Academia San José, High School
Villa Caparra. Puerto Rico
Department of History and Social Studies
Miss Carina E. Dimas; B.A.


World History Course Syllabus

Textbook: Beck, Roger B.; et.al. World History: Patterns of Interaction.2003. McDougal Little

Course Description: The course consists of the study of the different cultures, civilizations, movements and events of the world from prehistory to present times.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course students will be able to:
1. define and explain key terms
2. discuss the major theories and perspectives in World History and apply them to the analysis of current events.
3. become aware of the importance of history in one’s current social context
4. successfully apply the lessons learned through history to one’s current social context
5. be more understanding of cultural and ethnic differences in the classroom and in life
Course Outline:

I. “What is History and why is it important?” Introductory Unit
II. “Where are we currently”?”, Examining the Present
III. “Where did we come from?”, Exploring the Past
IV. “How did we get here?” Taking a look at the historical events that have formed current society, focusing on the “Western World” and “Civilizations”.

Teaching Strategies: lecture, group discussion, small group activities, and analysis of films and documentaries

Methods of Evaluation:
The evaluation is divided into three equal parts:
· ⅓ part Tests
· ⅓ part Quizzes, Assignments and Special Projects
· ⅓ part Class participation and Attendance

Final Project:
Students will choose a fictional film based on a historical event as well as a documentary on the same subject from a list provided by the teacher (suggestions will be considered). Their assignment will be to analyze, compare, and contrast the historical perspectives presented in both films in a 3-5 page final essay using one external resource (magazine, newspaper, or scholarly online article, book, etc.) using MLA guidelines (provided by the teacher). The project will be worked on in the classroom but must be finalized (Final Draft) at home. This assignment is a REQUIREMENT for the course and must be handed in at the end of the semester. Students must comply with all hand-in dates of every part of their work. The teacher may alter these and unless done so with previous warning the dates are as follows:

· Monday, August 31: Introduction (First Draft)
· Monday, September 21: First Half of Body (Draft)
· Monday, October 19: Second Half of Body (Draft)
· Monday, November 16: Conclusion (Draft)
· Tuesday, December 1: Final Draft

Special Notes and Class Rules:
1. All cellular phones MUST BE TURNED OFF (ALL MODES) AND PUT AWAY during class. Absolutely no phone calls or TEXT MESSAGES will be tolerated. Students who do not comply with this rule will have to turn in the device and demerits will be given out.
2. Works handed in late will lose points.
3. Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will ABSOLUTELY NOT BE TOLERATED. Any work in which plagiarism is found will receive an automatic F (“0”) and the student will receive a demerit.
4. This syllabus is subject to changes and modifications according to the teacher’s discretion.