Walter Newcomb
IB Social Studies Teacher
Girls Soccer Varsity Assistant
Park High School 8040 80th St. S Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Classroom 236
Phone Number - (651) 768-5751 Email - wnewcomb@swc833.org

History is more than the study of the past. It is the process of recording, reconstructing and interpreting the past through the investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives people an understanding of themselves and others in relation to the world, both past and present. Students of history should learn how the discipline works. It is an exploratory subject that poses questions without providing definitive answers. In order to understand the past, students must engage with it both through exposure to primary historical sources and through the work of historians. Historical study involves both selection and interpretation of data and critical evaluation of it. Students of history should appreciate the relative nature of historical knowledge and understanding, as each generation reflects its own world and preoccupations and as more evidence emerges. A study of history both requires and develops an individual’s understanding of, and empathy for, people living in other periods and contexts.

The Diploma Programme history provides both structure and flexibility, fostering an understanding of major historical events in a global context. It requires students to make comparisons between similar and dissimilar solutions to common human situations, whether they be political, economic or social. It invites comparisons between, but not judgments of, different cultures, political systems and national traditions. The content of the history course is intrinsically interesting and it is hoped that many students who follow it will become fascinated with the discipline, developing a lasting interest in it, whether or not they continue to study it formally. The international perspective in Diploma Programme history provides a sound platform for the promotion of international understanding and, inherently, the intercultural awareness necessary to prepare students for global citizenship. Above all, it helps to foster respect and understanding of people and events in a variety of cultures throughout the world.

History of the Americas is a two year course. During year one of the course students will focus three topics: U.S. Civil War, Civil Rights and Social Movements in the Americas, and Into the 21st Century from the 1980s to 2000. During year two of the course students will focus on one prescribed subjects: Communism in Crisis, 1976-1989 and three topics: Causes, Practices, and Effects of War, the Cold War, and Authoritarian and Single Party States.

Unit I: Independence Movements
Unit II: Nation-Building & Challenges
Unit III: US Civil War (1840-1877)
Unit IV: Development of Modern Nations (1865-1929)
Unit V: Emergence of Americans (1880-1929)
Unit VI: The Mexican Revolution
Unit VII: Great Depression (1929-1939)
Unit VIII: The Second World War and Americas (1933-1945)
Unit IX: Political Development in Americas (1945-1979)
Unit X: Civil Rights and Social Movements
*** Internal Assessment ***
Unit XI: Cold War (1945-1981)
Unit XII: Into the 21st Century (1980-2000)

You will need to use MLA format for your Internal Assessment.

There are excellent resource materials located on Mr. Newcomb's Delicious Website and IB Organization Website!

The internal assessment is an integral part of the course.  It enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are often associated with written examinations.  The internal assessment will be worth 30% of your trimester grade.

ENJOY THE ENLIGHTENMENT!

IB 20th Century World History is the second part of a two year course. During year one of the course students will focus three topics: U.S. Civil War, Civil Rights and Social Movements in the Americas, and Into the 21st Century from the 1980s to 2000. During year two of the course students will focus on one prescribed subject: Communism in Crisis, 1976-1989 and three topics: Causes, Practices, and Effects of Wars, The Cold War, and Authoritarian and Single Party States.

Morever, IB Diploma candidates will be expected to take the three exams associated with the course: Papers 1, 2, and 3. These exams will typically occur in May. Paper 1 will focus on the Prescribed Subject - Communism in Crisis. The exam will have four questions related to the five sources. Paper 2 will focus on at least two 20th Century World History topics - Causes, Practices, and Effects of Wars, The Cold War, and/or Authoritarian and Single-party States.The exam may have other subjects/ topics. However, students will have an opportunity to pick the question(s) they want to answer. Paper 3 will focus on the History of the Americas topics - Civil War, Civil Rights & Social Movements, and Into the 21st Century.The exam may have other subjects/ topics. However, students will have an opportunity to pick the question(s) they want to answer.

Course Framework:

Trimester I:

Unit I: Causes, Practices, and Effects of Wars (Topic) - 36 Days

Unit II: The Cold War (Topic) - 24 Days

Trimester II:

Unit II: The Cold War (Topic) - 11 Days

Unit III: Authoritarian and Single-Party States (Topic) - 35 Days

Unit IV: Communism in Crisis, 1976-1989 (Prescribed Subject) - 12 Days

Trimester III:

Unit IV: Communism in Crisis, 1976-1989 (Prescribed Subject) - 24 Days

Unit V: IB Practicum - Papers 1, 2, and 3 - 14 Days

Unit VI: Contemporary Issues - 13 Days

IB History Aims The aims of this course are to:

1. Promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations.

2. Encourage an understanding of the present through critical reflection upon the past.

3. Encourage an understanding of the impact of historical developments at national, regional and international levels.

4. Develop an awareness of one's own historical identity through the study of the historical experiences of different cultures. You will need to use MLA format for any major writing assignment.

You will have an opportunity to blog at Nuke's blog - click on links for a direct link or http://nukeshistory.edublogs.org

There are excellent resource materials located on Mr. Newcomb's Delicious Website and IB Organization Website!

The History Club promotes the study of History on campus. Students engage in analyzing, researching, and understanding the various layers of History.

The History Club is open to any student who has an appreciation or interest in History.

The History Club engages in the following activities:

- History Day
- Magical History Tour
- Tour local cultural and historical sites and organizations
- Historical discussion
- Promote the understanding of history!
- And more……………

There are excellent resource materials located on:
- Mr. Newcomb's Delicious Website
- Minnesota History Center
- National History Day
- National History Club
- National History Bowl
- National History Bee

Park High School
Walter Newcomb