Download WORLD HISTORY SYLLABUS - Peak to Peak Charter School

Krista Hollis
[email protected]
Voicemail: 303-453-4600, ext. 4726
Room S225
Office Hours: Tuesday, Lunch,
3:10-3:40, and by appointment
WORLD HISTORY: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Welcome to the Peak to Peak Middle School!
I am thrilled to be studying world history with you this year. The study of people is fascinating and exciting. It is
also incredibly important to understand the history of different cultures, especially as events and technology bring
people from all over the world closer together.
The goal of this syllabus is to introduce you to 6th grade history this year, both what you will learn and class
expectations and procedures. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to getting to know
you as students and parents/guardians, and to working with you to ensure a successful year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Hollis
World History, 6th Grade
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I. WORLD HISTORY CURRICULUM AND SKILLS
6th Grade World History uses a curriculum framework from History Alive! The most exciting part of this
curriculum is its approach to learning. History Alive uses art, journaling, interviews, skits, interactive slidelectures, group problem-solving, and music to connect students to world history. Each unit focuses in depth on a
specific region and explores the essential parts of that region’s history, including daily life and family structure,
government and law, religious origins, beliefs and myths, writing systems, trade and economics, literature, art and
architecture, geography, and conflict. These units will build a foundation of essential knowledge in World History.
In 6th grade history we also focus on skill building. While we want students to enjoy the stories that make up
history, we also want them to be accurate and articulate historians as well. We will emphasize skills such as styles
of note taking, geography, primary and secondary sources, research methods, teamwork, and critical thinking and
questioning. We will also spend significant time in this class reading and writing, as both are essential to the study
of history. I will work with students to improve their reading and writing skills. These skills are widely recognized
to be vital to an individual’s success not only in school but also in the broader community.
Unit List: We will start with prehistory, and then focus on several civilizations in depth ending each before or
around 1300 C.E. (A.D.). Units include: General Introduction and Skills; Pre-history and Early Humans;
Mesopotamia; Ancient Egypt and the Near East; Ancient Civilizations of the Americas; Ancient India; Ancient
China; Ancient Greece; Roman Republic to Empire/Rise of Christianity; Rise of Islam/Crusades; Empires and
Kingdoms of sub-Saharan Africa
II. MATERIALS/ BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS
Students are expected to come to class ready to learn. That means walking into class with an enthusiastic and open
mind, as well as coming to class prepared with appropriate World History materials.
Required materials: Bring these materials to class on Monday, August 24th
 a section in a multi-subject binder
 2 dividers
 loose-leaf notebook paper
 pens or pencils, 1-2 highlighters (to be kept in bag)
 1 packet of notecards (used as a study tool; can be kept in locker)
 Optional but recommended: 1 packet of markers or colored pencils (to be kept in locker)
Your binder will help keep you organized. It must be brought to class EVERY DAY. Your binder organization will
be graded periodically during the school year. We will set up your binder together in class the first full week of
school.
I.
II.
Divider for World History Permanent Papers (only if part of multi-subject binder)
Divider for Current Unit
Table of Contents
Almost all class handouts, classwork, and homework will be compiled here. This section will be taken
out and stored in the classroom after each unit assessment is completed.
Please do not throw away work!! You will need it for tests, quizzes, and projects later on.
There is no textbook in 6th grade World History. This means that students will receive handouts in class or online,
use internet resources at school and at home, or utilize classroom experiences to fulfill their homework assignments.
III. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
We will be learning together for the entire year. In order for all of us to get the most out of class this year, we must
show respect for each other, the teacher, class materials, and the classroom. Students are expected to show a
positive attitude in class. This includes:
1. Show respect for others, yourself, property, and the classroom.
2. Try…try hard! This means bringing your best to class.
3. Be honest.
Words or actions that show a lack of respect will result in a warning and/or detention.
IV. GRADING
Grades will be based on a variety of items including homework, tests, and projects. Daily work (homework and
classwork) and participation/preparation together make up 30% of your semester grade. Projects, tests, and other
assessments make up 70% of your grade. The percentage then translates into a letter grade on report cards. Final
grades are given at the end of each semester and determine credit for the course. Semesters are not averaged
together and the grade book starts fresh at the beginning of the second semester.
Understanding Infinite Campus (IC): A blank in my IC gradebook means an assignment has not yet been graded.
An “M” in the IC gradebook means the assignment is missing/overdue and calculates as a zero. Any work not
turned in on time will receive an “M” until the assignment is made up. Students who do not turn in homework will
be assigned mandatory history office hours the following week.
V. ABSENCES
Preplanned absences place a significant burden on the student and should be avoided. We do understand that
students will not be able to attend class occasionally due to illness or other commitments such as sports or family.
Students are still responsible for work missed. Students who miss class are allowed two days per absence to turn in
late work. Work will receive a temporary “M” until the assignment is made up.
VI. HOMEWORK
Homework is a necessary part of learning so that students can: practice new skills, work with new concepts, be
prepared for upcoming classes, and reflect on work already completed. Each student must have a planner so that
assignments and assessments can be noted in a clear and organized manner. The planner is a very useful tool, so
please make the most of it! In addition, please access the Peak-to-Peak homework page when necessary. Students
will usually receive 1-2 history homework assignments each week. This will be approximately 15-20 minutes of
homework a night. Late daily homework will receive 75% credit.
VII. OTHER
A few other expectations that will help to ensure a positive classroom environment:
 Cell phones must be away and off during class time and school hours. IPods and other electronic devices are to
be off and away during class as well.
 Keeping a clean classroom: this classroom is our learning space. We all need to do our part to keep it clean.
Please put trash and recycling in the appropriate bins; don’t leave it on the floor or in desks. Students may also
be involved in helping me to clean the room during the year through a cleaning schedule. Thank you in
advance for your help with this!