Overview
In many ways History is the story of humanity’s ‘struggle for survival’. What form that struggle takes and what elements influence that struggle is what becomes our history. One way to examine our History is through the many adaptations and changes people have made to adjust to changing pressures. These pressures could be environmental, political, social, economic etc. or even a combination of issues. The results may range from the rise and fall of empires to the establishment of new religions, from isolation to expansion, from societal restructuring to movements in new directions due to inventions and innovations.
In the 9th grade we examine these changes across many different civilizations and time periods. We believe that a more thorough understanding of what forces cause change and how people adjust may help us as global citizens to make better decisions in our own struggle for survival.
Topics Covered:
- Introduction: How do historians reconstruct history?
- Early religions: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
- Major cultures around 1000 C.E.
- Africa
- Europe
- Cross-Cultural Interactions 1000 – 1500 C.E.
- Mongol conquests
- The Crusades
- The Bubonic Plague
- Beginnings of Global Interdependence, 1500 – 1800
- Europe transformed: Renaissance and Reformation
- Ming and Qing China
- Chinese and European Explorations
- The Creation of European Empires and the Evolution of Early Capitalism
- Africa and the Atlantic World
- Intellectual and Political Revolution in Europe, 1550 – 1815
- The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
- The French Revolution
Class Aims:
- examine the process of doing history by evaluating, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from a variety of primary and secondary sources
- develop active reading skills through structured assignments from a textbook and primary sources
- improve analytical writing skills through a variety of essay assignments and editing the work of classmates
- develop note-taking skills
- develop collaborative as well as individual learning skills
- become comfortable speaking before groups by participating in class discussions, debates, and simulations, and by making presentations.
Taking Responsibility for Your Own Learning:
It is important for you to be responsible for your own learning. In order to accomplish this I expect you to:
- listen carefully to others
- attend class regularly and arrive on time
- come to class each day with a notebook, pencil or pen, and any assigned books and photocopied handouts
- get class notes and make up assignments promptly after absences
- prepare all readings, written work, and other assignments carefully
- participate regularly and thoughtfully in class discussions and activities
Grading Policy:
Your grade will be based on a combination of essays, tests, quizzes, homework, role plays, projects and class participation. I do not assign percentages to each category rather assignments themselves will reflect their value by the number of points they are worth respectively.
Late Work and Extensions:
- You must request extensions ahead of time (e-mail requests will not be considered). If I determine that you have sufficient reason for needing more time to complete an assignment, we will determine a new due date.
- If you are granted an extension and do not turn the assignment in on the agreed upon date, you will receive a failing grade for the assignment.
- Late assignments (not including extensions) are graded down, how much will be at the teachers discretion. In other words come see me.
Getting Assignments To Me
Email is not always a reliable method for transferring files for many reasons. You must bring a physical copy (printed or digital) to me. This will help to ensure that the file actually arrives. Below is a list of more reliable methods of transmitting assignments to me:
- Print out a hard copy (this is the best solution).
- Save it to a USB Flash Drive. (next best solution).
- Burn it to a CD.
Getting Assignments:
Most assignments will be on my web site (although occasionally things will be assigned in class). You may find this by going to the Overlake web site and looking under academics and selecting my name. It is your responsibility to check the web site regularly for assignments and updates.
Class:
- It is your responsibility to get to class on time. This means seated in your desk with appropriate materials ready.
- Homework checks and quizzes happen at the beginning of class. If you are late without an excuse (i.e. note) you may not be permitted to make up this missed work.
- Seating assignments will be made at the instructor’s discretion.
- No food or drink (except in capped containers).
- Use the restroom before or after class.
Help:
I am always glad to help you with any question or problem. Since I also teach MS classes, I might not always be available during your afternoon help-session scheduled time, but please feel free to send me an email at sbaquero@overlake.org any time, or come to talk to me personally if you see that I am not in class. I will usually be here after school until at least 4:00pm also. Students who are struggling may be required to meet with me outside of class. All others are certainly welcome.
Office Hours: HUM 101, Block A or by arrangement during other times.
School Phone: (425) 868-6191 ext. 430
E-mail: sbaquero@overlake.org
Materials:
You will need the following materials in order to be successful in this course:
A loose-leaf notebook for note taking and as a paper source. You will need space in your notebook (3 ring) to keep handouts, readings, and returned papers and tests. A second notebook at home may be used for some of these purposes.
Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler, Traditions and Encounters, vol. B
E. Breuilly, J. O’Brien and M. Palmer, Religions of the World
Photocopied handouts