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INTRODUCTION: |
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Welcome to Global Studies! As we are all aware, especially after September 11, we do not live in a closed off world. Almost everything we do has an impact on some other part of the world and vice versa. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the World Trade Center/Pentagon attacks, it should be clear that we have to look at others from a variety of viewpoints. In order to really understand the world in which we live, we must use multiple perspectives, including an examination of the values, beliefs, and traditions of other cultures and civilizations from the past to the present.
The approach we will take is a chronological one within
different culture regions. That means that we will examine the following
regions/topics [in the order listed], each from ancient times to the
present, including a week of introduction to social studies as follows: You will be required to use a variety of acquired skills to demonstrate an understanding of major ideas, historical eras, social studies themes, and turning points in history. Every six or so weeks, you will become a different social scientist and do your assignments with special attention paid to how that particular social scientist would approach/analyze the topic under study at that time. You will need to develop your reading comprehension and your writing ability, especially in analyzing primary source documents and writing document-based essay questions. I will be there to help you, if you have had trouble with these skills in the past. |
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REQUIRED MATERIALS: | |
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1. A three-ring, hard-plastic-covered binder [at least 2” wide] for your "AT HOME" notebook.
2.
Another smaller 1" binder
that will have your notes and materials for the topic unit we are presently
working 3. Three-holed, narrow-ruled loose leaf.
4.
Plastic dividers for each
of the topics listed below.
Label each
divider as follows:
5.
Black gel pens for all
writing assignments [your writing is easier on my aging eyes if you write with
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NOTEBOOK & NOTE-TAKING: | |
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It is absolutely essential that you take accurate, legible notes that will help you better understand the class. Your notebook will be evaluated once a marking period. You can download the grading rubric for this 30-point notebook grade on my web site. One of the most difficult things to master is effective note taking. Often in class you will not have time to write down every word from the board/overhead projector/computer screen. You need to get in the habit of filtering the information presented and putting it into your notes. This means that you need to listen and digest. I know this is hard for some of you, so see me about some study strategies that might be helpful to you or go to the Learning Center for assistance. Copy main ideas and concepts that are placed on the board/overhead projector/computer screen. Take down the main points of a class discussion--listen for verbal clues [words that are emphasized, the tone of my voice when I am discussing a concept, etc.—they will point to the main ideas and important information that you should jot down in your notes. This is very important—write down possible questions that you may have [especially when doing your homework] and then ask them in class. It is your responsibility to get notes from classmates if you are absent, so get yourself a “study-buddy” in the class [exchange email addresses or phone numbers] and be responsible for each other. Review your notes frequently and if you don’t understand something—please ASK! | |
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HOMEWORK: | |
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Two
six-day cycles of assignments will appear on my web site, so you will have
over two week’s worth of work posted at any one time [sometimes three cycles
may be posted]. Each unit topic sheet has the main assignments for the entire
unite [anywhere from one to three weeks worth of work] on that page. Print
out the topic sheet and keep it in your "working" notebook. I will try very
hard to keep to the posted assignment schedule, but there is always the
occasional unanticipated situation that might force me to revise it. However,
I will always notify you of any last-minute changes. If you want to get
ahead, the assignments will be there for you on paper and on my web site—plan
ahead and budget your time. | |
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PROJECTS & TESTS: | |
You will be
given several days [or in the case of long-term projects, several weeks]
notice of any test or project due date. If there is a problem meeting that
due date for a project, or other assignment [except for homework], please let
me know ahead of time, if possible. If you are working within a group to
create a project/presentation, you have an additional responsibility to not
let the group down, because every group project has a group grade as well as
an individual one.
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LATE POLICY:
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In order to receive credit for all work, it must be submitted when it is due. I
will deduct 10% off of the original grade you would have received for each of
the first three days after the original due date (max of 30% deduction).
However, I allow for
ONE late assignment
over the entire year (up
to three days late for that assignment without penalty, except for the last
graded assignment before the end of a marking period or a group project where
the group is relying on you to do your part). You can think of this as
a Monopoly “get-out-of-jail-free” card, so to speak and you can use it at
any time. However, if you use it in the first quarter, that’s it for the year!
Exams missed due to absence will be taken within three school days after
you return unless prior arrangements are made. You are strongly encouraged to
let me know if you are going to miss class beforehand, if you know, so
that we can make a plan together for when work can be made up.
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GRADING SYSTEM:
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My grading
system is very simple—the total number of points you receive divided by the
total possible points for those assignments. One grade will be a class
participation/discussion/presentation grade for 40 points and will be added to
your total point value score. Before the end of the marking period, I will
ask for your
self-evaluation sheet with a list of the criteria for you to evaluate
yourself for that participation grade. It will serve as a guide for me before I
make a final decision on your score for that grade. Therefore, your final grade
for each marking period is 99% in your control, so you get what you give! You
can download a blank “Marking Period Grade Sheet” at the beginning of each
quarter to keep track of your own grades.
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CLASS RULES:
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COMMUNICATIONS & SUPPORT:
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| Positive, constructive communication is one of my highest priorities. Solving problems is an important aspect of good communication. I am very concerned about questions and confusions that students may be experiencing. I encourage you to approach me after class so that I can give you my undivided attention [if I am free] or see me in the halls, email me, or drop a note in my mailbox, so that I know we need to talk. Never hesitate to share your respectful feelings with me. Students quickly learn that I will eagerly listen and respond to their concerns when they approach me courteously. Remember, this is OUR class, yours as well as mine. What you do in it has a direct affect on everyone. My goal is to have a class where the teacher and the students work, talk, and think together—a place where no one tries to take advantage of another and where we learn from and help each other!
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