Welcome to 9th Grade
Global History and Geography
Mr. Madeiras
2009-2010
Course Description
This course is the first of a two-year Global History and Geography program that will culminate with a New York State Regents Exam at the end of tenth grade. The content of this class is approached thematically with emphasis on creating an enduring understanding of the world through several major eras in its history. Topics of study will include the Civilizations and Religions of the Ancient World (4000 B.C.E – 500 C.E.), the Age of Exchange and Encounter (500-1200), Global Interactions (1200-1650), and the First Global Age (1450).
The objective of this class is to teach you how to think historically. Twenty-first century skills require you to think critically, solve problems, interpret documents, work collaboratively and use technology. Through the utilization of primary source documents, and a problem based approach, we will attempt to address these skills.
Required materials
Textbook – World History, Patterns of Interaction
Notebook or binder and folder
Your notebook is an important tool for this course and must be brought to class everyday.
Keep your work separate from your other subjects. Organization is important.
Activities & Grading
For grading structure, see attached.
Activities in this course will vary widely. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the material through formal and informal writing assignments, discussions, blog entries, projects, quizzes and tests. Assignments, including homework, will be completed neatly and due during the beginning of class. Any time thereafter will be considered late and penalized 25% per day.
All students will be graded according to a point system. For example, a test may equal 50 points, a quiz 25 points, a project 100 points and homework 10 points. The total points earned will be divided by the total possible points. The point value is then converted to a letter grade based upon school guideline.
Students absent during the day of test must make up the exam on the day they return. Please see me first thing in morning to schedule make up. If absent for an extended period of time (more than three days), an appointment for making up the test will be made.
All students are required to sit for all departmental and state assessments – no exceptions. The mid-term exam in January will count as 20 % of your quarter grade and the final exam in June will count as one-fifth of your overall grade.
Homework
Will be given on a near daily basis and randomly graded.
The keys to a successful year
· Come to class prepared and on time -All assignments must be completed prior to the beginning of class. When the bell rings, you will be seated with your notebook open and ready to work. Tardiness is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Excessive lateness will have an adverse affect on your overall grade
· Be an active learner- Contributing to class discussions and participating in activities will help create a dynamic learning environment that will be greatly beneficial for you and your peers. Voice your opinions and defend your arguments. An active student is a successful one.
· Be kind and respect each other as well as yourself – As stated above, many class activities will depend upon your opinions, participation, and how well you can defend your arguments. Students should be safe to exchange ideas. Remember, only one-person talks while everyone listens.
· Take pride in your work - Quality of your work is essential. Do it right the first time.
· Think critically and creatively –Social Studies is not so much memorizing dates and facts but analyzing sources, making analogies and predicting outcomes. History might be written in books, but most recorded history is not set in stone. Be critical and creative in your thinking.
· Challenge yourself – Expect the work in this class to be demanding but not impossible. Raise the bar of expectations and challenge yourself to reach your goals.
Your education at Smithtown can go a long way to community building as well as personal growth, but learning does not stop when you leave the classroom. Try to make it a goal this year to participate in leadership activities, school clubs or sports. Challenge yourself.
A final grade may be overridden by the classroom instructor based on a semester/year review of the student’s work and mastery of subject matter.