Introduction to Western Civilization – 9 th grade Academic Social Studies Ms. Phillips

1. Introduction to Western Civilization – 9th grade Academic Social Studies Ms. Phillips

2. Notecard Info • On the Front Side – Your first and last name (use large print) • Back Side – Do not rewrite the question – only write your answer 1. Parent(s) or guardian(s) first and last name(s). 2. Home phone number or best contact number 3. Parent Email – identify which parent 4. Your Email 5. Best thing you did over the summer 6. One thing I should know about you 7. English Teacher and level– use your schedule

3. Teacher Contact Information • Name: Ms. Phillips • Email: cphillip@upsd.org • School Extension: 7063 • Wikispace: http://cphillip.upsd.wikispaces.net/

4. Course Description This is a survey course that focuses on the development of Western civilization from the medieval period to the 20th century in Europe through the connection of ideas, literature, and history. The class is designed to focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking and listening skills, and researching. The curriculum and skills will focus on preparation for high school academic expectations and standard tests.

5. Essential Questions 1. What are people most loyal to and why does it change through time? 2. Who has the power and how do they maintain it? 3. How does geography impact a country's actions and consequences during a given event? 4. How does a revolution alter people's lives? 5. Why does conflict occur between people, rival groups, or countries? 6. How does the past impact the way in which similar events are approached in the future?

6. Fall Course Overview

7. Spring Course Overview

8. Required Course Materials • 3 ring binder – at least 1 ½ inches thick • Binders will be checked at the end of each marking period for organization and completeness of course materials. • paper – spiral or loose leaf • writing utensils – pen or pencil • Textbook: Human Legacy – full text also available online at my.hrw.com • book cover or book sock

9. District Grading Policy 9th grade Social Studies

10. Purpose of Grading • The purpose of grading is to convey student performance, progress, and achievement, while holding students accountable for daily learning.

11. I. Assessment Definitions Achievement Assessment (Summative) • An Achievement Assessment is an activity completed when a student has had adequate instruction and practice to learn the material. Examples include unit tests, essays, projects, and presentations. In some cases, a quiz or homework assignment may also be considered an Achievement Assessment. Learning Activity (Formative) • A Learning Activity is a task or assignment within a unit of study given to students to enable learning and provide practice in required content and skills. The learning activity may or may not be graded. Examples include quizzes, homework, in class activities, such as quick-writes or worksheets, or informal assessments, such as teacher questioning and observation.

12. II. Marking Period Grade • Achievement Assessments and Learning Activities are to be recorded separately in the grade book and are to be reported separately on mid-period progress reports. • The percentage breakdown for Achievement Assessments and Learning Activities for Social Studies, which is a core course, is shown in the chart below.

13. III. Final Course Grade • For a year-long course, the lowest grade possible is a 50% for the first and third marking periods. This is to ensure the opportunity for the student to show improvement and receive credit by passing both the second and fourth marking periods and the final exam. The student must pass three of the five fields to pass the course. Three marking periods or two marking periods and final must average 60% or higher.

14. IV. Extra Credit and Bonus Points Definition of Extra Credit: Additional academic work that is related to the subject area or subject specific academic content standards. • All standard work must be completed for a student to be eligible for extra credit. Definition of Bonus Points At a teacher’s discretion, bonus points may be included in a specific assessment grade (tests, quizzes, projects, etc.) and should be related to the academic content standards being evaluated in a given class. • Application of Bonus Points: Bonus points cannot affect more than 2% of the grade on a given assessment.

15. V. Homework • Homework will be checked and periodically collected for points. • Credit will be given based on the amount of work completed. • Homework quizzes will be utilized to check for understanding of the content. These are Achievement Assessments. • If the assigned homework is reviewed in class, students may not complete the assignment for credit.

17. In order to be successful… • Work as a team • Be responsible (Bring required materials to class) • Listen to others • Be respectful to everyone • Be kind and helpful • Work hard and do your best • Be ready to learn • Take risks and accept that you will make mistakes

18. Good Luck This Semester!