My 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 focused on a particular theme. Modules start on Mondays and end the following Monday.
Consistency around expectations —both yours and mine—will be key for our success this semester. Each kind of assignment will be due regularly on a particular day and follow this sequence:
PROJECTS: There will be 3 projects focused on different historical topics and forms of analysis. Each project will be doable within 1 week.
TEACHING PROJECT: This is a slightly larger project in the format of your choosing, and will explore a topic within the class scope, conduct a small amount of additional research, and present your findings. I’ll provide models and feedback to help clarify scope and expectations for the project later in the second half of the semester. You will have an opportunity to revise your interpretive project once to improve your assessment.
FINAL REFLECTION PORTFOLIO: This is the summative activity for the class. For this final assignment, students will select key work from throughout the semester and narrate your trajectory learning about world history and developing historical thinking and learning skills.
I understand that it can be daunting 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 your circumstances are worth considering.
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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: