1. Mr. Younger’s World History Syllabus
Home: (530) 534-5959
Instructor Mr. Justin Younger Phone
Cell: (530) 519-5832
Office Las Plumas High School rm.1205 E-mail welderjustin@hotmail.com
Office Mon & Wed: 2:15 – 4:00pm
Hours Tues, Thurs, & Fri: 3:15 – 4:00pm
What are we going to learn?
Though the main focus of this class begins with the late 1700’s, the first goal is for students to learn
how the philosophies of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Christians influenced the
development of Western political thought.
Then students will learn how the early ideas of individual rights and democracy progressed from
the late 1700’s to the present day, as well as how modern day conflicts across the world (such as
the Rwandan Genocide and fighting between Israelis and Palestinians) have their roots in the past.
Students will also learn from the historical example of the United States that democratic ideals are
often achieved at a high cost, are vulnerable to attack, and are not practiced everywhere in the
world.
Students will learn to develop an awareness of world events as well as the historical, geographical,
political, economic, and social importance of those events.
In order to understand how and why countries interact with each other in certain ways students will
learn that world events may be viewed from a variety of different perspectives depending upon
the country in which you live.
What supplies will you need to succeed?
Pens (blue or black only)
Highlighters
#2 pencils
3 ring binder, dividers, and plenty of paper
Ink for your home printer
Art supplies (colored pencils, pens, crayons, etc.)
Black Sharpie
Basic calculator
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2. What if a problem comes up?
I realize that sometimes things happen that are outside of your control and sometimes you
just plain forget stuff. (Happens to me all the time) To help you during these stressful times I will
give you four passes that you will be able to use for a variety of things like using the bathroom,
getting an extra day on an assignment, etc. But be warned: if you use all of your passes
things like going to the bathroom during class time will require you to either spend some
detention time with me or receive an intervention. If you receive a detention with me, you
must serve it within two days or I will take ten points off of your grade.
I know that some of the things that come up in your life might require you to miss class
(doctor’s appointment, illness, family emergency, etc.) However, we have a huge amount of
material to cover in the span of 180 days, so please try to keep your absences to a minimum.
While I do not take points away for unexcused absences, if you miss a lot of class it will be
very hard for you to stay caught up and I guarantee your grade will suffer. Please note there
may possibly be a reward at the end of the semester for students who miss no more than
three days of class . . . .
How do I grade?
1. Every student receives five grades during the semester. These include: two progress
reports, two quarter grades, and a final semester grade. It is the semester grade that
becomes permanent and goes on your official transcript.
2. The grading scale is as follows: A = +88%, B = 87-78%, C = 77-68%, D = 67-58%, F = -57%
3. All tests, many assignments, and most projects are assigned a point value according
to difficulty and time invested. (Each unit also carries extra credit opportunities to
help students who might not be strong in all areas of academic performance)
4. Late homework will be accepted for reduced credit.
5. Missed quizzes, tests, videos, or assignments may be made up before school, at
lunch, or after school on the day you return. Any assignment that was due on the
day you were absent is due the period you return, unless prior arrangements have
been made. If you have read and understand this policy sign here: ________________
6. Calendars and point sheets will be provided to assist you in becoming more
organized and self-reliant. Please store these papers in your 3-ring binder or in your
portfolio. ***PARENTS! PLEASE ASK TO SEE THESE REGULARLY!!!***
7. Only write in blue or black ink and/or pencil
8. PLEASE write your name on all assignments. Tests, projects, and homework turned in
without a name will receive a zero.
9. Students who copy or plagiarize, as well as students who give their work to others to
be copied will be given a zero for the assignment and will be assigned Saturday
school.
Stay current!
- Students will be asked to watch the news or read the newspaper to stay current on
local, national, and global issues. We will watch and then discuss the news at least
three times a week on issues ranging from politics, sports, pop culture, catastrophes,
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3. etc.
Will there be homework?
Homework is a very important part of understanding the vast amount of information we will
be covering in this class. Students will usually be assigned homework four nights a week.
Much of the homework will involve the completion of unit packets that correspond to the
textbook. These packets are not difficult to complete if you work on them a little every night.
However, if you wait till the last minute and try to complete the whole thing in one shot I
promise you will find it difficult.
Is this teacher strict?
Las Plumas High School states that its goal is to require students to be safe, responsible, and
respectful. My classroom rules are a simple extension of the goals of the school and a way for
me to not only teach historical facts, but to teach students how to be productive, well-
rounded, contributing citizens of a democratic society.
1. Students will treat each other with respect and kindness
2. Tardiness will not be tolerated
3. Turn off cell phones and music players before entering class
4. Students in my class will follow the school dress code
5. No one will interrupt someone who is speaking
Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Intervention notice
3. Referral to vice-principal’s office
Students have six steps of discipline in my classroom. After all six steps in my room have been
exhausted, students will move onto the school’s discipline step plan. A full explanation of the
school discipline policy can be found at: http://www.lphs.ouhsd.org/
I have read and understand this document: ______________________________________(parent)
______________________________________(student)
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