Download Social Studies Class Description

7TH GRADE WORLD HISTORY
Ms. Dubrow Room 212
Description
Welcome to seventh grade Social Studies. World History is a survey of early civilizations around the
world. Specifically we study Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. The purpose is to understand the past
and many of the places that were home to our ancestors. It is a comprehensive study that includes all aspects of
civilization. Geography will be extensively studied throughout the year. Exams and quizzes will be announced
in advance so that students may prepare themselves.
Seventh grade history studies civilizations and world events during medieval and early modern times: 500 to
1650 C.E.. This is a continuation of sixth grade world history, which studies the ancient world. Some of the
areas we will study include the following.
- The Fall of Rome
- Monotheism Religions
- The Islamic Empire
- Africa
- China
- Japan
- Feudal Europe
- The Renaissance, Reformation, & Scientific Revolution
- The Age of Exploration
- Civilizations of South and Central America
Tying these units together will be a series of course questions. These questions can be applied to any civilization
and time period. The questions include
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How has geography affected civilizations and their people?
How have religions affected civilizations and their people?
How does who a person is (sex, social class, etc.) determine or shape a person’s life?
How do different civilizations and time periods contribute to modern life?
How did different societies impact or influence one another?
How have individuals influenced civilizations and/or history?
This class uses a variety of materials and activities: primary and secondary source documents, films, literature,
art & music, and maps.
Various reference materials such as: non-fiction books, historical-fiction literature, textbooks, atlases, almanacs,
encyclopedias, newspapers, and appropriate websites will be utilized.
Students will work independently and in small groups often. Research skills, cooperation, and problem-solving
will be stressed.
Grades will be based on class activities, homework, class participation, vocabulary quizzes, exams and end-ofunit projects.
Materials
Students need a section of a binder or a spiral bound single subject notebook, lined paper, highlighters, pens,
pencils, and crayons, or markers or colored pencils (not all 3, just one set of your choice). All students will
receive a textbook that should remain at home. We have a classroom set we use at school.
Completing Assignments
1. Homework is usually two or three nights a week. Unless you are working on a long term project, you will
seldom have homework on the weekends.
2. Write assignments in your planner. Homework is listed on the board on the side of the class. Write down
the assignment. If there is no homework, write "no homework."
3. Hand in work at the start of the period. Ms. Dubrow collects homework at the first part of each period. It
will not be accepted later in the period or later in the day.
4. Late work is penalized. Unless you have made prior arrangements or were absent, you cannot turn in late
work for full credit. Long term projects need to be turned in on their due date, whether or not you are at school.
5. Write your first and last name on all papers you hand in. Papers without a name will be put in the "no
name/half credit" folder. Don't let this happen to your work.
6. Work can be done in either printing or cursive. It does not matter which you use, as long as it is your
neatest handwriting. Work that can't be read will not be graded.
7. Complete assignments in either pencil or standard blue or black ink. Don't use metallic ink or gel
pens. Don't use crayons, markers or colored pencils.
8. Answer questions in complete sentences. A complete sentence has a subject and a verb. For example 
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Why did Columbus sail across the Atlantic Ocean?
To reach the China and the Indies. (incomplete sentence)
Columbus wanted to reach China and the Indies. (complete sentence)
9. See Ms. Dubrow if you need help. I'm happy to meet before school, after school, or at lunch. Just let me
know you need help. I’m here to help you succeed so please don’t be shy!
Late Work Policy
You will be given TWO late work passes per Quarter; they are not eligible for “projects”. The late passes can
be used for TWO homework/class work assignments. Without the late work pass, the value of an assignment
will drop 10% for each day it is late. After 2 days late work will not be accepted.
If you have an excused absence, you will be allowed one day per day you were absent to get the late work in.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit is always something asked about by students and parents. Some classes offer extra credit
while others do not. There are opportunities for extra credit in this class. Extra credit can only help your grade;
it will never hurt your grade. It is not required at any time. In addition, a student should never spend time
working on extra credit if they have homework or missing work.
Mini-Report: A short report about a key person, place, event, or “On This Day” topic can be completed at any
time. One page, minimum 2 paragraph summary (in your own words), size 12 font, and at least two sources
cited accurately. Points are given based on effort and accuracy. A student can earn typically 10 extra credit
points for each report done well.
Current Events Summary:
Choose an event of interest and follow the guidelines for a proper summary of a Current Event as discussed and
given out in class.
Class Rules and Expectations
1. Work! Everyone can pass if she or he is willing to do good quality work. If you bring your materials to class,
participate, and complete your assignments, you will pass.
2. Complete assignments. You cannot pass the class if you do not do the work. Unless you are sick or have an
excused absence or have made prior arrangements, late work is penalized.
3. Come to school. This class does not use a textbook on a daily basis, and some in-class assignments cannot be
made up. By not coming to class, you miss vital information, and the class misses your ideas and input.
4. Take responsibility for your work. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get work that you missed
and to hand it in.
5. Be on Time. A person is tardy if she/he is not seated in the proper seat when the bell rings. You should not
be walking through the door or wandering the room. Multiple tardies will result in detentions.
6. Follow the school rules. This class follows all the rules in the student planner. You are expected to know the
rules and follow the rules.
7. Use the bathroom before class. There are plenty of opportunities to use the bathroom throughout the day.
Frequent use of the bathroom during class will result in tardies and detentions.
8. Don’t eat in class. No food will be allowed in class unless the teacher permits it. Gum chewers will be given
one warning and then detentions.
9. Be an attentive listener. When the teacher or another student is talking, you are expected to listen. When
you wish to speak we will listen to you.
10. Stay in your seat during class. Do not roam the room. (with the exception of group work)
11. Be courteous. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. If you cannot be polite or positive, be silent.
Grade Scale
Progress Reports and Report Card grades will be based on the following percentages:
100%-90%
A
89%-80%
B
79%-70%
C
69%-60%
D
59%-below
F
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Please sign (student and parent/guardian), and return the lower portion of this page to Ms. Dubrow as soon as
possible.
“I read and understand the course description and requirements for my 7th Grade Social Studies Class”
Student’s Name:_____________________________________Signature:_______________________________
Parent’s Name:______________________________________Signature:_______________________________