Download Syllabus - Hollidaysburg Area School District

Course Description
Seventh Grade  Team 1  2010-2011
Instructors:
Phone:
Ms. Erickson
Mrs. Goetz (period 9 only)
Ms. Griffin (SFU Student Teacher - 8/10-12/10)
(814) 695-4426 Voice Mail Extension - 8117
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web page:
www.tigerwires.com/erickson
Team 1 Web page:
www.tigerwires.com/team1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Through the study of ancient civilizations to the emergence of the modern
western world, this course intends that the student . . .
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acquire, develop and reinforce basic social studies skills
understand the nature of history and geography as disciplines of study
note connections between geographical themes and historical processes
perceive historical change as a continuing process
recognize the cumulative nature of civilization
identify the effects of old and new ideas on major eras and link them to
modern modes of thought
 identify and appreciate diversities and unities among mankind
 analyze man’s striving toward democratic goals
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
World History 7
Students are expected to show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and
objective tests. Students are expected to complete regularly assigned textbook
readings. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and will include
vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, projects, map
work, and current events. The student will be expected to participate in class
discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook and binder of daily activities.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: (cont.)
College Bound World History
Students are expected to show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and
objective tests. Students are expected to complete regularly assigned textbook
and some supplementary readings. Homework will be assigned on a regular
basis and will include vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written
expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current events. The
student will be expected to participate in class discussions and to keep a wellorganized notebook and binder of daily activities.
Pre-Honors World History
Students are expected to show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and
objective and essay tests. Students are expected to complete regularly assigned
textbook and frequent supplementary readings. Homework will be assigned on a
regular basis and will include vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven
written expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current
events. The student will be expected to participate in class discussions and to
keep a well-organized notebook and binder of daily activities. At this level
students are expected to be more independent learners, to think more critically,
and to make evaluations on course content. There is a greater frequency of the
use of primary and secondary sources, in-depth discussion, and written
expression.
UNITS OF STUDY:
The Pennsylvania Academic Standards for the Social Studies were finalized on
January 11, 2003. Since then, the HASD social studies department has aligned
its curriculum to the standards. Although various academic standards will be
integrated throughout the seventh grade social studies course, the primary and
secondary focuses address world history and world geography.
 Academic Standards for History
 8.1 Historical Analysis and Skills Development
 8.4 World History
 Academic Standards for Geography
 7.1 Basic Geographic Literacy
 7.2 The Physical Characteristics of Places and Regions
 7.3 The Human Characteristics of Places and Regions
 7.4 The Interactions Between People and Places
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UNITS OF STUDY: (cont.)
Chronological time periods have been established for the teaching of world
history.
World History
Grades 1 - 3
Beginnings
to
Present
Grades 4 - 6
Beginnings
to
Present
Grades 7 - 9
Beginnings
to
1500
Grades 10 - 12
1450
to
Present
The major units of study include . . .
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Course Introduction
Early Civilizations
The Ancient World
New Empires and New Faiths
The Middle Ages
A Changing World
TEXT:
Journey Across Time: The Early Ages
Keep textbooks covered at all times. Textbook covers are available
in the classroom throughout the school year.
The replacement cost is $61.50.
An access code to an online edition of the textbook will also be provided.
DVD (Optional):
Journey Across Time: The Early Ages – StudentWorks Plus DVD
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REQUIRED MATERIALS:
In addition to basic school supplies such as pencils, pens, highlighters, and
erasers, each student needs to bring the following to class each day . . .
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weekly assignment sheet
JAT: The Early Ages textbook
notebook
3-ring binder
GRADING:
Use the ProgressBook™ Online Gradebook to keep up-to-date on grades. In
addition to ProgressBook™, use the assignment calendar on my web page to
keep informed of current and upcoming activities and events.
A point grading system is used. Each assessment, whether it is classwork,
homework, a quiz, a test, a project, etc., is worth a specified number of points. At
the end of each marking period, a student’s accumulated points will be divided by
the number of total points possible.
Example: 540/600 = 90%
GRADING SCALE:
A
100 - 92
B
91 - 84
C
83 - 77
D
76 - 70
F
Below 70
HOMEWORK AND GRADING POLICIES:
Please refer to the 2010-2011 Hollidaysburg Area Secondary Schools
Student/Parent Handbook.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT SHEETS:
Weekly assignment sheets are distributed in homeroom at the beginning of each
week. Assignments are recorded daily. If there isn’t an assignment, we will
record what was done in class that day and indicate that there is no homework.
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WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT SHEETS (cont.):
Weekly assignment sheets are collected and graded each week. If you lose your
assignment sheet, a few extras are available in the team homerooms or one can
be downloaded from my web page.
When absent, use the Make-Up Work bulletin board in order to copy
assignments missed.
CLASSROOM RULES:
Please refer to the 2010-2011 Hollidaysburg Area Secondary Schools
Student/Parent Handbook.
In addition, each world history class creates its own Classroom Constitution
that is posted in the classroom and on my web page. This is done near
Constitution Day which is September 17th.
MAILBOXES:
Each student is provided a mailbox. Please check your mailbox daily, preferably
before class begins, to pick up any papers needed that day. If you forget to
check your mailbox before class begins, wait for an appropriate time to retrieve
your papers. Sometimes you may have to wait until the end of class.
When you return from an absence, check your mailbox for papers passed out
during your absence. Remember you have the number of days absent plus one
to make-up your work.
STUDY ASSISTANCE:
If a student needs study assistance, please contact me by phone or e-mail to
arrange a time for additional instruction.
POSTCARDS (Optional):
A postcard bulletin board is kept of students travels anywhere in the state,
country, or world. Bring in a postcard of the site visited, and it will be displayed
on the bulletin board.
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INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY:
Technology is integrated regularly in the world history classroom. TimeLiner®,
Mapmaker’s Toolkit™, TourMaker©, and Classroom Jeopardy!® content-based
software are used in addition to the Microsoft® Office Suite. Students will also
utilize online programs such as Schoolwires® blogging and podcasting,
Quizlab©, and Discovery Education streaming™.
A Promethean Activboard and Activote pods are utilized, and handheld Garmin™
GPS units are available for use. We also also participate in a mobile handheld
program.
SIGNATURES:
I have read the Course Description. I understand it will be discussed during the
first week of school. I will keep it in my world history binder throughout the
course of the school year.
Student signature: _______________________________ Date: ___/___/___
Parent/guardian signature: ________________________
Date: ___/___/___
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS?
Now that you have read over the Course Description, do you have any
comments or questions? If so, write them down, and they can be addressed
during our class discussions.
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