Dunbar, Rick (Mr.) / Honors Western Civilization

Course Description:

Western Civilization is a survey course that examines the roots and development of Europe from the Middle Ages to World War II. The course looks at factors that shape civilization with unique identities. This course reaches beyond a narrow definition of history to give students exposure to the related fields of politics, philosophy, economics, literature, art and architecture, religion, psychology, and sociology. Students are engaged in a number of activities designed to foster acquisition and understanding of social studies concepts: reading primary and secondary sources, imaginative questioning techniques (what if? scenarios), frequent written expression, use of artwork and other visual media such as film, creative projects, and simulations. More traditional assessment methods (objective tests, expository essays, and research projects) are used to evaluate the progress of students. A vigorous curriculum with advanced level texts is used. Higher-level thinking and writing skills are emphasized through the use of synthesis, analysis, and evaluation.

Units of Study:

Unit One: Unit Two: Unit Three: Unit Four:

Middle Ages Absolutism Industrial Revolution WWI

Renaissance Constitutionalism Congress of Vienna WWII

Reformation The Enlightenment Liberalism

Scientific Revolution French Revolution Nationalism

Rules:

Ø Arrive to class on time

Ø Come to class with all materials (3-ring binder, pen/pencil, textbook, pencils of color)

Ø Respect the opinions & views of fellow classmates

Grading:

We will work on a point scale. You will know how many total points each quarter is worth by keeping track of your assignments, and that total may vary depending on the quarter. At the end of each quarter, your total points will be divided by the total points for the quarter. This will compute your percentage grade for the marking period. Grades will be determined based on how you perform on a variety of assessments:

Test and Quizzes
Homework
Thesis Recognition Assignments
Essays
Homework
Participation

Course Enduring Understandings & Essential Questions:

Enduring Understandings are concepts Students will apply the following

Students should develop throughout the set of Essential Questions to each

school year. unit of study throughout the year.

1. What we choose to believe is a result of 1. Where do people's loyalties lie? How do they

who we are, where we are from, and what balance competing obligations?

we experience.

2. Expansion of power always comes at the 2. Who has the power and how do they keep it?

expense of something else.

3. Past decisions have an impact on the 3. How does what we believe influence how we

present and future. behave?

4. Significant individual effort can inspire great 4. How is a nations economic & poilitical

change. development predetermined by geography?

5. The proximity of European nations has led to

conflict, continuity, and collaboration.

Make-Up & Late Work Policy:

Make-Up Work:

In case of an excused absence, students will be given three days to submit any missing work without penalty. Getting assignments and making up work is your responsibility. In case of an unexcused absence or cut, students will not be permitted to make up missing work.

Late Work:

Assignments must be completed on time in order to receive full credit. If you choose to submit late homework, you may be extended some leniency as long as it is not habitual.