Download 6th Grade World History 2015-2016 Course Syllabus Teacher: Ms

6th Grade World History 2015-2016 Course Syllabus
Teacher: Ms. Christian
Email: [email protected]
Website: exploringourancientworld.wordpress.com
Course Description. Sixth grade students will study the beginning of early civilizations through the fall of the Roman
Empire. Students will study the geographical, social, economic, and political foundations for early civilizations progressing
through the Roman Empire. They will analyze the shift from nomadic societies to agricultural societies. Students will study
the development of civilizations, including the areas of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Ancient Israel, Greece, and Rome.
The study of these civilizations will include the impact of geography, early history, cultural development, and economic
change. The geographic focus will include the study of physical and political features, economic development and resources,
and migration patterns. The sixth grade will conclude with the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. This course will be the
first concentrated study of world history and geography and will utilize appropriate informational texts and primary sources.1
Grading. In accordance with Shelby County Schools policy 5015, grades in this course are given solely to reflect the student’s
acquired knowledge, ability, and/or skills in this subject.2
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
Grade values for this course are as follows:
A
93-100
10%
Homework
B
85-92
25%
SMARTbook
C
75-84
30%
Classwork
D
70-74
35%
Assessments
F
Below 70
Class Rules. Students are expected to follow the Shelby County Schools Student Code of Conduct3 and Treadwell Middle
School Behavior Matrix4. In addition, students are expected to adhere to the following class rules:
1.
Follow directions quickly.
2.
Raise your hand for permission to speak.
3.
Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
4.
Make smart choices.
Class Procedures. Students will also commit themselves to the following class procedures:
 Preparation – Students will enter class prepared with all necessary supplies. The first two minutes of class are allocated
for this, including sharpening of pencils.
 Engagement – Students will participate fully in class activities and complete assignments in a timely manner.
 Responsibility – Students will remain organized and keep track of their academic progress.
Conduct Policy. Part of receiving an education is learning life skills and virtues that will enable all students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers. Virtues such as integrity, flexibility, organization, responsibility, effort, cooperation, and
respect are taught and reinforced daily in my class. If a student “slips” on one of the life skills, he or she will receive
appropriate interventions to help them get back on track.
1 slip Verbal warning
5 slips
Parent/Guardian-Student-Teacher conference
2 slips Teacher consequence – writing assignment
6 slips
Guidance Counselor referral
3 slips Parent/Guardian call home
7 slips
Office referral
4 slips Teacher consequence - detention
Homework. Students will receive daily homework assignments which will be recorded in their agenda. Parents/Guardians are
asked to initial their student’s agenda on a daily basis. It is my expectation that students turn in all homework on time. If a
student does not turn in a homework assignment on time, he or she will be able to submit an “Oops” pass which will permit the
him or her an extra day to complete and turn in the homework assignment without penalty. Two “Oops” passes are given to
each student per quarter. Parents/Guardians will be notified when a student submits this pass. After two late homework
occurrences, 50% of the points will be deducted for each late assignment and parents/guardians will be notified. At the end of
each quarter, if a student has any remaining “Oops” passes, they may enter them in a drawing for prizes.
“Sixth Grade Social Studies Standards,” Tennessee Department of Education, May 16, 2015,
http://www.tn.gov/education/standards/social_studies/std_ss_gr_6.pdf.
2 “Grading System for Grades 6-12,” Shelby County Schools, May 16, 2015,
http://www.scsk12.org/uf/policy/pm/5000/2013/5015%20Grading%20System%20for%20Grades%206-12.pdf.
3 “Student Conduct,” Shelby County Schools, May 16, 2015,
http://www.scsk12.org/uf/policy/files/files/6000%20Students/6022%20Student%20Conduct(2).pdf
4 “Treadwell Middle School Behavior Matrix,” Treadwell Middle School, May 16, 2015,
http://www.mcsk12.net/schools/treadwell.ms/site/documents/BehaviorMatrix_001.pdf
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Absences and Make-Up Work. It is the responsibility of the student to determine what work they have missed due to
absences. Daily assignments are recorded in the class agenda and are available for students to copy during the first two
minutes upon entering class. In accordance with Shelby County Schools policy 6014, students are allotted one day for each day
of an unexcused absence to make-up missed assignments. In the event of an excused absence, students are expected to make up
work within a reasonable time. Recurring missed assignments will be communicated to parents/guardians.
Parent/Guardian-Teacher Communication. In order to keep parents/guardians informed of class news and activities, the
Christian Chronicle (our class newsletter) will be sent home on the first Monday of each month. This newsletter will inform
parents/guardians of upcoming school and district activities as well as volunteer opportunities and other family engagement
programs being offered in addition to important class-specific news. District-mandated Parent/Guardian-Teacher conferences
are held on Thursday, September 17th and Thursday, February 11th of this school year; however, you may contact me via email
or school office at any time to request a conference during my planning period.5
SMARTbook. The course is structured around the utilization of an interactive notebook. This notebook organizes your
student, encourages pride in his or her work, and provides opportunities for creativity and meaningful learning experiences in
the classroom. All students are expected to keep their SMARTbook up to date. SMARTbooks are checked once every two
weeks and are 25% of your student’s grade.
Tennessee State Standards. This course follows the academic state standards as outlined by the Tennessee Department of
Education.
1.0 Culture – Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes,
values, and traditions. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation and respect for various
human cultures.
2.0 Economics – Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international
competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, the production, distribution, and consumption of
goods. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using money versus saving
money, and policy making versus decision making.
3.0 Geography – Geography enables the students to see, understand, and appreciate the web of relationships between people,
places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential
elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and
society, and the uses of geography.
4.0 Governance and Civics – Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability.
Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their
community, nation, and world.
5.0 History – History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal
analysis, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which
informed decisions in contemporary life could be based.
6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions – Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups,
and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups
work independently and cooperatively.
Course Outline.
Quarter 1
A. Geography and Map Skills
B. Pre-History: Early Humans
C. Mesopotamia
Quarter 2
A. Ancient Egypt
B. Hebrews/Israelites and Judaism
C. Ancient India
D. Hinduism and Buddhism
Quarter 3
A. Ancient China
B. Ancient Greece and Greek Civilizations
C. Rome and Roman Civilization
Quarter 4
A. Christianity
B. Islamic Civilizations
C. Multicultural Unit
D. Facing History
“2015-2016 Shelby County Schools’ Instruction Calendar,” Shelby County Schools, May 16, 2015,
http://www.scsk12.org/uf/calendar/files/2015/Calendar%20for%202015-2016-%20New%20format.pdf?mylink=720
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