World History

2016--2017 Course Syllabus and Policies

Instructors: Michael Morse
Email address: mmorse7739@yahoo.com

Room: 7202
Phone: 480-685-1960

Introduction
Welcome to World History, a fun and interesting course in which you will learn how
several regions around world developed over the past 3000 years. In this class, you will
learn how to analyze historical events and make connections to current events and
political trends and economic issues.
Your Goals and Objectives
The primary objectives of this course are to prepare you with the skills to succeed in high
school, college and adulthood. To that end we will focus on academic skills like writing,
time management and inter-personal communication skills. Group discussions will be a
part of classroom learning; all students are expected to participate in them. This course
will be writing intensive. Students will practice their writing skills in essay assignments
and essay tests and a research essay. These will make up a majority of the students grade.
We will move very quickly and cover a lot of material so it is very important that students
keep up with the course work, ask questions and seek additional help when needed. I am
willing to meet with students after school or during lunch each day of the week.
Required Materials:
An email address (these will be used to submit essays and other assignments)
Pencils. Red pens are allowed for editing essays only
Highlighters for annotation
A large binder for handouts and notes
College ruled lined paper
Class Expectations:
Cheating and Plagiarism: Plagiarism and cheating in any form will not be tolerated,
especially plagiarism. All students will submit their writing in electronic form. This is so
that papers can be submitted to a plagiarism check site and to assist me in reading your
papers.
First offense: You will receive a 0 on the assignment and your parents and administrator
will be notified through a referral. Do not expect me to write you a letter of
recommendation for college, and do not expect me to lie to a college recruiter if
contacted.
Second offense: You will receive a 0 on the assignment, and the administration will
pursue additional disciplinary actions possibly including suspension. It is possible that
you may not receive credit for the class. Do not expect me to write you a letter of
recommendation for college, and do not expect me to lie to a college recruiter if
contacted.
Subsequent offense: You may be removed from the class permanently. Do not expect me
to write you a letter of recommendation for college, and do not expect me to lie to a
college recruiter if contacted.

Classroom management/ Basic Rules

Be on time for class every day
Attendance is mandatory every day
Be prepared to participate each day
Students should only be talking about the current lesson and only during
independent practice, not during lectures or tests
Be respectful of your classmates and their property
Each student is responsible for keeping the classroom clean
I reserve the right to move students to new seats at any time for any reason
All school and district rules explained in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook
also apply in the classroom
Late Work
All assignments are due on the due date. You will have an opportunity to complete and
revise major papers with plenty of time. Procrastination results in excuses. If you are
having internet trouble at home it is incumbent upon you to utilize the library or to bring
in your work on a flash drive to class. Having said this, I reserve the right to consider
evaluating circumstances for late work. It is important that you communicate with me and
explain your circumstances. Smaller assignments, such as homework may only be turned
in late up to three days. The only exception will be for excused absences and medical
emergencies.
Absences
Excused absences: You have as many days to make up work for an excused absence as
days missed. However, if you are aware of an upcoming deadline and you leave for a
school-sponsored activity, you will still be expected to have your work ready the day it
was originally due. You know what work is due before you leave for athletic and club
events and since all assignments can be turned in electronically excuses will not be
tolerated.
Unexcused absences: Unexcused work will receive no credit. At my discretion,
assignments can be made up for partial credit depending on the circumstances. You will
need to communicate with me regarding unexcused absences and work.
Formatting Papers
All papers and assignments will be formatted with a standard format and I expect you to
follow every instruction given for each assignment. Templates will be provided for all of
your papers and homework assignments. I will supply a sample of the sort of work I
expect from you for each new template and assignment.
Please sign and have your parent/guardian sign the acknowledgement below and return it
to me not later than Friday.

I have read and understand the policies and procedures of this course. I am also aware of
the AP and IB recommended reading selections listed within this syllabus that will be
used in this course.
_____________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
_____________________________________________________
Parent Signature
Date