My main goal is that throughout this course you develop your knowledge of world history and practice the key skills of analysis, inquiry, and reflection on your learning. This course is organized into weekly Modules organized around a particular theme and historical period.
Consistency around expectations—both yours and mine—will be key for our success this summer. Each Module will follow roughly the same pattern and each kind of assignment will be due regularly on that day.
Phoebe and Joey from Friends talk step by step through the phrase “It’s okay to ask for help” except that Joey says “I have to do it all myself” at the end. source
I understand that it can be hard or scary to reach out for clarification or to check-in on your progress. But this is key to success in this class and in many situations beyond. I am happy to meet or chat with you about your own learning and your thoughts on the topics and materials we cover and to answer questions big and small about the assignments.
If life gets overwhelming during the course (as it easily can these days), it can be tempting to drift away from a survey course like this. I’m no stranger to procrastination (I clean, cook, or listen to “educational” podcasts when avoiding), having classes go sideways on me, and scrambling to survive.
I won’t judge you for this, or think less of you as a student and person. The more we communicate ahead of deadlines or through challenging moments, the more options there are for us to work together toward your success in this class.
You are welcome to share what’s going on with me if you wish, but you never need to disclose personal information with me to try to convince me that you matter.
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All the details for how to contact me through text, email, or a meeting is on the course homepage in D2L as a pinned Announcement! In general, the more specific your question can be, the better I can answer.
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For small questions, text or email is best. Examples of small questions include:
For questions about grades, feedback, or clarifying assignment instructions, email or a meeting is best. Examples of these kinds of questions include:
For questions about your progress in class, a meeting is usually fastest and easiest to get you clarity on how to move forward.
This class invites you to take an active role in your learning. You will have the chance to take what you learn both about world history and digital literacy and research skills and practice putting them to use in a range of different activities. This class emphasizes building knowledge and skills through practice and giving/receiving feedback on places to improve. This is not a class where I ask you to only memorize and repeat back to me what I or the assignment materials said.