World Cultures Syllabus
World Cultures
Mrs. Steinkamp
Dear Students and Parents:
This syllabus will give you an idea of the requirements of the classroom and course. Please review this together, add comments, sign, and return it to me by Monday, August 20. Students will receive their first 50 points for talking to you about this syllabus and returning it to me with your signature.
My website address is: teachers.esu8.org/mrss (no www). Both parents and students may go there to find course information and important links to websites we will use for class. You can also reach me through Parent Connect.
General Course Objectives
1. Students will demonstrate use of the language and skills of geography including research, team work, and analysis of maps and data.
2. Students will apply basic knowledge of culture while making decisions and choosing a position for simulations, class studies, current events, and their own life experiences.
3. Students will understand the roles of various social institutions in different parts of the world, as well as how those institutions interact with one another both regionally and internationally.
Grading
Grades will be determined by class participation, homework, group work, research, quizzes, and tests. Note that the students¡Ù grade weighs heavily on participation in projects and in class.
¡• Students will be given a rubric for major projects. Carefully following instructions will assure a good grade.
¡• Extra credit assignments will be offered to the entire class. Students who have no missing or incomplete assignments are eligible for extra credit.
¡• Late projects will only be accepted on amnesty days. Points will be deducted for late work. Late homework will not be accepted.
¡• Assignments from excused absences will follow school policy (one day for every day missed).
¡• Absences for extra-curricular activities or family travel must be pre-arranged, and assignments are to be turned in when the student returns. (See me about alternative assignments related to your travel.)
¡• Students may get help after school Tuesday through Friday. If you think you will need more than 20 minutes, please give me some notice so I can set aside enough time for you.
The breakdown for grades is as follows:
40% Projects (Simulations, Forums, Case Studies, Final Project)
40% Quizzes and Tests (including final exam)
10% Homework (mainly reading and a few skills lessons; NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED)
10% Class Participation (work ethic, informal discussion, helping others, contributing to the class, class assignments)
Behavior Expectations
I have three basic rules, and everything fits into them. I also have a warning system that will be explained in class.
- Be safe: Consider the consequences of your behavior, and avoid putting yourself or others in jeopardy.
- Be respectful: Show respect for yourself, others, their property, and the school's property. Appropriate language, topics, clothing choices, and classroom conduct all fit in here.
- Be prepared: Have your work done, and be ready to start class when the bell rings. Both your papers and your attitude should be in order.
Tardies: A Tardy is defined as not being in one's seat when the bell rings. Students may have up to three tardies (less than three minutes late). For Tardy #4, the student will spend 15 minutes before or after school with me the next day, and parents will be called. Tardy #5 will be referred to the office.
Course Outline
Each unit will include at least one project as well as a map test. This outline may be altered due to time constraints.
UNIT SUBJECT PROJECTS/TESTS
1 Physical Geography Design a continental map
Map Mistakes Quiz
Continents/Oceans/Map Reading Test
2 Basics of Culture Culture of Star Trek
Belief Systems research/presentations
Culture Simulation/Essay (takes the place of test
3 Africa Map Test
Speaker (Mrs. Steinkamp) on development work in
Hotel Rwanda viewing/discussion (permission required)
Build a Highway Across Africa (group simulation
4 Asia Team research/visual presentation
2 Map Tests (each for a different region of Asia
5 Latin America Map Test
Musician/speaker presentation on Venezuela
OR "Jungle to Jungle" viewing/discussion
6 Europe Map Test
European Union: Resolving issues of East vs. West
7 Middle East Map Test
Middle East Readings
OR Empires of the Middle East Simulation
PARENT COMMENTS:
We have read and discussed the requirements for the World Cultures class.
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Parent Signature Student Signature
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