World Cultures 1450 Present Course Syllabus & Guidelines 2015-2016 School Year Mr. Maney mmaney@basd.net COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to World Cultures!! In this course, students will be introduced to key concepts that will guide them in the study of the seven world regions. A three-pronged approach will be utilized as students study the connection between history, geography, and culture. Students will be studying the geography of the world in which we live. In addition to the regions, students will focus on elements of the culture of those regions. These elements include: religion, economic systems, arts & literature, language, government, social organization, and customs/traditions. Through the study of these cultures, I hope to give students a broader view of the people around them and help them appreciate the diversity of our world and the events that helped shape who we are today. World Cultures focuses on building geography skills, expanding cultural awareness, and examining the study of the history of humanity from 1450 through the present day. This course covers world history from Exploration through to modern-day Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. Students participate in a variety of activities including discussions, large- and small-group projects, individual projects, and oral presentations. Research and writing skills are stressed, with particular attention given to the development and refinement of skills in research organization, application of traditional library and on-line resources, and appropriate use of presentation software. The course strives to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become responsible citizens in a global society. Required Textbook: Altoff, Peggy, Bockenhauer, Mark H., Milson J. Andrew, Moore, David W., Smith, Janet, Smith, Michael W.. National Geographic World Cultures & Geography, Jefferson City, MO: National Geographic Learning Cengage Learning, 2015. COURSE CONTENT: The class will be comprised of the following Units: Major Areas to study: I. Americas/Latin America focusing more on Caribbean & South America II. Europe & Russia III. Africa/Sub-Saharan Africa IV. Middle East and the Islamic World V. Asia A. South Asia B. South East Asia and the Pacific C. East Asia Mid-Term Exam: includes course content from 1 st Marking Period. Final Exam: includes all the information from beginning until the end of the course.
COURSE GOALS: The specific aims of this course are: (1) to introduce students to a wide variety of peoples and cultures around the world and to help you to understand how they live and sometimes why they live that way; (2) to develop an attitude of respect toward peoples and cultures very different from our own; (3) to analyze our own culture & its beliefs, values, & life ways, & relationship to other cultures; (4) to examine a few contemporary global issues which affect the future of humanity; (5) to gain an understanding of the historic and contemporary relationships between cultures; (6) to prepare students to meet people & cultures different from your own with greater acceptance and understanding, & to prepare you to deal with other cultures in your future personal & professional life. (7) Students will study the geography, history, religions and philosophies, governments, arts, economics, and social systems of the major cultural regions. (8) Students will be able to identify and locate the political divisions and describe the physical characteristics including climate and landforms for each of the cultural regions. (9)The students will acquire a historical understanding of each cultural region including political, economic, and religious events that shaped the region with an emphasis on understanding their impact on present global situations. (10)The students will be able to describe, compare, and analyze the elements of culture, and recognize that these elements are interrelated. World Map- 1900 World Map 2015
Daily Classroom Essentials: Attendance: Attendance is a requirement. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and turn in your work. If you know you will need to leave during class (ex. Appointment, field trip, sporting event, etc.) you are responsible for notifying me of this absences as well. Tardies: You must be on time to class. You are tardy if you are not in the room when the final bell rings. Passes: You must have with you a signed pass to leave the room. Passes are not given the first ten minutes of class. Passes will be given at the teacher s discretion. Only one student will be permitted to be out of class at any time. Please limit your time out of the classroom, as other students will appreciate the opportunity to use the restroom as well. During tests, passes are only issued in an emergency. Students who abuse the privilege will have their pass rights revoked. YOU MUST SIGN OUT to use the bathroom or to leave the classroom. Classroom Essentials: Come to class prepared to work, this is your job and these are the tools you will need to be successful!! Please ring all required materials with you. You will not be allowed to go to your locker after the bell rings. Textbook: There is a classroom set of books for the World Cultures textbook. Students can signout a hard copy of the textbook by talking to Mr. Maney. In addition, Students will create an online account for the textbook which will allow them access to the textbook at home, school, etc. Notebook: A three-ring loose-leaf binder notebook is NOT REQUIRED for this course but highly suggested. Your notebook does not need to be for history class only. Writing Utensil: Pen or pencil is acceptable. Please no red pens. Homework/Paper Format: The heading for all papers you submit must appear in the upper right hand corner. The heading should have the following information: Name, Period, Assignment, Date * All papers should be neat and in pencil, pen, or typed. Misc. All assignments should be taken seriously. Please remember that reading assignments are just as important as writing assignments. Reading assignments prepare you for class discussions the following day as well as quiz and exam questions. It is essential that you be prepared for discussions every day!!! Class participation is mandatory! 20% of your final grade will be based on your willingness to ask thoughtful questions, participate in class discussions, and group activities. My classroom is an open forum for students to express their views on the subject at hand in a THOUGHTFUL & RESPECTFUL manner. If I feel that participation is lacking, pop quizzes will be given. Extra help is always available. If you feel overwhelmed, lost, or simply don t understand something we ve discussed, SEE ME IMMEDIATELY! There is no shame in seeking help or guidance. If you don t understand something chances are several of your classmates are probably confused as well but YOU HAVE TO ASK ME! I am available before school, during my planning period, after school, or anytime that is convenient for you. Remember, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked!!! You will have an assigned seat from the first day of class to the last. Your seat will change at the beginning of each nine-week marking period and/or when necessary for disciplinary reasons. You must always sit in your assigned seat.
Late Work: If work is late because of an excused absence there will be no penalty. You have one day to make up work from excused absences for every day you were out. Please locate assignments, due dates, etc. on the board in the room for the week or on the teacher website. In addition, please copy bell ringers, notes, etc. from another student in class. Late assignments will be accepted with penalty; each day the assignment is late, there is a penalty of 25%. For example, Day 1 - -25%, Day 2 - - 50%, Day 3 - -75%, Day 4 cannot receive credit or discuss assignment with Mr. Maney. Possible arrangements can be made with larger assignments. Late assignments WILL NOT be accepted after the unit exam for which the assignment pertained. Any special circumstances will be handled on an individual basis. Bellringers: At the beginning of class, you will be required to copy bellringers from the board, screen, etc. These bellringers will be included in the course grade. Each student will receive a sheet with 10 spaces. After the sheet is filled, I will collect for a grade. Bellringers are used for quiz & exam questions. If you are absent, you still need to get information. Electronic Devices: In short, no electronic devices are permitted in class without permission. It is recommended that your cell phone be turned off and put away before entering the classroom to avoid distractions in class. If you are caught using your cell phone during class (this includes texting in your hoodie or pocket) it will be taken from you and handed to the student office/principal. There will be time when permission is given by the teacher to use for educational purposes, however, please do not use for playing games, texting, etc. Ipods and other listening devices should be turned off and put away before entering the classroom. This means no ear buds should be dangling from your ears and shirt. On some occasions, you may be allowed to silently listen to music while you work. This is the only time your music player should be visible. Cell phones are never permitted without permission. Grading: A point system will be used. Each assignment will carry a specified weight or points. Students will be informed of the point value during the instructions for that particular assignment. Students will also be made aware of its due date at that time. I will use a variety of methods to assess the students which include but not limited to the following: Unit Tests Chapter Quizzes Notebook In-Class Work Homework Projects Class Participation (positive and negative) Textbook Covered NOTE: Extra-credit will be given when assignments are complete; not to replace assignments that were incomplete or missed during regular class time! Daily Lessons: Our typical daily lessons will consist of bell-ringers, opening discussions; group guided reading worksheets and/or overhead notes, and closing review discussions. Completing the readings, worksheets, and participating in class discussions will be essential to earning a good grade in this class. You will have a small amount of daily homework for this class. It is important that you complete the short reading assignments and worksheets in preparation for discussions the following day.
My Philosophy: As far as I m concerned, your past behavior, achievements, and failures with other teachers and classes are irrelevant to this class. If you re a straight A student great, continue your work ethic and you should have no problem maintaining that. However, if you ve had academic and behavior problems in the past this is an opportunity for you to change your path. EVERY STUDENT ENTERS MY CLASS WITH A CLEAN SLATE, what happens after that is up to you. I don t listen to reputations, positive or negative. It s what you do in my class that counts not your social status. Every student begins my class with a 0%. Your effort, attitude, and performance will dictate how high that percentage climbs. Remember, I DON T GIVE GRADES YOU EARN GRADES. If you have an honest dispute with a grade I will be happy to discuss it with you. My door is always open to my students. You may stop by during the specified times or make an appointment. My goal is to make this class a fun and enjoyable learning experience for everyone. I am always open to suggestions and ideas from students for projects and lessons so please let me know if you have an idea!! My Responsibilities to You as a Teacher are to: Treat you with respect and care as an individual Provide you with a supportive and safe classroom environment Provide necessary discipline Provide appropriate motivation Teach you the required content Your responsibilities as a Student are to: Treat your classmates and me with respect and care Attend class regularly and arrive on time Be cooperative and mature Commit yourself to trying your hardest to learn and succeed Keys to a Successful School Year: Organization: Date and keep track of notes and handouts 100% Effort, Everyday: It s not your level of intelligence that matters, it s your dedication and effort put forth. Critical Thinking Skills: Constantly ask the questions how and why, consider different perspectives, and discern fact from opinion. Daily Participation: Stay alert and focused and be an active participate in class discussion and lessons. Reading and Writing Skills: Complete all reading and writing assignment, work hard to improve your reading and writing comprehension, and ask for help. Self-Worth & Self Awareness: Consider how it relates to yourself. Use the course to develop an identity and discover your passion and harness your potential.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS 1. EVERYTHING EVERYDAY! To be prepared for class, you must bring all of your needed materials. This includes a writing utensil, your homework, your notebook, and your textbook (make sure it is covered at all times!) 2. RESPECT IS EXPECTED! To be respectful, you must respect yourself, others (don t talk when someone else is talking), and property (both school and personal). 3. BE PUNCTUAL! To be punctual, you must be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings. Hall passes may be given after the first 10 minutes only for restroom passes. 4. DUE DATES DON T CHANGE! If you are not going to be in class, make an effort to turn in your assignments and get new assignments before leaving for your early dismissal. Back work, quizzes, and tests must be completed with 5 days of your return or you will receive a ZERO! Unexcused absences or cuts will result in a zero for all assignments, including tests on that particular day. 5. ACT RESPONSIBLY! You are expected to follow the Academic Integrity Policy and all other Behavior expectations of the Bellefonte Area High School. PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED PORTION TO MR. MANEY Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature GOOD LUCK WITH THE SCHOOL YEAR!