Department Syllabus - Social Studies

Mrs. McGann – 7th grade

I am happy to have you in my class and know that we’re going to have a terrific year together. Please familiarize yourself with the policies below so you know what I expect of you. If you do not understand something or need extra help, please see me...I’m here for you!

Goal: Seventh grade social studies is a world history course which examines civilizations from ancient Rome to the Age of Exploration. Throughout the year, students will explore topics that influenced these societies, including politics, geography, religion, and economics. Students will learn how past events impact our modern world.

Textbooks and Resources: Human Heritage: A World History is the textbook that is the foundation of the class, however, we will be utilizing many resources this year, including books, websites, artwork, video clips, documentaries, and primary sources.

Course Outline:

Unit 1: The RomansUnit 5: World Religions

Unit 2: The Early Middle Ages Unit 6: The Renaissance & Reformation

Unit 3: Emergence of New Empires Unit 7: The Age of Exploration

Unit 4: The Late Middle Ages

Grading Policy:

(A). Quizzes: weighted once.

(B). Tests: weighted twice. Do not leave studying until the night before an exam!

(C). Reading Checks: weighted once. All reading assignments are eligible for reading checks, which demonstrate higher order thinking skills.

(D). Projects: weight will vary. Late projects are TEN points off (or the equivalent) each day they are late, so please get them in on time.

(E). Homework Average: weighted twice.

Teacher Availability: During EP or by request.

Expectations:

1. RESPECT: Everyone and everything at all times.

2. Homework: You begin each marking period with 50 points for your homework grade. Homework is due at the beginning of class, so as soon as you come into class, you should place it on your desk. Each missed assignment is -5 points. Your homework grade will count as one test grade each marking period. Even if no written homework is assigned, you should review work from the current chapter so you are not overwhelmed before tests/quizzes.

No late homework assignments will be accepted unless you are absent from school.

3. Supplies: You are required to bring the items on your supply list to class each day.

4. Bathroom & water fountain use: With teacher’s permission when the lesson is complete, unless it is an emergency.

5. Absences: In the case of an excused absence:

●Students are responsible for making up missed work; usually the number of days absent is the number of days the student has to complete the work (i.e., 5 days absent = 5 days upon return to school to make up the missed work).

●Students are expected to contact the teacher with the date they will make up missed tests/ quizzes on the day they return to school.

●Students that are late to school or class will not be provided with extra time to make up work and should be prepared to make up the work that same day.

● Exceptions will be made for extended illness or other extenuating circumstances that arise.

In the case of an unexcused absence (Cutting Class):

●Students who cut class receive no credit for the day and receive a zero on missed work, including tests and quizzes.

6. Cheating and Plagiarism Policy:

Cheating, copying, plagiarism (using someone else’s words or ideas without citation), falsifying data, and other unauthorized use of materials is dishonest and will not be tolerated. Any project/assignment/test/quiz that is not your own work in your own words will automatically receive a zero and will be reported to theAssistant Principal.

Act with Academic Integrity: Any major assignments, quizzes, or tests you turn in must contain the following statement handwritten and signed by you at the top of the first page before it will be accepted or graded.

“On my honor I certify that this assignment is my own work and that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this (test, exam, paper)”

7. iPads: Students are expected to bring their iPads to class, charged, on a daily basis. Coming to class unprepared will result in -5 points off his/her homework average. Student use of iPads in the classroom is restricted to topics and materials which, per the instructor, further the implementation of the day’s lesson. Students who are off topic with their iPads risk negatively impacting their grade for the assignment and potentially face disciplinary consequences.

Clip art courtesy of: