World Civilizations – Course Syllabus (2019 – 2020)
Mr. Maas
Website: https://plhsmrmaas.com/
Email: pmaas@paplv.org
Welcome to Papillion La Vista High School and World Civilizations. I hope that you will find this class
interesting, informative, and fun. You will be working very hard to develop new skills and understanding new
concepts this year. I strongly believe in challenging students through a variety of activities. This syllabus will
give you information about how to become a productive member of my classroom.
Content:
This course covers world civilizations from the end of the medieval period to modern times with a review of
ancient and medieval times. This course traces ten themes through history: geography, economic
organization, politics and law, war and diplomacy, technology, religion, philosophy, science and arts, social
relations, and cross-cultural interaction. The following regions will be explored: European Countries, China
and Japan, India and Africa, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, along with the Americas.
Students will be able to compare and contrast different revolutions, causes and effects of war, while looking at
how culture changes throughout time.
Unit I: Review and connect past learnings
Unit II: Renaissance and Reformation
Unit III: Exploration and Colonization
CSA 1
Unit IV: Absolutism in Europe
Unit V: Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, American and French Rev.
Unit VI: Napoleon and Resulting Revolutions
CSA 2
Unit VII: Industrial Revolution
Unit VIII: Nationalism and Imperialism
Unit IX: Russia and World War I
Unit X: Post War Nationalism
Unit XI: Totalitarianism
CSA 3
Unit XII: World War II
Unit XIII: The Cold War
CSA 4
Content/Learning:
Students will understand that: (just to name a few)
There were multiple events that prepare Europe for the beginning of the Renaissance.
European interaction with the Eastern world altered the economy of Europe.
conflict with the East spurred technological and intellectual change throughout Europe.
There were multiple concurrent causes of the Renaissance.
The characteristics of the Renaissance were different from those of the Middle Ages.
art of the Renaissance was reflective of the many cultural changes occurring during the Renaissance.
Intellectual changes that occurred during the Renaissance had a direct impact upon the Catholic Church and led to the Reformation.
Native peoples were vulnerable for a variety of reasons.
Technological advances were necessary in order for European exploration to be successful.
Motives for European colonization included economic reasons, religious reasons, and personal factors.
Interaction with the New World had both positive and negative effects that affected both the New World and the Old World.
Philip II extended Spain’s power and established a golden age.
France became the leading power of Europe under the absolute rule of Louis IV.
The British Parliament asserted its rights against royal claims to absolute power in the 1600s.
The Austrian and Prussian empires emerged from the Thirty Years’ War and subsequent events.
Discoveries in science lead to a new way of thinking for Europeans.
Enlightenment philosophers had an effect on government and society.
The spread of Enlightenment ideas across Europe resulted in political and cultural changes.
Enlightenment ideas lead to the independence and founding of the United States of America.
Napoleon rose to power out of the chaos of the French Revolution.
Napoleon’s defeat and its resolution still impact Europe today.
For a number of reasons, Britain was the first nation to industrialize.
Industrialization altered the growth of population, population centers, future growth of technology, and
transportation systems within industrialized nations.
Skills:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate reasoned judgment.
Read and interpret charts, graphs and political cartoons.
Distinguish between fact and opinion.
Read and analyze scholarly work in the field of political science.
Organize and present original ideas in oral and written work.
Develop critical thinking skills that analyze the challenges we face in the world.
Develop note-taking skills, as well as organizational, presentation, and cooperative skills that will support and enhance the social studies curriculum.
Develop technology, writing, and research skills that will enhance the social studies curriculum.
The following should be brought to class everyday:
Course manuals/books
Three-ring binder with dividers
Lined paper
Pencils, black or blue pens, and highlighters
PLHS planner
At the top of all assignments students should include full name (first and last) & period.
Classroom Environment:
In our diverse class and school environment, peers and resources may reflect cultures, beliefs, or values
different from your own. The following will be observed:
Respect the opinions and rights of others. This class involves many group activities and discussions. It is ok to disagree with your classmates, just do so in a respectful manner
Be prepared for class every day. This includes bringing a good attitude, your textbook, notebook/binder,
homework, and any other materials that are required for that day’s activities. Not being prepared for class
wastes everyone’s time and can take away from the activities.
Get here on time. There is no reason to be late to class. If you are late, make sure you have a pass. Excessive
tardies will result in detentions and other disciplinary actions.
Take care of the classroom. Throw your trash away; don’t deface the desks, etc.
Get your work done on time. Due dates will be clear when assignments are given. It is in your best interest to get your work done on time. If you are absent, make sure you find out what you missed the day that you get
back to school. Make up policy is listed in the student handbook and will be followed in this classroom
DO NOT CHEAT! Working together is going to be an important part of this class. Working together on tests
and quizzes, however, will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of cheating as well; don’t do it. Anyone
caught cheating on a test, quiz, or copying someone else’s work will automatically fail that assignment and be
subject to disciplinary action.
Grading Policy:
Grades are based on points earned from all course work, including preparation and participation. Preparation and participation are important aspects of the learning environment and classroom climate. Class
participation includes the quality of the student’s attendance, such as coming to class with materials,
promptness to class, preparation for class through homework, attentiveness, attendance, as well as verbal
participation. Your grade will be separated into Summative and Formative assessments.
Formative assessments (30% of the overall grade) are on-going assessments, reviews, and observations in
the classroom. Teachers use formative assessments to improve instructional methods and student
feedback throughout the teaching and learning process. These assessments include but are not limited to;
homework, activities, quizzes, some projects.
Summative assessments (70% of the overall grade) are to judge student competency after an instructional
phase is complete. Summative assessments are used to determine if students have mastered specific
competencies and to identify instructional areas that need additional attention. These assessments include
but are not limited too; some quizzes, tests, CSA’s, and some projects.
Homework/Classwork/Missing Assignments:
All assignments are expected to be turned in at the beginning of the period on the day they are due.
Assignment due dates are given when the assignment is handed out. Homework turned in on time will be
eligible for full credit. If homework is not completed on time, the assignment can be turned in for partial
credit. Turning in projects and papers late is not recommended. The later the assignment is turned in the less
it is worth. Any work turned in after the unit is completed will not be graded. Students excused for
extracurricular activities or off-campus appointments should turn in their homework beforethey leave the
school or it will be deemed late. All homework assignments should be written in your planner. In case of a
prolonged illness or other extraordinary circumstances, the teacher will have the discretion of adjusting due
dates for assignments and/or tests. Make up tests must be taken outside of class time or during the school-
wide make up days and times. The student must make up a missed test within one week from time of return
from absence. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule and make-up the test.I am very diligent about
returning your work to you in a timely manner. If you do not receive an assignment that you submitted please
see me, it might be missing the required headings (name and period).
Absences:
Students are responsible for knowing what work is assigned during their absence. A student returning to
class from an excused absence must see me about missed work. It is the student’s responsibility to know
which assignments they need to complete. Remember, an absence does not excuse a student from
assignments. The PLHS handbook outlines the policies for making up work in the event of an absence.
Students will receive two days for each day or excused absence to complete their work.
Cell Phones/iPods/iPads:
Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight. In addition, iPods and iPads will not be allowed in class
without teacher approval. First offense is a warning, second offences item will be confiscated with repeat
violators referred to administration.
Food and Drink Policy:
Water is the only acceptable drink in my classroom and it must have a secure lid. If having a drink in class
becomes a distraction or nuisance, the privilege will be taken away. Food is not allowed in class unless there is
a designated food/snack day. Gum is allowed while suckers are not. If gum becomes a distraction or nuisance
this privilege will be taken away.
Your World Civilizations Teacher:
Students are expected to respect themselves and others by being responsible for their words, actions, and
their work. In addition, students are asked to follow all the rules and procedures listed in this syllabus and
more importantly all school policies and procedures set forth in the PLHS Student Handbook. I reserve the
right to add, delete, and make changes to the rules in this classroom as needed.
This class will be as beneficial and enjoyable as you allow. To help students be successful and to help keep
parents aware of what is happening in the classroom, I like to maintain open lines of communication. Students can come in for additional help (room 104), before school (7:30 to 7:50 am – not Wednesdays) or after school
(3:20 – 3:40 pm after 3:40 with appointment). I will inform students ahead of time if I am unable to be around
during these set times due to meetings or personal appointments. If you ever have any questions please feel
free to contact me via email; pmaas@paplv.org, via my website; https://plhsmrmaas.com/ ,or at
Papillion La Vista High School, 402-898-0400
Mr. Maas
Website: https://plhsmrmaas.com/
Email: pmaas@paplv.org
Welcome to Papillion La Vista High School and World Civilizations. I hope that you will find this class
interesting, informative, and fun. You will be working very hard to develop new skills and understanding new
concepts this year. I strongly believe in challenging students through a variety of activities. This syllabus will
give you information about how to become a productive member of my classroom.
Content:
This course covers world civilizations from the end of the medieval period to modern times with a review of
ancient and medieval times. This course traces ten themes through history: geography, economic
organization, politics and law, war and diplomacy, technology, religion, philosophy, science and arts, social
relations, and cross-cultural interaction. The following regions will be explored: European Countries, China
and Japan, India and Africa, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, along with the Americas.
Students will be able to compare and contrast different revolutions, causes and effects of war, while looking at
how culture changes throughout time.
Unit I: Review and connect past learnings
Unit II: Renaissance and Reformation
Unit III: Exploration and Colonization
CSA 1
Unit IV: Absolutism in Europe
Unit V: Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, American and French Rev.
Unit VI: Napoleon and Resulting Revolutions
CSA 2
Unit VII: Industrial Revolution
Unit VIII: Nationalism and Imperialism
Unit IX: Russia and World War I
Unit X: Post War Nationalism
Unit XI: Totalitarianism
CSA 3
Unit XII: World War II
Unit XIII: The Cold War
CSA 4
Content/Learning:
Students will understand that: (just to name a few)
There were multiple events that prepare Europe for the beginning of the Renaissance.
European interaction with the Eastern world altered the economy of Europe.
conflict with the East spurred technological and intellectual change throughout Europe.
There were multiple concurrent causes of the Renaissance.
The characteristics of the Renaissance were different from those of the Middle Ages.
art of the Renaissance was reflective of the many cultural changes occurring during the Renaissance.
Intellectual changes that occurred during the Renaissance had a direct impact upon the Catholic Church and led to the Reformation.
Native peoples were vulnerable for a variety of reasons.
Technological advances were necessary in order for European exploration to be successful.
Motives for European colonization included economic reasons, religious reasons, and personal factors.
Interaction with the New World had both positive and negative effects that affected both the New World and the Old World.
Philip II extended Spain’s power and established a golden age.
France became the leading power of Europe under the absolute rule of Louis IV.
The British Parliament asserted its rights against royal claims to absolute power in the 1600s.
The Austrian and Prussian empires emerged from the Thirty Years’ War and subsequent events.
Discoveries in science lead to a new way of thinking for Europeans.
Enlightenment philosophers had an effect on government and society.
The spread of Enlightenment ideas across Europe resulted in political and cultural changes.
Enlightenment ideas lead to the independence and founding of the United States of America.
Napoleon rose to power out of the chaos of the French Revolution.
Napoleon’s defeat and its resolution still impact Europe today.
For a number of reasons, Britain was the first nation to industrialize.
Industrialization altered the growth of population, population centers, future growth of technology, and
transportation systems within industrialized nations.
Skills:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate reasoned judgment.
Read and interpret charts, graphs and political cartoons.
Distinguish between fact and opinion.
Read and analyze scholarly work in the field of political science.
Organize and present original ideas in oral and written work.
Develop critical thinking skills that analyze the challenges we face in the world.
Develop note-taking skills, as well as organizational, presentation, and cooperative skills that will support and enhance the social studies curriculum.
Develop technology, writing, and research skills that will enhance the social studies curriculum.
The following should be brought to class everyday:
Course manuals/books
Three-ring binder with dividers
Lined paper
Pencils, black or blue pens, and highlighters
PLHS planner
At the top of all assignments students should include full name (first and last) & period.
Classroom Environment:
In our diverse class and school environment, peers and resources may reflect cultures, beliefs, or values
different from your own. The following will be observed:
Respect the opinions and rights of others. This class involves many group activities and discussions. It is ok to disagree with your classmates, just do so in a respectful manner
Be prepared for class every day. This includes bringing a good attitude, your textbook, notebook/binder,
homework, and any other materials that are required for that day’s activities. Not being prepared for class
wastes everyone’s time and can take away from the activities.
Get here on time. There is no reason to be late to class. If you are late, make sure you have a pass. Excessive
tardies will result in detentions and other disciplinary actions.
Take care of the classroom. Throw your trash away; don’t deface the desks, etc.
Get your work done on time. Due dates will be clear when assignments are given. It is in your best interest to get your work done on time. If you are absent, make sure you find out what you missed the day that you get
back to school. Make up policy is listed in the student handbook and will be followed in this classroom
DO NOT CHEAT! Working together is going to be an important part of this class. Working together on tests
and quizzes, however, will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of cheating as well; don’t do it. Anyone
caught cheating on a test, quiz, or copying someone else’s work will automatically fail that assignment and be
subject to disciplinary action.
Grading Policy:
Grades are based on points earned from all course work, including preparation and participation. Preparation and participation are important aspects of the learning environment and classroom climate. Class
participation includes the quality of the student’s attendance, such as coming to class with materials,
promptness to class, preparation for class through homework, attentiveness, attendance, as well as verbal
participation. Your grade will be separated into Summative and Formative assessments.
Formative assessments (30% of the overall grade) are on-going assessments, reviews, and observations in
the classroom. Teachers use formative assessments to improve instructional methods and student
feedback throughout the teaching and learning process. These assessments include but are not limited to;
homework, activities, quizzes, some projects.
Summative assessments (70% of the overall grade) are to judge student competency after an instructional
phase is complete. Summative assessments are used to determine if students have mastered specific
competencies and to identify instructional areas that need additional attention. These assessments include
but are not limited too; some quizzes, tests, CSA’s, and some projects.
Homework/Classwork/Missing Assignments:
All assignments are expected to be turned in at the beginning of the period on the day they are due.
Assignment due dates are given when the assignment is handed out. Homework turned in on time will be
eligible for full credit. If homework is not completed on time, the assignment can be turned in for partial
credit. Turning in projects and papers late is not recommended. The later the assignment is turned in the less
it is worth. Any work turned in after the unit is completed will not be graded. Students excused for
extracurricular activities or off-campus appointments should turn in their homework beforethey leave the
school or it will be deemed late. All homework assignments should be written in your planner. In case of a
prolonged illness or other extraordinary circumstances, the teacher will have the discretion of adjusting due
dates for assignments and/or tests. Make up tests must be taken outside of class time or during the school-
wide make up days and times. The student must make up a missed test within one week from time of return
from absence. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule and make-up the test.I am very diligent about
returning your work to you in a timely manner. If you do not receive an assignment that you submitted please
see me, it might be missing the required headings (name and period).
Absences:
Students are responsible for knowing what work is assigned during their absence. A student returning to
class from an excused absence must see me about missed work. It is the student’s responsibility to know
which assignments they need to complete. Remember, an absence does not excuse a student from
assignments. The PLHS handbook outlines the policies for making up work in the event of an absence.
Students will receive two days for each day or excused absence to complete their work.
Cell Phones/iPods/iPads:
Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight. In addition, iPods and iPads will not be allowed in class
without teacher approval. First offense is a warning, second offences item will be confiscated with repeat
violators referred to administration.
Food and Drink Policy:
Water is the only acceptable drink in my classroom and it must have a secure lid. If having a drink in class
becomes a distraction or nuisance, the privilege will be taken away. Food is not allowed in class unless there is
a designated food/snack day. Gum is allowed while suckers are not. If gum becomes a distraction or nuisance
this privilege will be taken away.
Your World Civilizations Teacher:
Students are expected to respect themselves and others by being responsible for their words, actions, and
their work. In addition, students are asked to follow all the rules and procedures listed in this syllabus and
more importantly all school policies and procedures set forth in the PLHS Student Handbook. I reserve the
right to add, delete, and make changes to the rules in this classroom as needed.
This class will be as beneficial and enjoyable as you allow. To help students be successful and to help keep
parents aware of what is happening in the classroom, I like to maintain open lines of communication. Students can come in for additional help (room 104), before school (7:30 to 7:50 am – not Wednesdays) or after school
(3:20 – 3:40 pm after 3:40 with appointment). I will inform students ahead of time if I am unable to be around
during these set times due to meetings or personal appointments. If you ever have any questions please feel
free to contact me via email; pmaas@paplv.org, via my website; https://plhsmrmaas.com/ ,or at
Papillion La Vista High School, 402-898-0400
