Course Description

The Kurt Hahn School
Mr. Maciejewski
The 20th Century: World War II and beyond
Tentative Syllabus for Spring 2009

Course Description:
This course is a continuation of the Global History and Geography courses that you have taken so far. We will focus on World War II; the 20th century; and preparing you for the Regents Exam. We will use the skills of a historian to investigate the themes and forces that continue to shape the world in the 20th century. We will work with documents, experts, history text, and visit fieldwork sites. History is an exciting exploration of the human spirit, drama, and triumph.

Course Expectations:
1. Treat everyone, including the teacher, with respect (CCRSP)
2. Use kind words and actions toward others
3. Do everything you can to help yourself and others learn
Specifically, you are expected to be prepared each day which means you have a pencil or pen, your binder & notebook, and an open mind. Also, you will master the procedures for the class by practicing them until you get them right (for example: entering and exiting the classroom; moving from whole group to small group instruction and more).

Materials:
1. A section in your binder to store handouts.
2. A pencil or pen- make sure before you leave home that you have two implements.
3. A notebook- either a separate notebook or a section in a multi-subject notebook.

Important: Bring the above items everyday. You must have the Regents Review book that was issued to you in Trimester 2. If you have not received one, talk with Mr. Maciejewski.

Course Learning Targets: There will be learning targets for particular topics, investigations, and learning experiences. Learning targets are what you are assessed on for the trimester. They may change if necessary.

Content- Broad Learning Target
1. I can describe the key causes of World War II.
2. I can describe the key consequences World War II.
3. I can analyze various regimes in the 20th century.
4. I can analyze different forms of documents and describe the significance of each as it relates to the time before, during, and after World War II.

Habits of Work
1. I can consistently achieve a leader/scholar level on the HOW rubric
2. I consistently hand in my homework; keep a complete notebook; and participate in class.

Regents Exam: Friday, June 19, 2009 at 9:15A.M.

Grading Policy:
The grading policy for The 20th Century: World War II and beyond is based upon a student’s ability to show proficiency in the learning targets. All assignments will be linked to a learning target and assessed on a 1-4 scale. While percentages are displayed below the biggest factor in determining your success is your ability to demonstrate your understanding of the learning targets through assessments, projects, quizzes, and written assignments.

Breakdown of Grading System
Assessments (class work, quizzes, larger assessments): 35%
Participation (notebooks, fieldwork, index cards, binder, HW): 10%
Products (Essays and any project work): 35%
Post Assessment: 20%


Classroom Culture:
“We are crew, not passengers.” Keep this quote in mind when you are in this class and every other class. The Kurt Hahn School is a non-traditional school and it takes you being a Crew member to make it successful. You are a part of our school community which means following our 5 commitments (CCRSP), taking responsibility for your own learning and behavior, and following basic school rules. The HOW rubric will be used on a daily and weekly basis to assess your progress towards being a leader/scholar.

Discipline Notes:
Students are expected to follow the non-negotiables of the school (listed in each classroom and in the student handbook). Some particular ones that have repeatedly come up are: gum chewing, writing on desks, and use of inappropriate language. When a student does not follow direction to correct their behavior after a first warning the student will be asked to stay after school for 15 minutes to serve a teacher detention which may include cleaning the room; writing a reflection; or having a conversation with the teacher. If the behavior continues the student will receive a call home and subsequent disciplinary action (s).