Ms.
Carolyn Gerhardt
Office: C 211
Phone: 847—784—6784
E—mail: [email protected]
Course Description – World History
Before us is a Herculean task – to examine the history of many parts of the world from the earliest civilizations to the
modern age. While many think of history as a simple process of memorizing names and dates, that will not be the
focus of our class. We are going to analyze cause and effect to understand not only when and where history changed,
but why. At the same time, you will get a firmer understanding of how past events continue to shape the world we
live in today. Many methods will be used to achieve these goals, including discussion, reading, writing, research,
artwork and performance.
Objectives
- Students will sharpen many social studies skills, including reading, research, writing, oral communication and
recognizing varying perspectives.
- Students will examine how different regions of the world developed
- Students will develop an understanding of how the world has changed over time and how those changes
influence us today.
- In doing the above, students will be trained to critically examine societies and civilizations independently as well
as how these societies interacted with other regions of the world.
Units of Study
We will start the year going over historical thinking skills, and then delve into civilizations of the Ancient Near East
and the formation of empires in Eurasia. As we move into the Middle Ages, we will look at religions, the formation
of hierarchies, and the connection between those hierarchies and events in the modern world. We will also look at
cultural diffusion, and the ultimate interconnect of the world.
Texts and Materials
We will use various reading materials for both classwork and homework, some will be linked on Canvas and others
will be printed out. Therefore, you need to make sure your iPad has enough charge to get you through the day.
There is no textbook to purchase. You will also receive handouts, so you will need a binder or folder to keep them in.
You should also have pencils, pens, and paper.
Classroom Expectations
Welcome to the class! I am very excited to have you in my class and am looking forward to a productive year. You and
your classmates will be spending a great deal of time together over the coming months, and it is incredibly important
that we come together to create a safe environment in which all are comfortable taking risks and are willing to be
wrong. Always be aware of how your actions and words could be interpreted by others, since everyone views the world
from a different perspective. True learning cannot take place if students feel like they will be judged for what they
offer/bring to the class, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class,
level, or physical or mental ability. This principle is put into practice in this class by listening to each other and
seeking to understand ourselves, our own beliefs, and those of others as we interrogate ideas and draw reasoned
conclusions based on evidence. We will create a classroom environment where inquiry and critical thinking is the
norm and each person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. If you ever feel that this is not the case, please
come to me directly and I will address the problem.
Attendance and Absences
Regular attendance is essential. Many curricular experiences cannot be replicated outside of the classroom. Please let
me know as soon as possible if you will have a planned extended absence. Physical presence is just the start of being a
successful student. Please be on time and bring all appropriate materials. This class will adhere to the school's
attendance policies, including guidelines for make—up work and tardies.
Canvas is our online class presence. If you are absent, please go here to catch up before you talk to me as you are
responsible for catching up on material or assignments you may have missed.
Grades
Grades are cumulative. Homework and classwork together will count for approximately 30% of your grade.
Assessments make up the other 70%, including papers, projects, exams, and quizzes. Exams and quizzes will generally
be preceded by an in—class review. No new material will be introduced. Therefore, missing class before an exam does
not excuse you from the exam.
The grading scale is as follows:
93%—100% A 80%—83% B— 67%—69% D+
90%—92% A— 77%—79% C+ 63%—66% D
87%—89% B+ 73%—76% C 60%—63% D—
83%—86% B 70%—73% C— 0% —59% F
Academic Honesty
All work you submit in this class should reflect your unique understanding of concepts from class. This class is more
about experiences and less about being the first one with a correct answer. I am far more concerned with your
ability to ask good questions and contribute thoughtful responses. Issues of Academic Integrity will be forwarded to
the appropriate Adviser Chair. Please refer to the New Trier policy on academic integrity for further clarification.
Please know that plagiarism will have grading consequences. This can include inappropriate use of AI technology or
working collectively when an assignment is meant to be completed independently.
Communication
If you have a problem with anything (broken nose, printer out of ink, power outage, etc…) that required some
consideration from me, you must let me know ahead of time. I am VERY good at responding to e—mail (Use
Canvas!). Don’t approach me before the bell and expect me to be as thoughtful as I could have been if given
advanced warning. Finally, field trips and sudden illnesses do not automatically excuse you from due dates on long—
term assignments.
I hope that this class will be fun as well as educational. At times, you may become frustrated because of academic or
personal issues. Please feel free to make appointments to see me if you need help. You may also e—mail or call me
for additional assistance.
I wish you all a fun and successful year!
Ms. Gerhardt
