Welcome to a year of discovery, both personal and educational. We will experience challenges together and have fun along the way. Expect to work hard, plan out your study time and ask for help when you need it. These behaviors are a key to success in your sophomore year. This syllabus will provide you and your parents/guardians a general overview of what we will be studying this year.
What will we be studying in these courses?
Western Civilization is sometimes blocked with Sophomore English. In both courses we will conduct a year long inquiry into what culture and western civilization are, what characterizes civilized society and behavior, and how individuals emerge within and as a result of various civilizations. In English, our focus will be on world cultures and those influences. Chronologically, social studies will highlight various themes starting with early civilization and finish with post-modern Europe. Each unit of study in history is centered on the following essential questions:
1. What is a civilization?
2. How do various civilizations create order and meaning?
3. What is the individual’s role in society?
4. How is this role developed or reflected in various eras?
5. How are the values and expectations of a society reflected in whom they regard as their heroes?
6. How do authoritarians and democratic systems develop?
1st Semester
Early Civilization Language of Cultures
Classical Civilizations Families & Celebrations
Middle Ages Community
Renaissance/Reformation
2nd Semester
Age of Enlightenment/Revolutions Cultural Transformation
Romanticism/Industrial Revolution/Economic Theory Justice & Injustice
Features of Modern Warfare/Totalitarianism/WWI Culture Clash
Experiences of the Holocaust/WWII
How will I be assessed?
Assignments are designed and assessed based on the state Grade Level Expectations (GLE), the Gig Harbor Learning Outcomes and the essential questions listed above. Reading, writing and communication skills are at the core and assessment will be based upon a wide range of criteria including, but not limited to:
Participation Discussion Projects Embedded Assessments
Daily Assignments Group Work Quizzes Sequenced Diagnostic Assessments
Homework Writing Assignments Tests Strategy Application
Your semester grade is based on the percentage of points you earned through various activities and assignments. The following grading scale will be common to both classes:
100% - 93% = A 89% - 87% = B+ 79% - 77% = C+ 69% - 67% = D+
92% - 90% = A- 86% - 83% = B 76% - 73% = C 66% - 60% = D
82% - 80% = B- 72% - 70% = C- 59% - lower = F
1st & 2nd Semester: Portfolio
The portfolio is a collection of your work that demonstrates the skills you have acquired and used throughout the semester and also shows your academic growth since September. Your instructors and classmates will review portfolios twice during the year, once in January and once in June. The portfolio assignment is a reflective project
which will include:
Attendance: Good attendance is very important! If you’re not here, we will all miss your contributions to class - and they are of value. You are an important member of this team. Optimal learning and communication only happen when you’re present. Additionally, there is an 8 absence maximum at GHHS. At the 9th absence, you can be suspended from class and may lose credit for the semester. Please note, being gone on a pass or being tardy for more than 10 minutes is considered an absence, no matter what the excuse. If you are absent,(excused) you are responsible for getting and completing work missed during that time. Turn in make-up work the next class meeting and mark it “Exc. Absence” at the top of the paper. Work from unexcused absences cannot be made up.
Tardies: Tardies are rude and a hindrance to the learning process. They also cause you to miss important information and activities. A student marked tardy will lose participation points. 10 points each for the 1st 3 tardies and 20 points thereafter, for the remainder of the semester. A 30 minute detention will be assigned on the 4th tardy and every tardy thereafter, also for the remainder of the semester. Detentions not made up within one (1) week of assignment will result in a deduction of thirty (30) participation points from the student's daily grade. On the 5th tardy a referral will be written to the Dean of Students and other consequences may be incurred. (See school tardy policy) Work missed due to tardies cannot be made up and will not count for credit. Make a commitment to get class on time!
Homework: Accountability for quality homework is high. Academic Honesty is expected. All homework is due at the beginning of class. Work not turned in when requested by the teacher will be considered late and will not count for credit. Homework and daily assignments will be posted on my website on the Announcements link.
Daily Participation: Active participation in class activities and projects. (1 point per minute.)
Academic Honesty: Each student will sign the academic honesty policy. Unless explicitly stated, all work completed is to be done on your own. Plagiarism will not be tolerated! Work turned in that violates the academic honesty policy will receive zero credit and could result in failure of one or both classes.
Preparedness/Materials: Each day you need to bring a 3 ringed binder with lined paper, pens, pencil, highlighter, journal notebook, (no rough edges) texts and homework, when assigned. Failure to come prepared will result in a 10 point deduction from your daily grade.
Study Buddies: You will need to get 3 phone numbers and e-mail addresses of other students in the class to contact in case of questions/concerns regarding assignments, etc.
Dress Code: Attire must follow the school dress code and be appropriate for the public school setting. (See policy – also on back of student ID)
Policies:
Each person has the right to personal safety and dignity! Treat each other with respect.
No swearing, put-downs, foul or abusive language.
No food or drink, except in Commons area. Exceptions can be made for special events only.
Bottled water is acceptable.
No hats may be worn in class.
No electronic games or CD players. Infraction will result in confiscation until the end of the day.
Other Issues:
No retakes are available for tests or quizzes.
For an excused absence, arrange test/quiz make-ups within one week.
Education requires clear communication among teachers, students and parents. You may reach me by phone at 530-1448. My planning period is 12:20 – 2:00, 5th period. My e-mail address is robisonp@peninsula.wednet.edu
Many of the selections we will be reading are in handouts and/or online. The major literature selections are designed for you to develop connections between your life experiences and those of people from other cultures. You may want to purchase your own copy of the novels we read. That way you are free to highlight, make margin notes or annotate your text in any way that best suits your study needs. Also, invite your parents to read the books along with us.
A note to parents: Before approving each book our staff carefully considers it for its literary merit and ability to engage students. However, great literature addresses important ideas and sometimes contains situations or language some people may find disturbing. Please peruse any of the books that your son/daughter will be required to read. Let the teacher know if you have any concerns or if you would like to borrow a copy of any of these books. Kite Runner
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Signature Page
I have read the “Academic Honesty Policy” and understand the consequences for behavior which violate it.
______________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date
___________________________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Contact Information
Phone numbers: Please print information below.
Parent/Guardian #1_________________________________ Relationship_________________________________
|
Home:
|
Cell: |
|
Work:
|
E-mail: |
What is the best way to reach you? When is the best time?_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #2 _________________________________ Relationship________________________________
|
Home:
|
Cell: |
|
Work:
|
E-mail: |
What is the best way to reach you? When is the best time?_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the rules and expectations in Mrs. Robison’s syllabus and academic honesty policy.
______________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date
______________________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Comments: