Download GT Humanities - Frisco ISD Schools

GT Humanities I & II
2016-2017
Mrs. Valerie Law
​[email protected]
Office Hours (B106):
TW 8:15-8:50am
Th 4:15-4:45pm
Mr. Jarred Stewart
[email protected]
@MrStewart76
Office Hours (B127):
Th 8:30-8:50am
MW 4:15-4:45pm
Course Description:
GT Humanities I/Pre-AP English I and GT Humanities II/AP World History are courses that provide gifted students with
opportunities not available through regular or advanced classes. The courses combine Pre-AP English I with AP World
History in a two-year interdisciplinary spiral. The basic content is a historical study of the commonalities of the fine arts,
including literature, the visual arts, architecture, and music. Students will learn and practice the craft of writing through
various products, including AP style writing. Literature from a variety of world traditions will also be a key focus. Beginning
in 2017-18, ninth and tenth grade students will sit in the same class while earning credit in separate courses; ninth graders
will earn Pre-AP English I credit while tenth graders will earn AP World History credit. At the conclusion of GT
Humanities II, students can sit for the AP World History exam to possibly earn college credit.
Over two years, this course will expose students to the great story of human civilization and will provide a clear framework
of six chronological periods viewed through the lens of related key concepts and course themes, accompanied by a set of
skills that clearly define what it means to think historically. The approach will be truly global, analyzing and comparing
developments in many different regions with an emphasis on the development and influence of the arts.
Periodization
The expansive chronology of the course—from around 8500 B.C.E to the present, is broken into six relatively manageable
periods. This upcoming school year (2016-17) will begin with Period 4 and end with Period 6 that includes the modern day..
Next school year (2017-18) will return to Period 1 and continue through Period 4 before you take the AP World Test
Perio
d
1
2
3
4
5
6
Period Title
Ancient Era: Technological and Environmental Transformations
Classical Era: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies
Post-Classical Era: Regional and Interregional Interactions
Early Modern Era: Renaissance & Reformation-Age of Discovery, Baroque Era
Modern Era: Industrialization and Global Integration
Contemporary Era: Accelerating Global Change and Realignments
Date Range
8,500BC - 600 BC
600 BC-600 AD
600 -1450
1450-1750
1750-1900
1900-Present
1 Requirements
This is a college-level course and will be treated as such in every respect. Students should be aware that college courses are
reading and writing intensive. It is imperative that students read all the assigned material. Class discussions, activities, and
lectures are designed to complement the text readings, ​not reinforce them. Please understand that tests and quizes will
include material found only in the reading. Part of our instruction in class is to teach you the reading and study skills to be
more intellectually independent. Included in that intellectual independence, you will participate in the following:
Humanities Arts Experiences
Students will have two Humanities Arts Experiences each year (one per semester). They will compose a short
H.A.E. evaluation in which they will discuss the performance or exhibit experienced or the work of literature read.
They should use the evaluative skills acquired in class to offer an informed critique of the H.A.E. and making a
connection to history.
Humanities Summative Assessments
At the end of each unit, you will create a product incorporating the historical knowledge, literary knowledge, and
skills learned. Some projects will be done with your peers, while some will be done individually. They will be major
grades and give you an opportunity for problem solving, creativity, and growth in skills.
Grading
Major
Grades
Minor
Grades
Daily
Grades
50% of each six weeks’
average
30% of each six weeks’
average
20% of each six weeks’
average
Tests, Essays, Projects
Quizzes, some essays, some smaller projects
Writing practices, document analysis, and some homework and in-class
assignments.
Late Grades:
● Late daily work will not be accepted.
● Minor and major grades will be accepted:
○ By the next class period= 15 point reduction
○ 2 class periods late (up to four days total)= 30 points reduction
○ After 2 class periods late, minor/ major grades will NOT be accpeted
● In the event of an absence please see us before or after class to get missed materials as soon as you return. We will
work with you to ensure you get caught up; however, no amount of make-up work can replace the awesomeness of
being in class.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Academic integrity is a cornerstone of the Lebanon Trail’s mission and academic and intellectual success at all levels. Any
student caught cheating or turning in plagiarized work will be subject to behavioral consequences including a conference
with parents. The assignment or test will be modified for you, and will be considered a retest/redo with a maximum grade
of 70. Cheating is defined as using any form of communication including, but not limited to, talking, wandering eyes, the
use of hand signals/gestures, and the use of unapproved electronic devices or pre-written material. Plagiarism is defined as
using another’s work as one’s own. To avoid accidental plagiarism, proper citation formats will be taught, and students will
be expected to cite information accurately. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Textbook & Resources
Class textbook​: A textbook will be provided to the student. The textbook we will be using this year is: ​Ways of the World by
Robert Strayer, 1st ed. Additional texts- i.e. literature, non-fiction texts, speeches, art- will be provided for students.
Students will also be asked to provide their own copy of outisde/ whole class reading novels.
2 Nature of Content
The majority of the works studied in the 9/10 GT Humanities course appear on respected college course syllabi and/or on
the recommended Advanced Placement Reading List. All works have been carefully selected as accepted elements of the
development of world culture, are critically acclaimed, and are of historical significance. The art, film, literature, and
concepts covered in this course require maturity on the part of the students and are not necessarily chosen to please, but to
encourage students to think and question. Please be aware that students in this course will experience works of art that will
touch on mature subject matter, including visual depictions of the nude human form (such as Michelangelo’s David). It is
our intent that students will come to appreciate the richness and depth of thought these works and concepts offer.
In any case, if an assigned work presents cultural or ideological difficulties with which a parent is not
comfortable, an alternate assignment will be provided (upon written request by parent or guardian). Please
understand, however, that the curriculum is carefully designed to provide the appropriate depth, complexity, and
foundational knowledge required of students headed to a college or university; any divergence may impact the
depth of students’ learning.
Suggestions for Success
✓ Do the reading faithfully. Reading is assigned for each class period. At first it may seem time consuming and difficult,
but it will get easier over time! Practice active reading strategies including note-taking.
✓ Although we are in high school, this is a college-level course. We will discuss topics that may be new and different.
Please keep an open mind. You do not have to agree with what you read and hear, but you will need to think
historically and critically.
✓ Keep a planner along with an organized notebook and spiral. Proper prior planning and organization encourages
high-level performance! This is especially true of college-level courses.
✓ Form and join an informal study group with students who are also taking GT Humanities. These are very helpful for
reviewing and keeping up with the class! The group is not a substitute for reading or the work, but two heads are often
better than one. Exchange phone numbers and email info to stay in touch!
Classroom Management
Participate actively and respectfully in class.
Respect everyone’s personal space, belongings, and ideas.
Come prepared every day with materials, completed assignments, binder, spiral, and a positive attitude
Remember to not interupt or distract from others, wait your turn to speak, and agree or disagree in a respectful
manner using the appropriate academic language
● Only two students may leave the classroom at time for the restroom or water. Grab a pass and go without
distracting us or others.
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●
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Cell Phones
Each student will be assigned a cell phone pocket. All cellphones MUST be placed in the pocket prior to the tardy
bell. Roll will be taken using the cellphone pocket chart.
Cell phones will occassionally be used in class for assignments. Use phones appropriately and only when
instructed to avoid behavioral consequences
3 Final Thoughts
Mrs. Law and Mr. Stewart are both very excited to take the journey through GT Humanities with you all! We look
forward to getting to know you this year, and hope our enthusiasm is contagious because we feel as if this course is an
exceptional opportunity for students to study humanity from a more comprehensive perspective. Be aware that we are
both rooting for every student’s success and are here for any needs that may arise. Don’t be afraid to come in before or
after school to ask questions, get clarifications, or just chat! We are on your side!
Please read, sign, and return the last page of this course description by the next class period. Thank you! ​☺
4 FRISCO HIGH SCHOOL
GT Humanities I/II
I have read the course description for GT Humanities. I understand my responsibilities (such as the
H.A.E.’s and H.S.A.’s) in this course, the requirements to be successful, and that there will be more
outside of class work than in a non-advanced placement class. I will do my best to abide by class
expectations.
______________________________________
Printed name of student
_______________
Date
______________________________________
Signature of student
I/we have read the course description for GT Humanities and agree to the requirements of the course.
I/we understand the long-term benefits of the intellectual development offered by this course, and support
my/our student’s enrollment in this course.
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian
_______________
Date
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian
_______________
Date
From time to time I will send emails to parents and students with updates on what is happening in class
using the e-mails that are stored in the Home Access Center. Please ensure that the e-mail that is on file
with the school is one that you check frequently!
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