This year-long course is designed to take students through World History, beginning with early human societies and river valley civilizations.
Our main focus will be on the following:
Highlights how civilizations influenced one another (e.g., trade along the Silk Roads, spread of religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam).
Covers major developments in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Examines processes like empire-building, technological innovation, industrialization, colonialism, and globalization.
We will move through classical empires, post-classical trade networks, early modern global exchange, and modern revolutions. We will conclude with contemporary global issues.
We will also heavily explore the rise of Islam and how modern day caliphates affect us in the United States.
It is imperative that required course materials be purchased before the class begins. There is also an expectation and an adherence to the reading which is required every week, so that each student may participate in class discussions and be prepared for the learning we will cover each week. There will be some coursework assigned most weeks for completion at home.
Texts we will be using:
Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past. Sixth Edition. Bentley, Ziegler, and Streets-Salter. ISBN: 9780076681280
The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror. Author: Bernard Lewis
Payment Information
The cost of this course is $260 per semester, plus a $20 material fee for copies and other classroom supplies.
The material fee is collected during the registration period.
The material fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Parent Partnership
Parents play a vital role in encouraging and supporting their students as they learn to manage assignments and develop strong study habits. Your encouragement, structure at home, and positive communication about school make a meaningful difference in your student’s success.
Parents are always welcome to contact me with any questions, concerns, or clarification needed throughout the year.
Student Responsibility
To get the most out of our class time together, students are expected to take ownership of their learning by:
Writing down all assigned coursework during class
Completing assigned coursework at home (homework) in a timely and thoughtful manner
Checking Google Classroom regularly to confirm what is expected to be completed at home
There is never a reason for a student to be unsure of what has been assigned. Between in-class directions, Google Classroom, emails, and TeachHero updates, expectations will always be clearly communicated.
Learning to track assignments and follow through is an important life skill, and I am excited to help students build that confidence this year.
Classroom Culture & Expectations
I strive to create a positive, fun, and engaging learning atmosphere in our classroom. At the same time, a strong learning environment requires students to be respectful of one another and focused during instruction.
This means that when I am speaking or giving directions, students are expected to listen attentively, avoid side conversations, and stay on task. Social time is valued and will be integrated into activities, but it should never take away from learning time.
By working together to keep our classroom focused, respectful, and encouraging, we create a space where every student can learn well, feel supported, and truly enjoy the process.
I am very excited to partner with you this year, especially in a subject I have such a passion for! Please feel free to reach out if you need anything!
Sarah Majeske
[email protected] (quickest response time) or [email protected]