World History II

Mr. Perazzelli
Course Description and Policies

Welcome back to LHS! Throughout this year in World History II you will study history
from a global perspective and analyze the ways in which different cultures interact
and affect one another. I hope you will be challenged to think critically about
historical figures and events, explore and evaluate primary sources, and pose
questions about the ways in which our culture has been, and still is, shaped by
events around the world. If you put forth your best effort, respect your classmates,
and participate in class you will be successful.

Mr. Perazzelli’s Contact Information

Email: mperazzelli@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Class Website: http://wh2mrp.blogspot.com

I teach in rooms 223 and 225 during the day, have an office in room 245 (way in the
back) and am available most days after school. If you would like to stay after,
please let me know ahead of time if possible so that we can schedule the best place
to meet. Feel free to contact me outside of school hours through email and I will do
my best to respond as soon as possible.

Essential Questions of the Course

We will use these broad questions to frame the vast amount of information that will
be taught in this course. By the end of the year, you should be able to answer each
question using examples gained from class.

• How is identity constructed? How does identity impact human experience?

(Nationalism)

• What are the driving forces and consequences of globalization?

• What is the relationship between economics and human society?

• How have different political systems evolved? What is the nature of these
political systems?

• How has the understanding of human rights changed over time?

Class Expectations and Guidelines

1. Be honest.

2. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.

3. Listen actively and respect your classmates when they are talking.

4. Advocate for yourself.

5. Clean up after yourself.

6. No Ipods, cell phones, or food during class at any time.

Class Expectations and Guidelines (cont.)

• You are expected to arrive ON TIME and prepared every day. Exceeding
three class tardies will result in detention after school.

• If you are absent from school, YOU are responsible for seeking out and
making up the work that you missed. Any work that was due the day you
were absent must be turned in the day that you return to school unless
there are circumstances that excuse you for an extended period of time.

• Cheating, including plagiarizing another’s work, will not be tolerated.

Students who violate the LHS honor code in this regard will receive a zero for
the assignment and may faced additional penalties based on the severity of
the offense (see pages 87 and 88 of the LHS Student Handbook for more
information).

Materials

You will need the following items:

• Three ring binder (minimum 1 ½ inches wide)

o Having a three ring binder, as opposed to a spiral notebook, will make

your life much, much easier in World History class.

• Loose-leaf paper

• A set of 4 dividers with the following labels:

o Vocab

o SSS

o Notes/Handouts

o Tests/Quizzes/Essays
 • Blue or black pen/pencils

• Highlighter

You will be expected to come prepared to class, with your three ring binder, loose-
leaf, and writing utensils every day.

Classroom Procedures

• Vocab

We will introduce a new vocabulary word almost every day. These words may
be related to topics we are discussing in the current unit, articles we will be
reading, or general words selected to improve your public speaking skills.
Daily vocab words will be used to gauge your organization each quarter when
you have a binder check. We will typically begin the day with a new word and
move on to the second warm up activity. .

• SSS (Social Studies Starter)

Your SSS is your “bell ringer”, or short question or reading assignment, which
will begin the day’s lesson. The SSS could be a review of a previous lesson,
check on a homework assignment, or a preview intended to test your
knowledge about the upcoming topic. On any day, you may have a quiz
asking for the answers to previous SSS prompts.

• Notes/Class Discussion or Activity

You will be expected to take notes and participate in classroom discussions

on a daily basis. Your participation includes not only raising your hand to
contribute but also being cooperative during group work, completing all class
work diligently, and listening actively when your classmates are speaking.

Grading Policy

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including (but not limited to): tests,
quizzes, homework, current events, individual and group projects, and essays. Work
is graded on a point system (this is explained in more detail below) in which your
assignments each have a point value that accumulates throughout the term.
Therefore, if you stay organized and keep track of your graded assignments you will
always know where you stand in my class.

Examples of the assignments you will have during a typical unit:

• Homework: Homework will be assigned frequently, when it is relevant to the

course and will aid in your learning. Unless otherwise stated, homework will
be given a grade of 0-3 based on the completeness, accuracy, and effort.
Homework may be checked for completion or collected periodically and will
factor into your overall class grade. Late homework will not be accepted for
full credit. You can receive half credit for homework that is turned in one day
late – after that it will be recorded as a zero.
 • Quizzes: On average there will be 1-2 each unit each worth 10-50 points.
Homework is always available to be used on quizzes that are given without
any advanced notice.

• Tests: On average there will be 2 tests each term each worth roughly 100
points.

• Projects: There will be several projects throughout the year worth 50-70
points. These do not include the National History Day Project, which we will
be working on through the first three terms of the year.

o National History Day – All World History II students will be working to

complete a National History Day project during the first three terms.
This year’s theme is “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes,
Failures and Consequences” and the final product will be a thesis
driven tri-fold presentation, website, or documentary. The grade on the
final product will factor into the final exam grade for the year. Students
who receive exemplary marks will be judged in a school-wide
competition with the chance of progressing to the state and national
levels. More information will follow in the next several weeks…

• Essays: These will be included in your summative assessment at the end of

each unit or assigned separately for an individual grade. Point value will vary
depending on the nature of the assignment.

Units of Study

World at 1500

Age of Exploration

Absolutism and Empire

Scientific Revolution

Enlightenment

Political Revolutions

Industrial Revolution

Imperialism

WWI and the Russian Revolution

Interwar Years: Global Depression and Totalitarianism

World War II

Cold War

Decolonization

Human Rights

I believe you will be challenged by the material and assignments in this class, as
there is a significant amount of reading and writing required. Do not take homework
or studying for tests and quizzes lightly and please seek extra help when needed!
You are all capable of giving of giving your best effort and striving to succeed each
and every day. Good luck this year and I look forward to working with all of you.
____________________________________________________________________________________

I have read this document and understand the policies and procedures of Mr.
Perazzelli’s World History II class.

__________________________________ __________________________________

Student Name Student Signature and Date

__________________________________ __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature and

Date