Download Geneva County Middle School

Geneva County Middle School
301 Lily St, Hartford, AL 36344
Phone (334) 588-2943 · Fax (334) 588-3650
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Information
Course: World History: Beginning of Civilization to A.D. 1500
Instructor: Coach Lansdell
Text: World History - Journey Across Time, by Jackson J. Spielvogel
Course Description
"The study of world history in Grade 8 addresses the time period from prehistoric man to the
1500s. Content standards for this grade incorporate the strands of economics, geography,
history, and political science, with an emphasis on the history and geography strands. This
course covers the migrations of early peoples, the rise of civilizations, the establishment of
governments and religions, the growth of economic systems, and the ways in which these events
shaped Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Unique to this course are the experiences that
provide for the study of the ways human beings view themselves over time."
─ from the Alabama Course of Study: Social
Studies; Bulletin 2004, No. 18; Adopted 2004
Course Objectives
Students will:
1. Explain how artifacts and other archaeological findings provide evidence of the nature
and movement of prehistoric groups of people.
2. Analyze characteristics of early civilizations in respect to technology, division of labor,
government, calendar, and writings.
3. Compare the development of early world religions, philosophies, and their key tenets.
4. Identify cultural contributions of Classical Greece, including politics, intellectual life,
arts, literature, architecture, and science.
5. Describe the role of Alexander the Great in the Hellenistic world.
6. Trace the expansion of the Roman Republic and its transformation into an empire,
including key geographic, political, and economic elements.
7. Describe the widespread impact of the Roman Empire.
8. Describe the development of a classical civilization in India and China.
9. Describe the rise of the Byzantine Empire, its institutions, and its legacy, including the
influence of the Emperors Constantine and Justinian, and the effect of the Byzantine
Empire upon art, religion, architecture, and law.
10. Trace the development of the early Russian state and the expansion of its trade systems.
11. Describe early Islamic civilizations, including the development of religious, social, and
political systems.
12. Describe China’s influence on culture, politics, and economics in Japan, Korea, and
Southeast Asia.
13. Compare the African civilizations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai to include their
geography, religions, slave trade, economic systems, empires, and cultures.
14. Describe key aspects of pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas including the Olmecs,
Mayans, Aztecs, Incas, and North American tribes.
15. Describe military and governmental events that shaped Europe in the early Middle Ages
(600-1000).
16. Describe major cultural changes in Western Europe in the High Middle Ages (10001350).
17. Explain how events and conditions fostered political and economic changes in the late
Middle Ages and led to the origins of the Renaissance.
─ from the Alabama Course of Study: Social
Studies; Bulletin 2004, No. 18; Adopted 2004
Course Assessment
Assessment Descriptions
 Tests and Projects - Tests can consist of multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank,
short answer, or essay questions. They usually follow the completion of one chapter of
material. Project specifications will be given when they are assigned. This category
counts for 60% of the final grade.
 In-class Assignments - In-class assignments consist of any assignments that are to be
completed during class time, which may include group activities or special assignments.
This is also the category in which notebook and bell work checks fall. This category
counts for 25% of the final grade.
 Homework Assignments - Homework assignments will usually take no more than thirty
minutes to complete. This category counts for 15% of the final grade.
 Extra credit projects are offered once per nine weeks. They usually consist of a project or
report that is to be completed outside of class. The number of points earned depends on
the difficulty of the project. Points earned through extra credit projects are applied to a
test grade.
Grading Scale
 A = 90 - 100
 B = 80 - 89
 C = 70 - 79
 D = 60 - 69
 F = 59 and below
Classroom Expectations
Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, your instructors and your school.
2. Be prepared for class before the tardy bell rings.
3. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
4. Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
5. Read and follow all directions.
6. Remain in your seat.
Discipline Policy
The following are the consequences in the event that classroom rules are not followed. The
instructor may deviate from this format if the situation demands it.
 First Offense: Warning
 Second Offense: Consequences such as break detention, before/after school detention,
seat assignment, or additional measures that the instructor deems appropriate
 Third Offense: Consequences as with a second offense, as well as a call to a
parent/guardian
 Fourth Offense: Office referral
Attendance / Tardy Policy
The policies set by the Geneva County Board of Education and Geneva County Middle School's
administration regarding attendance and tardies will be followed. Please refer to the Code of
Conduct and/or the Student Handbook for more information.
Make-Up Work Policy
All students are expected to make up any missed assignments within three days of returning to
school. Students are responsible for checking with the instructor for their missed assignments. I
will also keep a record on the board for students to see what they need to make up.
Late Work Policy
Assignments that are turned in late, but within a reasonable amount of time, will be accepted, but
students will only receive partial credit. Students are responsible for keeping track of what
assignments they have outstanding.
Use of Films in Class
Throughout this course, students will be viewing portions or entire films and television programs
that illustrate important historical concepts. All of these films have important educational value
for the students and come from trusted sources including, but not limited to: the BBC, History
Channel, The Discovery Channel, and The National Geographic Channel. Students will not
only view the films, they will interact with them, engaging in source analysis, debate, and
discussions regarding point of view. If a parent has questions regarding the video material used
in the course, they are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the instructor.
Required Materials
All students need the following items by August 21, 2013.
 (1) three-ring binder (1" diameter,
 (1) pack of page dividers
solid color)
 pencils or pens (blue or black ink)
 (1) pack of college-ruled paper
Other materials, such as poster board, will be required for projects through the year, but they
need not be purchased now.
Contact Information
Questions or productive comments are welcomed. Email is the preferred method of contact.
Please remember to include the student's name in the subject line of the email. Every effort will
be made by the instructor to reply within one business day. Also, please visit our website at
www. http://genevahs.genevacountyschools.com to stay informed on classroom and campus events.
School Phone
(334) 588-2943
School Fax
(334) 588-3650
Email Address
[email protected]
Acknowledgement of Receipt/ Contact Info
___________________________________
Student Name (please print)
Student Acknowledgement
I have read the course syllabus for my world history class and understand what is expected of me
in regards to supplies, assessments, classroom rules, consequences, and work policies.
___________________________________
_________________________
Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement
I have read the course syllabus for my child's world history class and understand what is
expected of him/her in regards to supplies, assessments, classroom rules, consequences, and
work policies.
 Check this box only if you DO NOT give your child permission to watch video material
in this class. By checking this box, you indicate that you understand that alternate
assignments will be given to your child when films or programs are shown.
___________________________________
Signature
_________________________
Date
___________________________________
Guardian’s Name (please print)
___________________________________
Guardian’s contact number