expansion, Changes in Europe, and
Revolution and Reform.
 During the Spring semester we will backtrack to 1750 before finishing up with the War
on Terror. Topics to be covered include: Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and
Nationalism, The World at War, Cold War, and the War on Terror.

Assessment:

 Grading Scale: 100-90 A, 89-80 B, 79-70 C, 69-60 D, 59 and below F.

 Final Course Grade will be determined as follows:

Exams (5) including Final 50% of final grade. (10% each Exam)
Assignments 20%
Semester Project 10%
Participation 10% Disciplinary actions will count against this grade.
Quizzes 5%
Daily Question 5%
Extra Credit Up to 5% for keeping a binder of all handouts,
notes, and assignments.

Required Materials:
 3-Ring Binders: 1-1” for Daily Question 1-2” for handouts, notes, assignments
 Colored Pencils (10 or 12 count will do)
 College-ruled notebook paper
 Ear buds
 Thumb Drive
 Pencils and Black ink pens
Classroom Procedures

 Be in your seats and prepared to begin by the final bell. (otherwise you are tardy.)
 Answer your daily question, then turn it in along with any due assignments in their
designated areas.
 The bell, the clock, or announcements are not signals to vacate this classroom. Class will
be formally dismissed each day by the educator.
 Late work will be accepted for reduced credit. (5% daily grade reduction from final grade
for each day late.)
 Absentee work will be accepted with no grade reduction in proportion to the number of
days missed. (Ex. Miss 1 day of class, have 1 additional day to complete the assignment.
Only applies if absent on the day the assignment is due. Missing the day before the
assignment is due does not entitle you to an additional day etc.)
 Make-up exams will be permitted for excused absences only. (You have 1 week to take
the alternative exam for full credit, then the late work reduction of 5% per day applies.)
 Extra credit assignments will be accepted but must have prior approval.
 A hall pass and permission are required to leave class.
 Communication outside of school hours will be done via email. bback@usd***

Classroom Rules

 Be respectful. “Mind your manners.”

Be Tolerant. “Agree to Disagree.”
No Interrupting. “Wait your Turn.”
Be polite. “Smiles are Contagious.”
Be mature. “Act your Age.”

 No cell phones or computers unless otherwise instructed. (If you are using your phone as
your research device, this is acceptable, but they are subject to inspection. Failure to
abide with inspections will result in the confiscation of said device and disciplinary
action.)
 Any electronic device being used in the classroom is subject to monitoring and inspection
at any given time. (Computers, cell phones, tablets, etc.) Failure to submit these items as
requested will result in disciplinary action.
 Leaving class without permission is prohibited.
 Do not swim in the halls or run in the pool. (If it doesn’t make sense, don’t do it.)
If you cannot justify why you are going to do something, you probably shouldn’t do it.

***I reserve the right to amend the classroom rules and procedures as deemed necessary
to best maintain a positive learning environment for all.***

“Knowledge itself is Power”… Francis Bacon – Founder of the Scientific Method (He wrote it
all down and gets the lion’s share of the credit…so grab a pen!)

“Failure is always an option”… Adam Savage - MythBusters