Modern World History

Instructor: Mr. Dustin Hays

Fall Semester 2016
Room: PE 5
dhays@vianney.com
314-965-4853 Ext 758
Course Description:
World History is an essential element in any social studies curriculum. Various insights into the
current status of the modern world socially, politically, religiously, and economically are
introduced to students for their interpretation and understanding. Additionally, students will be
exposed to new ideas and new world views, including the concepts of historical bias and
propaganda. This course will focus on the CONFLICT and cultural CHANGE experienced by
members of the global community from the development of nation-states in the fifteenth century
to the end of the second millennium and the growth of a global economy.
Course Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

Identify major historical events in the history of the world from the fourteenth to the end of
the
twentieth century.

Understand how major events of world history are influenced by the past and that actions
will
affect the future

Place major historical events into chronological order.

Trace and analyze political, religious, economic, and social conflict in the history of the
world
from the fourteenth century to the present.

Explain cultural diversities that exist within our world and how they developed.

Demonstrate their understanding of various concepts, events, and cultures through creative
projects and presentations.
Content:
Conflict and cultural change is the central theme of this course. The class will focus on
political, religious, economic, and social conflict/change in their study of the following units:
-

1. The Beginnings of the Modern World

The Renaissance, Reformation, and age of Exploration
2. Expansion of the Modern World
The Age of Enlightenment, American, French, and Industrial Revolutions
3. Political Philosophies and Global connectivity
Nationalism and Imperialism
4. Modern World in Crisis
World War I, Interwar years, and WW2
5. The World After 1945
The Cold War and Post War Society

Text:
Required Text:
World History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Exam (978-162-974-8450)
"All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque (978-044-921-3940)
Materials Needed:
These materials are to be brought to every class period
1.
Textbook
2.
Pencil or Pen
3.
Notebook
Evaluation:
Unit Assessment (40% of the semester grade)
After each unit of study there will be a unit test. The tests will consist of objective questions,
essay, short answer, and identification questions. The test will utilize several individual skills.
Projects (10% of the semester grade)
Projects will be assigned for various units. Technology will be required during presentations and
projects.
Unit Independent Work (10% of the semester grade)
Each unit will contain a number of key terms, maps, and primary source readings that all
students should be familiar with in order to fully grasp the unit as a whole. Students will
complete them and submit them on the due date.
-Additional homework or in class work may be assigned as needed
Research Project-Most Influential American Tournament (20% of the semester grade)
Every student in class will be required to participate in The Most Influential American. The
paper will answer why you think your candidate is most courageous. Each paper must be
properly researched and properly documented to earn credit for the paper. Deadlines will be
enforced throughout the semester to ensure adequate progress is being made. More information
will be forthcoming.
Quizzes (10% of the semester grade)
Most quizzes will be over the previous night or weeks reading assignment. Quizzes will be
distributed at my discretion and will not be on regular timetable.
Final Exam (10% of the semester grade)
Students will complete a comprehensive final exam over everything we learned from the
semester.

Grading Scale:
A
100-93%
D
75-70%

B
F

92-85%
69% and below

84-76%

Cell Phone Policy:

Cell phones are an important part of technology and may be allowed in class at the teacher's
discretion. However, cell phones are not to be out unless permitted by the teacher. If a cell
phone is out during class time and not approved by the teacher the following punishment will be
assessed.
1. Phone will be taken by teacher
2. Phone will be taken and given to administration

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Rules:
Respect: Yourself, Others, and Your Environment
Enter class on time and be prepared
Remain awake and attentive at all times
I will dismiss the class: Do not line up at the door or leave without permission.
Follow the cell phone policy

Relearn/Reassessment Opportunities for Students

Students may retake Unit Exams if they meet the following criteria:
1. All required work for the unit of study has been completed
2. Evidence of additional study (i.e. Tutoring during Encore, or before or after school)
3. Re-assessments will take place on students own time (Encore, before or after school)
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic community and will be treated as such in this
class. Plagiarism (the act of using, borrowing, or stealing academic material and claiming it as
your own without authorization or crediting the true author for their work) will be handled in
accordance with St. John Vianney policy, as expressed in the Student Handbook (page 37 under
Cheating), receiving a zero (0) on the assignment along with further disciplinary action if
necessary.
Technology Requirements
Students will be required to use technology throughout the course. Most of the time technology
is required it will be used while at Vianney and in class however some exceptions may occur.
Students will be required to have access to the internet at home in order to watch videos,
complete homework, and take online quizzes. No software will need to be purchased to be
successful. Students who may have trouble fulfilling this requirement should speak to Mr. Hays
about accommodations Vianney can offer.

Absent From Class?

Students will have the number of days they were absent to make up missed work.
Ex. If John is absent Tuesday, returns on Wednesday, his assignments from Tuesday are due on
Thursday.
Missed class? Want to know what happened what you missed? Please check my website at
http://hayshistory.weebly.com/ or e-mail me and I will get back with you asap.
Students will also have access to a google classroom website, where assignments will also be
posted and can be turned in.
Daily attendance is required for academic success. Our discussions and in-class activities are
vital to mastering the concepts of this class. If you are absent please contact me for all missed
work. It is up to the student, not the instructor, to collect all missed work and complete it on time.
If a student is unable to complete missed work in the appropriate time frame or is absent for an
extended period of time, it is essential he communicate his needs to the teacher.
Public Access Policy
In the course of the semester I will use various forms of media to promote the class and share it
with other teachers around the world. Your son may be in images or video that are shared via
blog posts or the general website. All posts will be in accordance with St. John Vianney High
School social media and internet policy.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email me at: dhays@vianney.com

I agree with the above terms and conditions. I will follow the above syllabus and will adhere to
any consequences that occur because of my failure to follow the above expectations.
Student Signature:___________________________________ Date:_____________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _____________