Modern World History Syllabus

2015-2016 School Year

Mr. Kelleher

Email: skelleher@sd308.org
(630)636-2475
Room: E196
The Course
This course covers the development of Western Civilization from 1300 to the
present. It emphasizes world history with a strong European component. The ultimate
purpose of this course is to help develop an understanding of the complexity of issues
involved in making our world what it is today. Students will also be able to understand the
development of political systems around the world and to analyze the roles of significant
individuals and groups during important periods of time and at key turning points in global
history.

Course Expectations
When the bell rings, you must be in the classroom. You will have the first 5 minutes
of class to complete bell work. Please keep all bell work for a unit in the same place
of your notebook, as it will be turned in on test days.
You can find extra copies of homework/class assignments in the folder at the side of
the classroom.
If you are absent, you must go to your class period folder to collect your missed
work. Getting your make up work is your responsibility!
If you are absent on the day of a test, you must schedule a time with me and make
up the test the day you return.
Any work turned in after the due date will automatically receive half credit (50%).
Late work will not be accepted after the date of a unit test.
To leave the room to go to the bathroom, you must ask me, and take the bathroom
pass with you. No one will be permitted to leave the room in the first or last 5
minutes of class.
Stay in your seats until the bell rings, we DO NOT line up at the door.
Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated in any manner. It will result in an
AUTOMATIC ZERO for the assignment in which the cheating and/or plagiarism took
place.

Tardiness:
At the beginning of the period, be in the classroom when the bell rings or you will be tardy.

Unexcused Absences:
You will not be able to make up any assignment that was given on the day of your absence
or turn in anything that was due.

Excused Absences:
You may make up the work that you missed, but you will miss out on the information and
participation that you would receive. It is your responsibility to find out what you have
missed! I will not come to you to do the work or take a test. Also, the homework that was
given the day you were absent you will have one day to complete upon your return.
If you return from an absence the day a previously assigned paper or
assignment is due, you must still turn in the paper or assignment.

If you return from an absence on the day of a previously announced test

or quiz, you must take the test or quiz with the rest of the class.

Come to Class Prepared:

Every day you must bring your notebook, textbook, handouts, pen/pencil, or any other
materials for this class.

Notes:
You are expected to take notes in this class. I may collect your notebooks periodically and
grade them.

Participation:
This class will contain many discussions (even when we are taking notes). That means you
have to participate in class. This includes answering questions, offering insightful opinions
and comments, or asking about something that you do not understand. Do not rely on
others to learn for you, get involved, and remember, There is no such thing as
a stupid question!

Respect:
I will respect you and in return, I expect the same respect shown to me. In addition you will
respect your classmates at all times. Everyones opinion matters. Insults, writing on desks
or any other disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

Homework:
For this class you will be getting homework regularly. This will include handouts that I give
you to complete and also writing assignments. Reading/analyzing primary and secondary
sources will also become a regular occurrence. We MAY (wink wink) have pop quizzes over
the readings or materials learned in class. SO PAY ATTENTION! Papers and projects will
be penalized one letter grade per day late.

Technology:
THESE ARE MY BIGGEST PET PEEVES.
Cell Phones (the forever touchy subject): In my class your cell phone must be IN
YOUR POCKET or PURSE on vibrate so it will not disrupt the class. There may be
times where we will use smartphones to supplement the material being learned and
I will let you know when you may take them out. Also, NO HEADPHONES are to
be in ANY EAR at ANY TIME you are in my classroom.
IPods or Audio Players: When we are working together as a class, taking notes,
having a discussion, watching a movie, or I am lecturing. I dont want to see any
IPods/ phones or headphones out. I will allow you to take them out when you are all
working individually. The noise level must remain at a reasonable level so only YOU
can hear it and so it will not disturb those around you. I will let you know when
you may take your audio players out. But please ask if you are not sure.

Food/Drink:

I will allow only bottled water that is capped so it will not spill if knocked over. NO
POP OR JUICE OF ANY KIND.
You cannot have food in my classroom. Simple.

Grades:

The following grading scale will be used for this course: 100-90%- A, 89-80%- B, 79-70%C, 69-60%- D, 59- 0%- F
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