World Studies 2014 - 2015 Syllabus

World Studies 2014 - 2015 Syllabus

Ms. Trump

This document is lengthy on purpose. I want you to understand the expectations of this class, so that you can do well.

Three pieces of advice:

·  Ask questions when you do not understand something or need further clarification. Critical thinkers have more questions than answers.

·  Complete your homework consistently

·  Be proactive in seeking help before you fall behind. I want you to master the content of this class and do well.

Expectations:

I.  Organization

1.  Bring to class the following seven items every day:

·  Loose-leaf paper: you will use this paper for in-class assignments

·  A notebook: note-taking will be a routine part of class, and we will use Cornell-style notes. You will be graded on your notebook each quarter. It is important you get the notes from a classmate when you are absent. You will probably need a notebook each semester, so be prepared.

·  Notecards: you will use these to study for debates and vocabulary

·  Pen and or pencils: more than one please in case one breaks

·  Pencil pouch: for your extra pens and pencils

·  A binder in which to hold all of your items

·  Two folders—one for homework and one for handouts

·  An assignment tracker is not required but it helps keep you organized.

You may use this binder for another class, but do not use your notebook or folders for other classes. They should be dedicated only to history.

2.  Check istudent regularly. It is your responsibility to know your grade and to take care of problems before you fall too far behind. I will routinely ask you to tell me your current grade in this class as an assignment.

II.  Cheating

1.  Take pride in your work. Copying another student’s work is cheating. Letting another student copy your work is unethical. We give homework in order for you to learn, practice, and think. If you are caught cheating or allowing another to copy your work, your assignment will not be accepted.

2.  If you are found in the teacher copy room copying another student’s work without my express permission you are cheating.

3.  Cite your sources. Any words that are not your own must be cited. If you are caught plagiarizing—and I catch someone every year—your assignment will not be accepted.

III.  Late work, absences, make up work

1.  Absences:

·  If you are absent, you are allowed one day + one day to make up any school work for each day you are absent. For example, if you are absent for three days, you have four days to turn in your missing work.

2.  Late Work:

·  If you miss the deadline for an assignment, you have one week from when the assignment was given (not the date it shows up in istudent) to make up the assignment for ½ credit.

3.  Make Up Work: (late and absent)

·  If your work is late, please write LATE in large letters across the top.

·  If the make-up work stems from an absence, write ABSENT in large letters across the top.

·  Your work MUST be labeled with the date of the missing assignment and the name of the assignment on the top of the paper. (For example, do not label an assignment Ticket-in because we have numerous tickets-in. Please label it whatever the ticket-in was about.)

·  You must label your paper using the correct heading for all your assignments: On the right hand corner of the page put your name—first and last, today’s date (Yes, I need to know the date when you turned in the assignment and the date the assignment was due), and your class period.

4.  Procedure for finding out what you missed in class:

·  I have a white, handout file for handouts. Please check the box when you return to class.

·  Ask a reliable friend what you missed. I will not put quizzes or lecture notes in the handout box. You will need to see me to make up a quiz and you need to borrow a friend’s notes and copy them by hand into your notebook.

·  One rule in class is to be prepared when the bell rings. I want you in your seat with sharpened pencils and paper ready to write. Please do not ask me for your missing assignments when class starts. If you do, you are breaking the preparedness rule. Wait until an appropriate time during class, such as when the class is working independently or during group work. Other great times are before school or after school if I am not busy, and during lunch if you make an appointment with me. I also have third hour prep and fourth hour study hall. Those times are fine too. You may also look in the window during class and I will wave you in or shake my head no. Please do not interrupt me when I am talking to a class or we are engaged in an activity.

5.  Missing credit on istudent

·  Take the following steps in order:

A.  Print out your istudent report

B.  Look in the file labeled “Assignments not labeled, mislabeled, etc” If it is there, staple it to the istudent report and go to step D.

C.  Look through the folder with your class period on it.

D.  If you find it in either of these places: show me the missing assignment and I will put a note on it so you can get credit.

6.  Check istudent: It is your responsibility to know your grade and what assignments you are missing.

IV. Grading

The grade scale runs as follows:

A = 100 – 90

B = 89 – 80

C = 79 – 70

D = 69 – 60

F = 59 - 0

Course of Studies 2014 - 2015

Semester 1: The History of Western Civilization

I. Philosophy: What is philosophy and how did it shape civilization? (4 weeks)

II. Art Appreciation: Does art reflect culture or shape culture? What constitutes art and who decides what is great art? (5 weeks)

III. Great Thinkers of the Enlightenment. What was the Enlightenment? Who were the major thinkers? How did they influence those who came after? Is our time period an Enlightenment? (4 weeks)

IV. Exploration: What does it mean to explore? (5 weeks)

·  A. The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.
·  B. Thorough analysis of a subject or theme.
· 

1.  What is the key quality which allows an explorer to survive in the harshest conditions? (5 weeks)

·  The Age of Exploration

·  Ernest Shackelton & the Endurance

·  National Geographic project

Semester 2: War. What do all wars have in common?

I The Peloponnesian War (9 weeks)

II. World War I (4 weeks)

III. Cold War (5 weeks)

You can reach me at school by calling 733-9335 or by e-mail at . Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Parent Signature:

Student Signature:

Please return by Thursday, August 21st. Thank you!