Syllabus
Ms. Veronica Hetler
2014-2015
Room 227
Northside College
Preparatory High School
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 773.534.3954
Website - Link
A child demonstrates in Tahrir Square.
Click for source.
World Studies Course Description
World Studies is a survey course that introduces
the student to the last 500 years of history of the
following regions of the world: Europe, Latin
America, Africa, and Asia. Beyond the study of
the history of these places, though, is the
integrated study of other aspects of these
regions: geography, economic systems, political
institutions, and social structure.
Essentially, you
will learn to read,
write, think, and
discuss like a
social scientist.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this course, students will:
 Understand, analyze, and compare political systems, economic systems, and social systems
of various regions and countries.
 Understand and analyze events, individuals, and movements shaping various nations.
 Demonstrate knowledge of world geography, as well as gain an understanding of the effects
of geography on society.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16716089
World Studies is NOT a
chronological history
course. Rather, the
class incorporates
themes that will be used
as parameters by
students over the course
of the year to think
conceptually about the
past and the present.
Power, Politics, and Authority
Culture and Social Structures
Demographic Changes
Economic Transformations
Environment
Globalization
Revolution and Reform
Religion
Slavery & Its Legacies in Worldwide
War and Diplomacy
Texts
Various handouts, primary sources, secondary sources, maps, etc.
The Heritage of World Civilizations by Albert M. Craig et. al., used primarily as reference
Assessment
The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David.
Click for source.
You will be assessed on content
mastery as well as the mastery of
skills. There may be a few times
when you experience a bit of a
grade shock- but remember,
grades are mostly in flux. They
change from day to day. It is not
all about tests and essays; there
are plenty of times when just
earnestly and willingly talking
about social studies and current
events in class will be
recognized. Try not to be overly
connected to your grade. I will
never judge you as a person by
the grade you make on any
assignment. Nevertheless, grades
do exist, and sometimes it
requires hard work to achieve
the grade you want.
Grade Distribution
Grades are based on points accumulated. Students
will not receive a letter-grade on assignments but
rather a point value. At the end of the marking
period, the number of total points accumulated
will be converted to a percentage and a letter-grade
will be assigned.
Grading
Scale
A= 90-100
B=80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= 0-59
How the Point System Works
A semester exam could be worth about 200 points. A
typical test, paper, or project would be worth about 100
points. Quizzes, homework, articles responses, and class
participation would be worth 5-30 points, depending on
the assignment. To figure your grade, add up the points
you have earned on all of your assignments, and then
divide by the total points made available to you on those
assignments. You can access your grade at any time via
the web portal.
Reading and Writing
Assignments & Activities
Reading and writing form the
backbone of this class. You
must read all assignments: they
come from all kinds of places.
They will be online or in print,
formal or informal, and often
challenging. As you read, you
will learn and sharpen your
abilities to make your own
notes, questions, and comments
so that you may better process,
Genghis Khan watches in amazement at understand, and build upon the
the crossing of the Indus. Click for
information. If you do not
source.
understand something or are
having trouble understanding the information you found
in the readings, do not hesitate to ask me about it, either
in class, after class, or by email. Additionally, writing is a
major part of this class. Like the readings, it will take
many forms: formal essays, informal writing exercises,
blogging, tweeting, journaling, thesis writing, analyzing
primary sources, etc. There are few limits to how a social
science student can engage in his or her studies in the
written form.
Assignments & Activities
World Studies and Technology
Social scientists try to use all the tools available to them to better
understand the world around them. As such, we will harness the
power of technology to expand our understanding of history,
geography, economics, political science, and culture. We will use
Google Apps to collaborate and brainstorm, we will use blogs and
social media to communicate beyond the walls of our classroom, and
we will use storytelling and digital publishing platforms to share our
work with others. We will also use books, paper, pens, maps,
newspapers and verbal conversational skills, however, because human
communication still happens the old-fashioned way, too.
Daily Activities
Supplies and Class Preparation
To be prepared for our class:
A great social
science student
comes to class
with questions,
comments, and
opinions about
the readings or
materials. These
questions can
be addressed to
the teacher,
partners, or,
better yet, the
whole class.
 Arrive with a good attitude in addition to a charged
Chromebook and charger.
 Organize your digital materials into a World Studies Google
Drive folder with sub-folders organized by unit
 Have a small folder or binder to collect the few paper items
you may accumulate during class
 Have something to write with, pens and pencils
 Have access to digital readings and materials, your textbooks
can stay at home or in your locker until told we will need them
in class
 Submit any assignments as instructed prior to the end of
passing period, most assignments are submitted digitally unless otherwise instructed
Academic Integrity
Cheating is unacceptable. While I encourage the use of study groups and
collaborative learning, you should be using these sessions as a way to learn from each
other- not to do work for one another. All written work must be your own, and when
you incorporate another’s ideas and thoughts, you will learn how to cite properly. We
will spend some time in class discussing the difference between collaboration and
cheating.
Plagiarism is a serious form of cheating and will be handled according to the student
handbook. Plagiarism occurs when you try to present work as your own that is
actually someone else’s. Every single bit of research that you conduct must be cited in
MLA format (see MLA format guides), and anything that you write without citing
must be your own thoughts and ideas. So, if you use a website, a text, a song, a film,
or any source other than your own brain, you should be citing your sources. I don’t
expect you to be an encyclopedia of knowledge; I expect that you will have to research
many pieces of information and sources of inspiration; therefore I expect that I will
see many source citations. NCP and I take plagiarism very seriously.
Absences and Late Work – Please Read Carefully
I accept late work for full credit only in the case of an excused absence. When absent,
I expect that you will be responsible for checking the course web-site and class session
notes in addition to emailing me for any additional clarification or accommodations. To
receive credit for missed work, you must submit your assignments your first day back to
school, not back to class, unless you have made alternative arrangements with me. Please
know that I am flexible, as long as you have taken the initiative to contact me. An
important point to note is that in order for your absences to be excused, it is
essential that you submit your parent/guardian’s NOTE (i.e. no phone calls) to the
attendance office the day you return to school. If you are absent on a test or quiz date,
you will make-up the test or quiz during the next class session. If you miss more than two
tests during the year, I will request a meeting with you and your counselor and any future
missed tests will be essay in format.
In the case of planned absences like doctor’s appointments or early dismissals for sporting
events, assignments should be submitted early. You should also check the session notes
for in-class makeup assignments and complete any assigned homework. Please let me know
of these absences as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements for you. I
am available to sign dismissal slips before school, during advisory and over lunch but please
avoid having me sign then right when we are starting class as it may be too late at that point
to make the best adjustments for you.
In the case of an unexcused absence or cut, you will receive a zero for missed
assignments of any kind. Regardless of the credit received, you are always encouraged to
submit assignments for feedback and critique.
As I have been teaching World Studies since 2005, I recognize that 9th grade is a year of
great transition and adjustment for many students. I also know that life happens! You will
get busy and you will on occasion forget things. That’s okay and human! As a result,
assignments submitted late for ANY reason other than an excused absence will receive
partial credit (grade x 60%). Partial credit is available up to one class period past the
original assignment due date. I hope this policy aids in stress reduction but does not result
in habitual late submissions. To that end, you may receive partial credit for up to THREE
assignments during the academic year.
Classroom Atmosphere
This classroom should be comfortable
for anyone, yet be organized for
learning experiences. To ensure this:
 All students should feel
welcome and free to express
their opinions and ideas
 All class members should give
respect to our peers. Many
times there will be
disagreements and arguments,
but let that not impede good
graces and manners
 Class begins when the music
stops- begin the daily warm-up
activity as soon as the music
stops (or before, if you want)
 Homework is always due at
the beginning of class- check
the message on the board for
instructions every class
 Students must show up on
time and prepared- with your
Chromebook, assignments and
readings
Class Preparation &
Willingness
For this class to operate as a
discussion and activity-based
class, you need to prepare.
Read! But also be willing to
take intellectual risks- play
devil’s advocate, debate your
classmates (and your teacher),
draw parallels to other times
and places, and ask questions.
Don’t be afraid to possibly be
proven wrong or find yourself
on the losing side of an
argument; conversely, don’t be
afraid to lead your peers and
teachers to new ideas or
opinions.
A NOTE ON GRADE DISCUSSION AND HELP
I will always be willing to discuss your grade on an assignment with you if you
make an appointment or come see me before/after school. You will generally
always know your grade by dividing the possible points from the year by points
you have earned on your assignment. I am also always willing to help you if you
are struggling in class. Feel free to stop by my room to see if I’m free- and if not,
feel free to make an appointment with me or register for my weekly Y period
study session.
A NOTE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND ASSIGNMENTS
This is the 1:1 class; much of our work this year will involve digital work in some
fashion. This doesn’t mean, however, that there will not be technology issues.
But it also doesn’t mean that I will not stick by my late work policy. The basic rule
of thumb is to not freak out as there are some simple strategies to deal with
Chromebook when technology is not cooperating:
1. In the event of a computer crisis, do your work on paper, handwritten if
necessary, or using a different computer. You can email or share your
homework (BEFORE CLASS) from Google Drive. If you have some
kind of tech issue, then I will accept your work on paper or an early email.
2. Check the course web-site or Google Classroom to see the homework.
Remember homework is also covering in the class presentations and
Session Notes that are shared with you. If for some reason your Drive
isn’t working and you can’t remember the homework, simply check my
website. If you need something specific (like a document from class) and
it’s not on the website, email me or a classmate for a copy.
3. Communicate! Email, email, email. If you don’t tell me you’re having an
issue, I won’t know. I cannot solve your tech problems like the tech
department can, but I CAN help you navigate how you will complete
homework, projects, studying etc. if your technology fails you.
About Me:
Most of all, I love to learn and I love people. I hope that you get
that sense as a student in one of my courses. In terms of my
background, I was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at KI
Sawyer Air Force Base. I knew about Polar Vortexes (or Vortices –
I just learned that both are correct in writing this) before they were
a thing in Chicago. My dad was a navigator for B-52 bomber planes
during the Cold War and he still does defense work for the
government, what exactly I am not sure, it is classified. My
awesome Italian mom has a very French name, Marie Antoinette,
and I have an older sister Helen Marie and three younger brothers,
all whose names begin with the letter J. I did my undergraduate
studies at Northwestern University and majored in History and
Anthropology. Due to family issues at the time, I also worked fulltime and put myself through school. After college I worked in
Marketing and Communications for four years where I met my
husband Jay. I returned to grad school and received my MSEd
from Northwestern in 2005. Since that time we have lived in the
Rogers Park neighborhood. I also have a little boy who is five years
old and a daughter who is one. We share our home with some
adopted pets including three birds and a dog. For fun I love to
cook, play games, read, run and do yoga.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 773.534.3954
Web-Site:
http://northsideprep.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?u
REC_ID=539148&type=u&termREC_ID=&pR
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