The Newman School
Boston
Mr. Dudley, 2011-2012 IB History I
I Course Description
This course encompasses 20th Century History with emphasis on the Western Hemisphere. Special attention will be given to the emergence of the United States as a world power in the first half of the century.
Goals and Objective:
By the end of the IB History, students should be able to
comprehend, analyze, evaluate and integrate source material critically as historical evidence;
demonstrate historical understanding of the Americas through the acquisition, selection, effective use and synthesis of knowledge;
explain different approaches to, and interpretations of historical events and topics;
place events in their historical context;
explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change;
present arguments that are clear, coherent, relevant and well substantiated;
present historical explanations from an international perspective;
plan, organize and present an individual historical investigation.
II Materials
Textbook: Johnson MacPherson Murrin et al , Liberty Equality & Power
Nota Bene: You must bring the textbook to class every day. Failure to do so will negatively impact your class participation grade.
Additional Readings: Throughout the course of the semester, handouts will be distributed.
Notebook. You are expected to have a separate notebook for this class. Your notebook will be collected, unannounced, periodically during the semester. Your notebook should be a three ring binder with 4 separate sections (use dividers). The four sections should be labeled Class Notes, Homework Notes, Returned tests and Quizzes and Handouts. It is your responsibility to keep a neat and organized notebook and have a section for in-class handouts.
III Your Grade
Tests: Test account for 60 % of your grade.
Projects: Projects will be graded as test grades. For example a research paper may be worth 3 tests. .
Homework. Homework is 30 % of your grade.
Class Participation . Class participation accounts for 10% of your grade.
Test & Quizzes: Tests will be given every Friday. Tests and quizzes will be based on reading, in-class discussions and videos.
Homework:. Homework is a major portion of your grade and must be turned in on time. Late assignments will be given a 50 % reduction on the first day and will not be accepted afterwards. Weekly, unannounced quizzes, based on reading assignments will comprise a major portion of your homework grade
Class participation. Class participation is 10 % of your grade.
IV Academic Honesty Policy. All students are obligated to adhere to the Newman School’s Academic Honesty Policy, which can be found in the Student Handbook.
Cheating is morally offensive and dishonorable and will not be tolerated in my classroom. Students caught cheating will a) receive a zero on the assignment b) be referred to the Academic Dean and c) have their parents/guardians contacted via phone call.