World History Fall Semester

WORLD HISTORY
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
KINNEY: 2007-08
email: kinney@fulton.k12.ga.us

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will contain coverage of the earliest civilizations and world events through the time of European exploration. Students will identify the basic elements of all civilizations and trace the transition form the ancient to the advanced. Students will gain knowledge of important geography skills, recognizing patterns and connections, and will practice critical thinking skills. Throughout the course students will gain a global perspective of the events that helped create the society they live in today.

COURSE UNITS:

I. Rise of Civilizations in Asia, Africa and Europe
A. Egypt and Mesopotamia
B. India and China
C. Greece and Rome
II. New Empires Emerge
A. The Byzantine Empire and early Russia
B. The Mongols
C. The Rise of Islam
III. Transition to the Modern World
A. The Middle Ages
B. The Renaissance, Reformation and Scientific Revolution
C. The Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal Empires
IV. Worlds Collide
A. African Civilizations
B. The Americas / The Age of Exploration

TEXTBOOK:

World History: Patterns of Interaction, McDougal Littell, 2006 edition
cost: $64.98

GRADING POLICY:

Major Assessments: unit tests and course projects. (60%) Unit tests combine multiple choice, geography, information processing skills and essay questions. Two in-class projects and one individual project will be assigned during the semester.

Homework/Classwork: (15%) Homework should be handed in on the due date at the beginning of class. Late work will be accepted for half credit during the current unit.
Quizzes: (10%) Quizzes vary in length and will cover material such as vocabulary and current unit information. These may be announced or unannounced.

Final Exam: (15%) The final exam will be a comprehensive test of course material, skills and an essay.

GRADING SCALE:

90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
Below 70 F

Grades are updated regularly and are available on ParentConnect. Progress reports will also be distributed periodically throughout the semester. I am available for extra help most mornings 7:30-8:30. A list of dates will be posted weekly in F101.

MAKEUPS:

If you are absent from class, it is YOUR responsibility to collect and complete any missed assignments. Check you class period basket on the bookcase upon returning to school. Students have the same number of days as the length of the absence to complete a classwork or homework assignment. Hint: find a reliable person to copy notes taken in class during your absence if necessary. If you are absent on a test or quiz day, makeups are in the morning at 7:30. Check the list of posted dates on the board. No appointment necessary. Don’t procrastinate – the longer you wait, the worse you’ll do.

NOTEBOOK:

Each student is required to maintain a three ring notebook for the course. Divide the notebook into units and keep all distributed materials. Do not discard anything. The final exam is cumulative – you will need the entire semester’s materials to prepare for this exam.

FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)

Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.

2. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.

3. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.


CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL RECOVERY GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assessment. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE RECOVERY PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSESSMENT.

TARDY POLICY:

First and Second = warning
Third = two days of public detention, parent contacted by teacher
Fourth = one day Saturday School, parent contacted by administrator
Fifth = two days Saturday school, parent contacted by administrator
Sixth = one day ISS, parent contacted by administrator
Seventh + = consequences to be determined by administrator

CLASS EXPECTATIONS AND REGULATIONS:

1. The tardy policy will be enforced. You physically must be inside of F101 before the bell rings. Dropping off you belongings does not count.

2. Arrive in class prepared to work. Bring your notebook everyday.
World History classes have a class set of textbooks in F101. Take home your assigned book. Political Science students will be notified in advance if the textbook is necessary. Check F101 for the book sign outside the door.

3. Always sit in your assigned seat. Accurate attendance is vital. Students will be given permission to move for some class activities. Don’t move on your own.

4. Eating is not permitted in F101. Appropriate drinks in plastic containers = ok.

5. Comply with the CHS dress code and rules of conduct outlined in the student handbook. Bring your agenda to class everyday. The hall pass at the back of the agenda is necessary to leave F101. Limit your requests to leave class to emergencies.

6. The computer, printer and A/C controller are off limits to students.

7. Sleeping in F101 is not an option. This is a challenging course which requires your full attention. If you attempt to sleep you will be woken up. Your parents and administrator will be notified if this becomes a habit.

8. Do your own work. Rules regarding cheating and plagiarism are outlined in the student handbook. Remember the honor code.

9. All electronic devices are strictly prohibited in F101. Cell phones will be confiscated if seen or heard. Headphones / Ipods are never allowed in my class. I do not want to see these in F101. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

10. My private detentions are at 7:30 am on the date assigned.





































NOTE: THIS PAGE OF THE SYLLABUS SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED BY FRIDAY AUGUST 17TH. KEEP THE OTHER PAGES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.


student: __________________________________________________ class ____

Dear parent or guardian:

The Social Studies Department asks for your support in helping your student succeed in class. Please review and sign my course syllabus to be returned by your student no later than Friday August 17th. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding my Political Science / World History course throughout the semester. My email address is listed at the top of the syllabus, which your student is required to keep in his/her notebook. This is the easiest way to reach me during the school day. Please list your email address below. If you would prefer to be contacted by telephone, please list a phone number. Also, if you have not already done so, I would suggest registering with ParentConnect, a program that allows parents and students to view grades and attendance over then internet. Please contact the front office for information regarding this program.

Thank you very much for your assistance and support this school year.

Sincerely,




Erin Kinney
Chattahoochee Social Studies Dept.
kinney@fulton.k12.ga.us


Parent/guardian name: ________________________________________________

Parent/guardian email or telephone: ______________________________________

Parent/guardian signature: ______________________________________________

Date: __________________________