Download 1st Quarter Syllabus Fall 2016-WH

World History Syllabus: 1st Quarter (Fall 2016)
Grade: 8th
Teacher: Marshae Walker-Black
Class Location: Room 223
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: (205) 231-7740
Text: WORLD HISTORY Ancient Civilizations Through the Renaissance
Course Description:
Eighth grade World History is a course that is designed to give students an understanding of the
development of civilization from its origins in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In addition,
students should broaden their perspective by studying diverse cultures and their impact on each
other. Content includes a comprehensive study of ancient kingdoms, the classical world, world
religions, the transition of man from medieval to modern times ( Renaissance, Reformation,
Scientific Revolution, etc.), revolutions, industrialization, and political and economic systems. The
histories of selected European, African, Asian, and American countries will also be studied, as well
as major historical philosophies, the causes, course, and consequences of major wars, and the
interdependence of the modern world
Through the exposure to content offered in this course, students will be able to learn facts,
analyze information, and form concepts that will enable them to construct individual
interpretations. Students will also be able to assimilate information from charts, tables, and maps
and to use chronology with historical events. Additionally, students will be able to convert
statistical information into visual pictures that will allow them to grasp common themes. Both the
printed materials and lectures or discussions in this class will encourage the students to build notetaking skills and facilitate organizational skills. The writing assignments and projects offered will
encourage the students to become more confortable writing and communicating orally in both
small and large group settings.
Goals and objectives for students with Individual Education Plans will also be addressed in this
course.
1st Nine Weeks Course Objectives
■AL. Standard: World History beginning to 1500 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.
Throughout this course of nine weeks, our eighth grade World History class will be able to:
# 8.1. Objective: Explain how artifacts and other archaeological findings provide evidence of the
nature and movement of prehistoric groups of people.
o
o
o
o
8.1a. Grade Level Example: Interpreting cave paintings, Ice Man, Lucy, fossils, pottery
8.1b.Grade Level Example: Identifying the founding of Rome as the basis of the calendar established by
Julius Caesar, which was used in early Western civilization for over a thousand years
8.1c. Grade Level Example: Identifying the birth of Christ as the basis of the Gregorian calendar used
in the United States since its beginning and in most countries of the world today, signified by B.C. and
A.D.
8.1d. Grade Level Example: Using vocabulary terms other than B.C. and A.D. to describe time
 BCE and CE
*****Any changes to the syllabus will be submitted in writing.*****
World History Syllabus: 1st Quarter (Fall 2016)
o
8.1e. Grade Level Example: Identifying terms used to describe characteristics of early societies and
family structures
 monogamous, polygamous, nomadic
#8.2. Objective: Analyze characteristics of early civilizations in respect to technology,
division of labor, government, calendar, and writings.
o
o
8.2a Grade Level Example: Comparing significant features of civilizations that developed in the TigrisEuphrates, Nile, Indus, and Huang He River valleys
 natural environment, urban development, social hierarchy, written language, ethical and
religious belief system, government and military institutions, economic systems
8.2b Grade Level Example: Identifying on a map locations of cultural hearths of early civilizations
 Mesopotamia, Nile Valley
#8.3. Objective: Compare the development of early world religions, philosophies, and their
key tenets.
 Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Greek and Roman
gods
o
8.3a Grade Level Example: Identifying cultural contributions of early world religions and philosophies
 Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Greek and Roman
gods, Phoenicians
#8.4. Objective: Identify cultural contributions of Classical Greece, including politics,
intellectual life, arts, literature, architecture, and science.
#8.5 Objective: Describe the role of Alexander the Great in the Hellenistic world.
o
o
o
 serving as political and military leader, encouraging cultural interaction, allowing religious
diversity
8.5a Grade Level Example: Defining boundaries of Alexander the Great's empire and its economic impact
8.5b Grade Level Example: Identifying reasons for the separation of Alexander the Great's empire into
successor kingdoms
8.5c Grade Level Example: Evaluating major contributions of Hellenistic art, philosophy, science, and
political thought
Course Requirements
*Each student is required to complete all class work, homework, exams and projects on time.
 PROJECTS: At least two projects will be required each nine weeks. Details and due dates
will be announced at least two weeks prior to due dates.
Projected projects for this quarter are as follows:
Prehistory Early Civilizations Lap-book
Spread of Christianity World Religions Powerpoint


TESTS/QUIZZES: At least four tests and/ or quizzes will be given this quarter. Details and
due dates will be announced at least one week prior to due dates.
VOCABULARY: There will be at least one weekly assignment centered on key terms and
people. Vocabulary terms to focus on this quarter: monogamous, polygamous, BCE, CE,
monotheistic, polytheistic, nomadic, prehistory, cultural hearths, fossils, hieroglyphics,
papyrus, deity, Pharaoh, historian, artifact, anthropologist, domesticate, etc . * Additional
weekly vocabulary may be assigned.
*****Any changes to the syllabus will be submitted in writing.*****
World History Syllabus: 1st Quarter (Fall 2016)


WORLD HISTORY NOTEBOOK: Each student is required to have and maintain a World
History notebook (referred to as their “BRAIN”). There will be weekly notebook checks on
Fridays. This grade will serve as a class participation grade. There will also be one
unannounced notebook check each quarter. It is imperative that your child keep up with
the daily notes from class and maintain their BRAIN.
CLASS BUDDY: Each student will be required to have two “classroom buddies”. This is
necessary so that no child misses information given in class. In the event one student is
missing, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their class buddy and get the
information that they missed while they were absent. Students only have three days after
they return to school to turn in any missed assignments due to absences.
Grading System






Tests, Book Reports/Essays and Projects will be worth 100 points each. (Tests & Quizzes
make up 25% of the total grade for this course. Projects make up 25% of the total grade for
this course.)
Notebook Checks (BRAIN) will be worth 100 points each. (Notebook checks and attendance
make up the student’s participation grade which is 20% of the total grade for this course).
Quizzes will be worth 10-50 points each.
Individual Class work assignments will be worth 25-100 points each. (Classwork makes up
25% of the total grade for this course).
Homework assignments will be worth 10 – 100 points each. Your child will have World
History homework at least twice a week. Periodically, there will be weekend assignments.
(Homework makes up 5% of the total grade for this course).
Bonus Opportunities: It is my personal goal that no child fails this course as long as s/he
puts forth satisfactory effort in completing the assignments given. There will be bonus
opportunities administered throughout the course in the form of “Review Activities”.
*Additional assignments outside of the intended review activities will be given at the
discretion of the teacher.
Grading Scale
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59 and below F
*Please note that some assignments and activities will not be graded at all. Students will often
practice necessary skills in a non-graded structure, freeing them to concentrate on the
learning experience itself.
Classroom Discipline Plan
The eighth grade faculty has a system in place to encourage consistent positive behavior. In the event
a student misbehaves, s/he will have several opportunities to correct their behavior.
8th Grade Classroom Rules
Fall Quarter 2016
1. BE RESPECTFUL
DO NOT curse or use foul language
*****Any changes to the syllabus will be submitted in writing.*****
World History Syllabus: 1st Quarter (Fall 2016)
DO NOT hit others or take their belongings without permission
2. BE RESOURCEFUL
BE prepared for class
BE in proper uniform daily (See Code of Conduct)
3. BE RESPONSIBLE
BE on time to class
BE on time when turning in assignments
Other things to keep in mind:
 Each student received 5 blue “Hall Passes” on the date this syllabus was
administered and will receive 5 each quarter until the end of the year. These passes
are to be used as restroom breaks, locker visits during class, etc. After these passes
are used up, students will not be allowed out of class after class has begun until the
end of class.
 Exceptions will be to my (the teacher) discretion.
 My desk is off-limits! No students are allowed to sit behind my desk or use my
computer. If you need something on my desk, simply ASK!
 Gum, candy, and any other snacks are NOT allowed in the classroom
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE CLASSROOM RULES WILL RESULT IN THE USE OF :
1st Offense: Verbal warning given to student.
nd
2 Offense: The student will be required to sign their homeroom “BRAVE PRIDE (Discipline Log)”
notebook detailing their misbehavior. An “R-Slip” will be sent home by the student for a parent
signature.
rd
3 Offense: Parents will be notified via phone/email
4th Offense: A parent conference will be scheduled.
th
5 Offense: Student will be sent to the counselor’s office.
6th Offense: Student will be referred to the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Team.
7th Offense: Student will be referred to Administration (Mr. Roper and/or Mrs. Pitts).
We also believe that students should be rewarded for consistent positive behavior. The eighth grade
has a system in place which offers rewards for positive behavior. Examples include:
Verbal Praise
Student Spotlight
Homework Passes
*Other
It takes a village to raise a child. Communication is vital for your child to be a success! I am
available to meet with you about any concerns you may have pertaining to your child’s success. I
only ask that you make an appointment with me to ensure that I can give you my undivided
attention. I can be contacted via email, note, or by phone.
-Mrs. Black 
*****Any changes to the syllabus will be submitted in writing.*****
World History Syllabus: 1st Quarter (Fall 2016)
*Please sign and return this page. Keep the remainder for your records.
Eighth Grade WORLD HISTORY Syllabus
Washington K-8 School 2016-2017
Mrs. Marshae Walker Black
Room 223
I have read/understand the eighth grade WORLD HISTORY syllabus. I understand the classroom
rules. I promise to follow the rules at all times. I understand that failure to do so will result in the consequences
listed above.
Student Printed Name: __________________________
Student Homeroom: ________
Student Signature: _______________________________
Date: __________
Parent Printed Name: _______________________
Parent Contact Number: __________________
Parent Email Address (for communication purposes ONLY): _____________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________
Date: _____________
*****Any changes to the syllabus will be submitted in writing.*****