World History

Mr. Armstrong – World History/Geography (Including Honors)

Course Description

This course follows the outline of our textbook, “World History – Human Legacy.” It adheres to standards set forth by the State of California.  The typical class will involve interactive lectures. Participation is encouraged and considered for grading purposes. Quizzes will be given covering each chapter (roughly one per week) with a comprehensive test ending each quarter. Tests and quizzes are not open book/notes. Notetaking is essential to this class as everything said is testable whether or not it was in the book.

The First Semester will cover Pre-Historic times, through the rise of civilizations, and up to the discovering of the New World. The Second Semester will continue on through the Modern Era to the Present. Interspersed with History will be relevant Geography lessons designed to maintain awareness of the changing world throughout history.

Each Tuesday (with few exceptions) a Current Event item is due as part of homework for the weekend. This is a graded 1-page article from a newspaper or the Internet of a topic that interests the student. 1 paragraph describes the event; the second paragraph gives the student’s opinion on the article.

The World History-Honors class is designed to parallel the World History classes. Honors will be more intensive and with a greater expectation of the student. (History on steroids). 

Classroom Etiquette:

  1. No hats or hoods.
  2. Be in assigned seats when bell rings. No getting up during class.
  3. Bring textbook, notebook, all other necessary materials EVERYDAY!
  4. No bathroom/water breaks. Take care of it before class.
  5. No talking without raising your hand.
  6. Respect for others is mandatory.

Subject Management:

  1. EVERYTHING IS TESTABLE! TAKE GOOD NOTES!
  2. READ THE BOOK!
  3. Follow assigned schedule unless otherwise directed. It will be online.
  4. Homework is due at the beginning of next class after it is assigned.
  5. Do your own homework. It counts for grading purposes.
  6. Quizzes will occur regularly and be generally unannounced. Be ready!
  7. Creativity is rewarded! Dazzle me with originality and forward thinking.
  8. Always participate in discussions. I will “shotgun” you with questions.
  9. Life is rarely fair. But HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE!
  10.  Everyone learns differently. But we all will end up at the same place.