Text Box: Chris George - World History/Geography Fall Semester - Course Syllabus Course Information: Purpose: In this course together we will have an opportunity to develop “habits of mind” that allow us to think historically: this means that we will be critically investigating the past in meaningful and relevant ways that help us understand our present and prepare us to make difficult decisions about our future. You will not be asked to memorize facts to be regurgitated on a tests. Instead you will be asked to organize information about the past and to apply it to the present and future. This course is an attempt to prepare you for the difficult role of a democratic citizen. Method: Most units of study will revolve around a general "Central Question" (CQ) and a specific "Driving Question” (DQ). We will examine historical events, documents, and people in an effort to “get at” these questions. These questions are typically “ill-structured”, that is, they are not black-and-white, easily answered questions (i.e. “Is war ever necessary?", "When is it justified to use violence to change things?"). This forces you to develop your point of view and back it up with evidence. You will be challenged to develop skills (including “habits of mind”) that make this possible. Building a Framework: You will be required to gradually memorize a set of “core dates and timeframes” – these are basic dates and time periods that allow you to construct a meaningful overview of history. Without them, studying history is about as effective as climbing Mount Everest naked. If you will firmly commit yourself to learning these as we add them to our list in each unit, you’ll be shocked at how easily you can maneuver through history. Once you have them memorized, we will be able to use them, as tools of history, to think historically. Geography: This course includes a significant geography component including map skills and location of countries, major land and water forms, as well as culturally significant areas or objects. You will gradually learn the location of all countries in Europe (as most of this course does focus on “Western Civilization”) as well as about 20 others scattered throughout the world. Miscellaneous: Homework will be given only when necessary. This means that when I give it...you should do it. It will typically take the form of introductory readings and the reading notes that accompany them. These are designed to prepare you for the upcoming class. You will need a 3-ring binder that is just for this class and a set of 3x5 index cards (hole-punched ones are the best). Grading: Your grade will be based on a total point system. Tests will typically range from 50 to 150 points, projects from 100-200 points, homework and other assignments from 10-40 points. Tip: If you do all of your homework, it is virtually impossible to fail the course…because you’ll actually have a clue of what we’re doing in class (and why it matters). If you don’t consistently do it, it will be quite difficult to pass. Late & Make-up work: Homework may be turned in 1 day after its due date for partial credit. More than 1 day…we’ll have to chat about that. I like second and third chances (I need them regularly), but you’ll have to “pay”…do extra work, prove that you actually care, etc. If you miss a day, you need to check the website, call a classmate, etc…it’s your responsibility. If you miss 1 day, you have 1 day after returning to turn it in on time. Miss 2 days? You’ve got 2 to turn it in on time…you get the idea. The “rules” above about late work apply if you miss these deadlines. Classroom Rules and Consequences:

Syllabus

Rule

1st Warning

2nd Warning

3rd Warning

Respect

Verbal Warning

Detention

Note home; if behavior continues student will be referred to the principle’s office.

Prepared

Verbal Warning

Detention

Note home; if behavior continues student will be referred to the principle’s office.

Cheating

 Zero Tolerance Policy!! 1st offence is an automatic referral to the Principle and a note home.

Participation

Students will be expected to actively participate in class when appropriate.  If students show a pattern of not participating they will receive a verbal warning that they will be in jeopardy of loosing points on their participation grade.  If the problem continues then the student will have points deducted from their participation grade.