Global Studies th 9 Grade

Course syllabus
Magen David Yeshiva
Instructor: Joseph Naftaly

Course overview:

Global History exposes students to significant events in human history, from the earliest unrecorded times to the present. The relationship of the past to the present and the cause-and-effect aspects of history are emphasized in this course. The interrelationship between geography, economics, government, behavior sciences, and history are strongly emphasized through an examination of the events which comprise the human experience.

Skills to be emphasized:
Please Note: On a yearly basis I encounter students that exhibit deficiencies in critical reading skills, an ability to write clearly and concisely, and to have an acceptable level of basic knowledge of U.S. and world history and geography. While this course will cover a wide range historical subjects and critical skills, strong and consistent emphasis will be placed on rectifying these deficiencies. Critical reading and note taking skills: 1. Students will be assigned textbook readings to be done in class and homework. They will follow a two-step process of highlighting and take notes on these readings and answer questions that challenge and test their critical understanding of the material. 2. Primary texts will be used as a means of aiding students in understanding how history is constructed, and how opposing views of the same historical events become dueling realities. (Case-in-point: U.S. soundly defeats Iraq in first Gulf War Saddam Hussein views it as a victory for Iraq because he was not deposed). Analyzing information and developing opinions: 1. Information is presented to us in a multitude of ways including print media, television, the internet and radio in the form of maps, graphs, tables, and cartoons all of which we use to develop our views and opinions. As such the ability to use these mediums critically is paramount to the development of opinions devoid of outside manipulation. The content of the course will aid students develop these critical skills. Specifically, we will analyze the following: a. b. c. d. Newspaper clippings Political cartoons Political campaigns commercials News broadcasts radio and television

2. Organizing information: Through the course of our studies students will develop the following additional skills: 1. Learning to distinguish fact from opinion 2. Understanding chronology 3. Contextualizing information 4. Recognizing historical trends 5. Recognizing bias and stereotypes 6. Factually defending an opinion

Course Focus: a. Ancient Civilizations, Greece, and Rome b. Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African Civilizations c. Middle Ages d. Renaissance and Reformation e. Absolute Monarchs f. French Revolution g. Imperialism

Examinations: 1. There will be a full period exam every two chapters. 2. There will be periodic quizzes on homework material, geography, and vocabulary

Projects: Archeological dig: we plan on recreating an actual dig site in Brooklyn. Students will partake in the actual digging and examining the artifacts found and writing up reports of their findings. Students will be writing a seven page research paper in history with nearcollege level standards. There will be a number of short student-directed and produced plays based on historical events throughout the term.

Research Paper:

Plays:

Grading Scale First trimester

Full-Period Examinations Quizzes Class activities Homework Projects New York Times

25% 10% 15% 20% 20% 10%