Contemorary World Issues
CWI
CONTEMORARY WORLD ISSUES
“Family, Process and Goals”
Teacher:Mr. Jeffrey W. Lang
Phone: 256-428-8050 ext. 247
Email:
Room: 247
Class: Monday – Friday
Period 1 Aday 8:30 – 9:01
Bday 8:30 – 9:01
Period 2 Aday 10:03 – 11.31
Bday 10:03 – 11:31
RATIONALE/GOAL:
Students in Contemporary Issues classes will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas. Student will also acquire the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom. They will acquire and utilize higher order thinking skills to recognize and solve problems; and to make decisions and act as responsible members of society.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will cover the current issues in the World and the United States. Students will read articles in various magazines, newspapers and student publications. They will analyze and synthesize these articles and use them as a basis for discussion. They will also view videos on news programs and evaluate them practicing and utilizing the aforementioned skills.
Department Goals for HHS Contemporary World Issues Students:
- Produce students with the ability and desire to become great American citizens.
- Foster independent thinking based on sound reasoning skills
- Acquire and communicate information effectively and accurately
- Use history as a vehicle to understand and partake in the present and future
- Know Thyself- as an individual and as a member of many communities
Teaching Philosophy/Words of Wisdom from Teacher
Educationis a lifelongprocess of learning about newunderstanding and beliefs. Teaching is giving them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love themselves.I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the students and makes learning relevant to life. I will incorporate themes, projects, group work, and individual work in order to make students active learners. Teachers Give grades. Students earn grades.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research.
2. Conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas.
3. Use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information.
4. Evaluate the accuracy of information and the reliability of its sources.
5. Organize data, information and ideas into useful forms (including charts, graphs, and outlines) for
analysis and presentation.
6. Apply acquired information and ideas to different contexts in the school, the workplace and everyday
life.
7. Review and revise communications to improve accuracy and clarity.
8. Exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing the perspectives of others.
9. Use technological tools to exchange information and ideas.
10. Identify problems and define their scope and elements.
11. Develop and apply strategies based on ways others have prevented or solved problems.
Develop and apply strategies based on one’s own experience in preventing or solving problems.
13. Examine problems and proposed solutions from multiple perspectives.
14. Evaluate the extent to which a strategy addresses the problem.
15. Assess costs, benefits and other consequences of proposed solutions.
16. Explain reasoning and identify information used to support decisions.
17. Analyze the duties and responsibilities of individuals in societies.
Identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks.
Identify and apply practices that preserve and enhance the safety and health of self and others.
20. Explore and prepare for educational and job opportunities.
21.The use of tools of social science inquiry (such as surveys, statistics, maps, documents)
COURSE LEVEL OUTLINE:
Contemporary Issue's topics will change from year to year. Students will read current newspapers and magazines. Students will view magazine shows on TV and discuss the current issues covered in these stories. This class is very inclusive and heavily student driven therefore students will suggest topics or bring in articles they would like to discuss.
Academic Integrity
When you turnmaterial in late, it must beaccompanied by a note from you indicating the exact time and date the paper was turned in. This way, there is no question or doubt about the time and day thematerial was turned in. Students formally acknowledge the work was late and therefore accept any penalties. Lack of Academic Integrity (any variety of cheating) will result in a score of a zero. We will continuously address the importance of integrity
Grading Distribution and Procedures
Grading Formula: (per HCS)
60% Summative Assessment (performance based assessments, labs, projects, writing assessment, all of which directly reflect course standards.)
30% In-Class assignments that directly reflect course standards
10% Homework
If any student does not complete an assignment a “1” will be used as a placeholder in INow. The student has until the next test to make up a missing or late assignment. The highest possible grade that can be earned is a 70%.
CLASSROOM DECORUM
For every student to have a maximum learning opportunity he or she needs to be focused, responsible and timely. To assure a pleasant learning environment these rules will be followed:
*Once you come into the classroom for class you are to stay.
*You should be seated in your assigned seat and prepared when the bell rings.
*Be sure you have your book, homework, notebook, paper, 2 writing implements, etc. with you in class every day. *(TEST’S TAKEN IN PEN)
*While the teacher/student is speaking, no one else should be talking or out of
his/her seat..
*ALWAYS Keep working until the bell rings and the teacher dismisses the class.
*No gum or food in class. *** Water only!!!
*Attendance: Absences and tardiesWILL be enforced! Refer to all HCS policies.
*Always respect yourself, teachers and classmates at all times.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
~Winston Churchill