• 2020-21 AP World History: Modern 

    Mr. Krahn, Room A15 

    Preferred Contact: Krahn.greg@cusd80.com 

    Office hours: 7am to 730am or by appointment 

     

    AP World History: Modern is a class that focuses on various themes such as geography, religion, politics, and technology, historical events ranging from the Mongols to modern world issues and historical thinking skills including primary source analysis, corroborating evidence and argumentative writing.   

    This is a year-long course and is specifically designed to prepare students for taking of the AP World History: Modern exam on Monday, May 10th, 2021. A passing score on the exam may provide students with between three to six university credits, depending on their score and the university they choose to attend. 

    The course moves very quickly and covers a wide breadth of information from the year 1200 to the modern world. As such, this class will be taught as a college-level course in which students are expected to take notes, and complete readings or assignments on a regular basis, all without constant monitoring. Students are also expected to approach this challenge on a college level and must be mature, self-motivated, and thoughtful individuals. This also means when a student is absent, it is their responsibility to determine what they missed. 

     

    The Six AP World History Themes 

     

    1. Interaction between humans and the environment (ENV)
      • The environment shapes human societies, and as populations grow and change, these population in turn shape their environments. 
    1. Cultural developments and interactions (CDI)
      • The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social and cultural implications.  
    1. Governance (GOV)
      • A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion and decline.  
      • Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies and procedures and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes. 
    1. Economic Systems (ECN)
      • As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange and consume goods and services. 
    1. Social interactions and organization (SIO)
      • The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic and cultural institutions. 
    1. Technology and Innovation (TEC)
      • Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences. 

     

    The Four AP World History Time Periods 

     

    1. The Global Tapestry and Networks of Exchange from 1200 to 1450
      • Religions, Cultures, Governments, and Economics from around the world  
      • Major trade routes 
      • The Mongols 
    1. Land-Based Empires and Transoceanic Interconnections from 1450 to 1750
      • Gun Powder Empires 
      • Maritime Empires 
      • The Columbian Exchange 
    1. Revolutionsand Consequences of Industrialization from 1750 to 1900
      • American, French and Latin American Revolutions 
      • European Imperialism 
    1. Global Conflict, Cold War, Decolonization and Globalization from 1900 to Present
      • World War I & II 
      • Genocide 
      • Modern Technology 

     

    AP Historical Thinking Skills 

    1.  Identify and explain historical developments and processes. 
    2. Analyze sourcing and situation of primary and secondary sources. 
    3. Analyze arguments in primary and secondary sources. 
    4. Analyze the context of historical events, developments, or processes. 
    5. Using comparison, causation or change and continuity over time, analyze patterns and connections between and among historical developments and processes. 
    6. Develop an argument.  

     

    Textbook   

     

    • Stearns, Peter N., Michael Adas, Stuart B. Schwartz, and Marc Jason. Gilbert. World Civilizations: The Global Experience. Boston: Pearson, 2017. Print. 
    • REQUIRED! Please check-out a book from the Casteel bookstore ASAP 

     

    General Course Outline: 

     

    Typical week with the Modified Block Schedule: *Subject to change* 

    • Monday/Tuesday= Context Lecture with reflection questions and exit ticket. 
    • Wednesday/Thursday= Primary Source Document Analysis, Essay writing, or Projects. 
    • [Alternating] Friday= Review and at-home quizzes assigned  

     

    Each week will be accompanied by assigned readings from the course text (see above). Assigned readings are expected to be completed before the week’s assessment. New readings will be assigned after each week’s assessment. **Please note: Assigned readings are mandatory. If you do not read, you will not pass the AP Exam or this class! ** 

     

    Required Materials:  

     

    Virtual Class 

    • Electronic Devices (Laptop, Cell phone, Computer, etc.) 
    • Purchase an AP World History Review Book (Make sure it is at least the 2020 edition!) 
    • “World Civilizations” Textbook 

     

    In-Person Class 

    • Pencils/Pens 
    • Highlighters 
    • “AP Review” Three ring binder [to store notes] (minimum 1 inch) 
    • Purchase an AP World History Review Book (Make sure it is at least the 2020 edition!) 
    • “World Civilizations” Textbook 

     

    Grading Policy: 

     

    Grading Scale:  

    • Students will be graded on a standard 90%= A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D, 59% and below=F (*The course is a weighted grade) 
    • 40% Assessments (Includes quizzes, projects and essays) 
    • 40% Notes (Includes lecture reflections and exit tickets) 
    • 20% Assignments (Includes primary source document analysis) 

     

    *Note: Parents can access student assignments online through Google Classroom as well as grades online through Infinite Campus. Student information is only accessible using an individualized password assigned by the school. Parents may contact office personnel or their student’s counselor for this password. 

     

    Homework, classwork, projects and assessments 

    • Each week will be accompanied by assigned readings from the course text (see above). Assigned readings are expected to be completed before the week’s assessment each Friday. New readings will be assigned after each week’s assessment. **Please note: Assigned readings are mandatory. If you do not read, you will not pass the A.P. Exam or this class!** 
    • There will be projects assigned that require students to work in groups. It is expected that you will work with your group to successfully meet the requirements. It is also highly recommended to create study groups to prepare for course exams and the AP Test in May. 
    • Expect the unexpected, problems with your computer, flash drive and printer problems will occur. Please remember that none of these are valid excuses for not completing assignments.  
    • Quizzes or Essays will be given at least once a week. These assessments will include content from documents, textbook readings, class lectures, discussions, and supplementary activities.  

     

    *Note: Assessments are designed to facilitate students’ success on the AP Exam in May and will, therefore, include: multiple-choice questions, Short Answer Questions (SAQ), Long Essay Questions (LEQ) and Document Based Question (DBQ). Knowledge in an AP class is cumulative in nature; therefore, review will be incorporated at every opportunity. 

     

    Class Expectations: 

     

    Late Work 

    • Students are expected to take responsibility for meeting deadlines and making up assignments ON THEIR OWN TIME. Any work not completed within 48 hours will be marked as “Missing” and given a “Zero” score in infinite campus. 
    • Communication is Key!! If you are unable to complete an assignment within the allotted time, please notify the instructor via email as soon as possible.    

     

    Cheating and Plagiarism 

    • First offense= F on the assignment and administrative referral. 
    • Second offense= F on the assignment and suspension. 
    • Third offense= Permanent removal from the course. 

     

    Virtual Class Attendance 

    • Attendance will be recorded every 48 hours. Students must either attend live sessions or turn-in assigned work to be considered “Present”. Live sessions will be made available at the end of each class period.  
    • Period 2= 840am to 932am 
    • Period 3 or 4= 1130am to 1222am 

     

    In-Person Class Attendance 

    • Students are expected to be in their seats ready to work when the bell rings. If you are not ready to work when attendance is completed, you will be marked tardy. 
    • Excessive absence (10) will result in loss of credit for the course.  
    • Excessive tardy (10) will result in administrative referral. 

     

    Virtual Class Expectations 

    • Students will adhere to Casteel High School and District codes of conduct. 
    • Log-in and check “Google Classroom” daily 
    • When logging into “Google Meets”, please MUTE YOUR MICROPHONE. 

     

    In-Class Expectations 

    • Students will adhere to Casteel High School and District codes of conduct. 
    • Students will be in their seat ready to work when the bell rings. 
    • Students will treat others as they would like to be treated. The Golden Rule. 
    • Students will come to class prepared and ready to work with all needed materials. 

     

    Cell Phones 

    • BE RESPECTFUL! 
    • Students caught being rude to the instructor or classmates will have their cell phone confiscated.