WORLD HISTORY

Ms. Rybarczyk Fall 2015

COURSE DESCRIPTION: World History is a survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore
recurring themes of human experience common to civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary
times. An historical approach will be at the center of the course. The application of the themes of geography and
an analysis of the cultural traits of civilizations will help students understand how people shape their world and
how their world shapes them. As students examine the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements,
and phenomena, they encounter the contributions and patterns of living in civilizations around the world. Students
broaden their historical perspectives as they explore ways societies have dealt with continuity and change,
exemplified by issues such as war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the development of institutions. To
become informed citizens, students require knowledge of the civilizations that have shaped the development of
the United States. The skills of acquiring, organizing, and applying knowledge of World History are refined at this
level with an emphasis on higher order thinking skills. Students further develop interpersonal skills through small
group activities and class participation. I hold high expectations for students in this class and expect each of you
to succeed and grow on both academic and personal levels.
GRADING POLICY AND RULES:
1. Quarter grades will be determined on a percentage basis and will be assigned according to the Wake County
Grading Scale. Point values will vary according to the magnitude of the assignment. Tests, quizzes, weekly pop
quizzes, essays, projects, homework, and daily classroom activities will comprise your grade. Grades will be
posted on the server in a timely manner. The grade distribution for the Social Studies Department will be the
following:
Class work: 30%
Homework: 15%

Tests/Projects: 40%
Quizzes: 15%

2. Students must keep a binder used exclusively for this course that will include notes from class lectures,
reading assignments and everything else given to the students throughout the course. Note taking is essential to
success for any course comprising a wide variety of topics, themes, issues and complex ideas. With the amount of
information covered in this course it is important that the students keep everything given to them in this course
and that they stay organized. Binders will be checked quarterly and at other times as necessary.
3. Late work will be accepted with points deducted. The deductions will lower a letter grade for each day
missing but not below 70% of the earned grade. The student must discuss late work with teacher in order
for it to be accepted. For excused absences of 1-3 days, the student will have one day for each day absent to
make up work. For absences exceeding 3 days, the student may have two days for each day absent to make up
work. Special consideration will be made for chronic illness or injury. IT IS THE STUDENTS
RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS WHEN THEY ARE ABSENT.
4. Missed tests or quizzes must be made up within one week of the original date otherwise, a grade of 0 will be
recorded. It is the students responsibility to schedule and arrange a time in which tests can be completed.
5. Understanding that we all have an off day every so often, students have the option to retake tests during Husky
Help or after school each quarter. This re-take must be done within 1 week of receiving their original test grade.
6. Avoid unnecessary tardies and absences. Attendance is crucial for academic success regardless of subject and is
one of the top reasons for failure of this course.

7. Honors classes will be expected to complete an honors project during the 2 nd quarter of this class. The project will
include a paper and a presentation to the class and will count as 2 test scores. More information will be given on
this at a later date. (Subject to change)
8. All rules of Heritage High School and Wake County apply in this class.
TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:

RESPECT people, property, and selves.

INTEGRITY: Honesty, honor, treating others as we would like to be treated
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Hard work to attain ones goals
Controlling ones behavior and temper so as not to disrupt others
Maintaining Schedules and Materials
KINDNESS
Consideration of the people around you
Caring for the people around you
Compassion for the people around around you
PLEASE: Keep the area neat at all times. No food or drink will be allowed in the classroom during
class. (water only). This includes gum

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
1. Binder for World History only, for notes and other work for the entire semester (everything will be placed in
these binders and it will be needed every day)
2. Loose-leaf paper for the binder
3. Pens and Pencils
4. Personal Pencil Sharpener
5. Colored pencils or markers
OFFICE HOURS: . I am available during Husky Help. I will also be available immediately after school on
Tuesdays from 2:30 until 3:30 if students need extra assistance or if they have any questions. I can also be
available on other days by appointment. The student is asked to please notify me in advance if they plan to stay
after school so we can determine when and where to meet.
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY: Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and
presenting material which demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades (in other
words the student should not do anything to make me suspect them of cheating). Such standards are founded on
the basic concepts of honesty and integrity. If a student submits any work where it is considered cheating (sharing
work with other students, copying from book or internet, etc.), the student will receive a zero for the assignment, a
phone call to the parents and a referral to the office.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me between 6:55-7:15am and 2:30-3:30 pm at
(919) 570-5600 (school number) or e-mail me anytime at srybarczyk@yahoo.com. I will generally return
phone and email messages within 24 hours during the school week.