World Cultures Course Syllabus Grade Level Required Course Prerequisites Instructor Contact Information Materials 7th 2 Semesters/1 Credit 6 th grade Social Studies Summer Catino scatino@gaston.k12.or.us x251 Spiral Notebook Overview This course will focus on different cultures of the Eastern Hemisphere, what makes these cultures unique and how different cultures interact. To do this, we will focus on various geographical and societal regions/groups, identifying how physical features and climate affect people and explore why human beings cluster in specific regions. There will be a strong emphasis on learning country locations and development of map skills throughout the year. Course Objective Students need to achieve proficiency in the 7 th Grade Social Sciences Content Standards. Oregon Social Sciences Content Standards Over the course of the year we will cover many standards. For the full list of standards please go to the class website. Course Outline First Quarter Topics: Focus on Geography, An Introduction to World Geography and Cultures, Europe Second Quarter Topics: American Russia and Its Western Neighbors, Southwest and Central Asia Third Quarter Topics: Africa, South Asia Fourth Quarter Topics: East and Southeast Asia, The Pacific World and Antarctica
Planners The day s agenda and assignments (with due dates) will be written on the board daily. Students are encouraged to copy down the agenda either in their planner or a notebook in order to stay organized and ensure assignments are completed on-time. Supplies Each student will need a spiral notebook which is reserved solely for use in their Social Studies class. This notebook will function as their Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) and will be where students record their notes, practice new concepts, and complete assignments. Students will also need a binder (it may be shared with other classes), loose-leaf notebook paper, pens, and pencils. Oral Presentations Students are encouraged to take part in class discussions. Participation in these discussions will not only increase student involvement in class but will also increase students grades. Students should also be prepared to present information in front of the class. Due Dates All assignments are due at the BEGINNING OF CLASS on the assigned date. Assignments turned in late will be subject to grade penalties. If students are scheduled to be gone on a due date because of a prearranged absence (field trip, family business, etc.) assignments should be turned in PRIOR to the absence. Absence Policy Students missing school because of an excused absence have the number of days they were absent to get the work turned-in. Any assignment due the day of the absence will be due at the beginning of the class on the day of return. Tests/quizzes must be made up within two days of an absence or it becomes a zero in the grade book. Students are responsible for seeking out make-up assignment at an appropriate time (for both teacher and student). If an absence is unexcused, students will lose the opportunity to make up participation points. Grading Policies The standard grading scale will be in effect (see below) on most assignments, tests, and quizzes. Other assignments may have a specific grading rubric, which will be provided to students prior to the assignment s due date. Grades will be broken down into three weighted categories. 91-100% A 81-90% B 71-80% C 65-70% D 0-64% F Standards Based Assessments (tests, projects essays, etc.) 60% Quizzes 10% Assignments & Daily Work 30%
Standards Based Assessment Grading/Requirements Generally, Standards Based Assessments, when in the form of a test, will be broken into three sections: Historical Knowledge, Charts/Graphs/Maps, and Vocabulary. In order to pass the standard students must receive a score of 70% or higher in each individual section. If a student does not score a 70% or higher on their first attempt they will have two more opportunities to retake the assessment and increase their score. If a student retakes the assessments the additional two times and does not get a 70%, their highest attempted score will be recorded. Prior to retaking an assessment, students must complete a Retake Request form showing they have reviewed and prepared for the retake. Students will not be allowed to retake an assessment without completing this form and getting it approved by the teacher. Classroom Expectations All students will be respectful of each other s thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated. I am an understanding teacher. If you have a problem, please talk with me (or email) at an appropriate time. We cannot always control what goes on outside of this classroom. We can; however, control our attitude and behavior within this classroom. Foul language, put downs, and disrespect toward the teacher or others will not be accepted. Movies and Video Clips During the year students may have the opportunity to view videos, movies, and news clips. All video content will be previewed by Mrs. Catino prior to student viewing and will be age-level appropriate. The videos and movies will correlate to curriculum standards and will be used for analysis and/or comparison. Any full-length movie will be PG-13 or below.
Classroom Rules, Expectations & Routines Matrix for Mrs. Catino Our goal is to create classrooms that are predictable, positive, and promote independent behavior. In all classroom situations Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe Topic/ Situation Directions Beginning of period Electronic devices Food, drink and gum Expectations & Routines Follow directions the first time they are given. Doing this is a huge part of being respectful and responsible. Enter the classroom quietly and ready to learn. Get out all needed materials prior to the bell. Sit in your assigned seat and look on the board for instructions and/or warm-up activity. Everyone should be working when the bell rings. Please have all electronic devices (and related equipment) turned OFF and put away when you enter the classroom. There are times when you may be allowed to have electronic devices out with teacher permission. You are welcome to drink plain water from a closable, clear container while in class. Please drink only from your container; no sharing. You may chew gum if you can do so respectfully and politely. Hats Textbooks and supplies Heading Papers Handing in papers and handing out papers In-class assignments and homework Computer use Absences Personality conflicts End of class Standards Based Assessments Getting extra help Other Procedures Hats may be worn in class if they do not distract or interfere with learning. Please be careful and responsible with all classroom textbooks and supplies. If you need to take a textbook home, please check it out with me and write your name and the book number on the front whiteboard. Before the end of class the textbooks and supplies should be returned neatly to their proper place. your papers in the upper right corner in the following manner: First and last name Assignment name and/or page number Date assigned Due date Be prepared to turn in your work when it is due, which means that it needs to be printed, stapled, and headed in advance. When due, papers will be collected individually and placed in the appropriate basket. You are responsible for getting late assignments into the appropriate basket. Returned papers are filed under your name in classroom crates next. You may collect these at any time before or after class. The majority of our work is done during class time, and is due before class ends. When work is to be completed at home, it is due at the beginning of the period unless stated otherwise. Safeguard your password and account information. Save/send your projects in multiple formats and locations just in case, and check that things work before the due date. Using a computer at school is a privilege that can be revoked if computer use policies are not followed. Supply me with the excused admit slip upon return. Be responsible for the work that you missed. See me at an appropriate time to get make-up work. For a lengthy absence or help, make plans to see me outside of regular class time. If you missed a quiz or a test, you will need to make arrangements with to make it up within two days of your absence. Unexcused absences and suspensions will result in lost points. You will potentially be asked to work with or sit by classmates with whom you do not get along; regardless, be respectful. Working effectively with those whom you may differ is an essential skill for your future. If the situation is intolerable, please see me privately and be ready with some alternative ideas/solutions. During the last two minutes of class please return any borrowed items. Clean up around your desk before leaving. First attempt make-up tests and papers should be completed within two weeks of the initial exam. A Retake Request form must be completed prior to the make-up attempt. All proficiency make-up tests and papers must be completed two weeks prior to the end of the semester. If you need more help outside of class time, I am available after school most days. Please let me know that you are coming, so I will be sure to be in my room. My official hours are 8am 4pm. For a fire drill: Listen to directions and when directed move quickly and quietly to the hallway and out the back door, continue following students in room 201 until you reach the 50 yard line on the football field. For all other drills (earthquake, lock-in, lock-out, etc.), please be quiet and calm; follow all teacher instructions.
Plagiarism Statement Definition: Plagiarism is the use of another person s words, ideas, or facts as if they were your own, without giving credit to the original source. Examples: You are plagiarizing when you use information from another source without including proper documentation (e.g. citations and a list of works cited or a bibliography). You are plagiarizing when you use more than three words in a sequence from someone else without giving credit to that source. You are plagiarizing when you turn in another student s work as your own or allow someone else to copy your work; this might include homework, tests, papers, or other assignments. You are plagiarizing when you copy materials from sources such as the internet, books, or periodicals without introducing the material or using citations to show the beginning and end of the borrowed material. You are plagiarizing when you paraphrase and/or simply change a few words without properly citing the source. (Adapted from the OCTE pamphlet What s Plagiarism and How Can You Avoid It? ) Guidelines for Avoiding Plagiarism: Indicate clearly when you use anything from another person s work, even if only a phrase or a single key word by using quotation marks. When summarizing or paraphrasing, distinguish clearly where the ideas of other end and your own comments begin. When using another person s ideas, credit the author by name and identify the work in which you found the idea. Err on the side of caution by giving credit whenever you suspect you are using information, other than general knowledge, from a source. If you are unsure if you are plagiarizing, it is your responsibility to consult with your teacher regarding the work before the assignment is due. (Adapted from Write for College, published by Write Source) If Plagiarism is Suspected: Students may be asked to defend or verify their work as their own in one of the following ways: o Present notes, drafts, or works cited; o Produce an on-demand work sample; o Present a verbal defense of work in question. Penalties for Plagiarism: If plagiarism is determined, one or more of the following penalties will result (section 18 of the Parent/Student Handbook): You will receive a failing grade on the assignment/paper/test. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted and informed of the occurrence of plagiarism and the resulting penalty. Multiple occurrences of plagiarism will result in a disciplinary referral being filed and could result in suspension, expulsion, and/or a failing grade in the course for the quarter. Plagiarism may be noted in a college recommendation.
Contact Information and Signatures Please complete and return this form acknowledging that you have reviewed the course syllabus, expectations and procedures. In signing you agree to be accountable for the outlined guidelines. Student Name: Student Signature/Date: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Parent Signature/Date: Preferred Email Address: Preferred Phone Number: Questions: