Geography and World Cultures Syllabus

COURSE OVERVIEW: Prentice Hall World Explorer textbook series: Geography, Tools and Concepts, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, The Ancient World, Medieval Times to Today acquaints the student with the geography, history, economics and cultures of Asian, African and Middle East regions of the world. The seventh grade curriculum is a continuation of the sixth grade curriculum and builds on the skills and knowledge students acquired last year. The course is designed to teach students varied skills while teaching the required topics to meet state performance standards. This is going to be an exciting and fun year in which students will participate in many “hands on” activities and will be active participants in their learning process. Many class activities will be done in cooperative groups to allow students the opportunity to help each other learn as well as developing good character traits.

COURSE GOALS: ALL STUDENTS will work toward being able to:

1. Develop a greater appreciation for the cultural diversity of the people who make up the world community.

2. Make wise and informed decisions in political and civic affairs.

3. Use research skills to locate appropriate historical information.

4. Select, interpret, and analyze information and draw valid conclusions on the basis of evidence.

5. Organize ideas and information into acceptable written patterns.

6. Assume more personal responsibilities in the learning process.

COURSE SCHEDULE: The following units will be covered.

1^st semester – Geography and Asia

2^nd semester – Africa, The Ancient World, and The Medieval World.

GRADING POLICIES: STUDENTS are responsible for their own grades. Students are graded based on the quality of their work, class participation, and personal conduct. Extra credit is determined by the teacher and in all fairness, will normally be offered as a class wide option. There is no extra credit if a student has not completed all assigned work. Therefore do the work assigned, participate in class, and follow the expectations for class.

1. Grading scale for report cards: A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 F = below 70

2. Tests will normally occur after each unit of study. However, test dates will be announced at least three days prior to the test. Quizzes may occur at any time.

3. Missing a test review does not excuse a student from the test on its assigned day.

4. Arrangements for make up work (class work, tests, homework, and projects) for an excused absence must be done with in three days of returning to school. Due to the nature of some classroom assignments, make up work may not be the same as the original assignment. Remember it is your responsibility to make the arrangements.

5. Late work will not be accepted for any reason other than an excused absence.

6. All homework is due at the start of class. If not submitted then, it is considered late and will not be accepted. If a student is absent (excused) on the day it is due, then it is due at the beginning of class on the day of return.

7. You will submit a portfolio of your work each nine weeks. Details and instructions will be published on my website www.dregister.us.

8. You will be required to keep a notebook which will contain all work, notes, and warm-ups for each nine weeks. Notebooks are subject to random checks along with your agenda book.

SAFTY NETS: Whenever you don’t understand or if you need help with your work:

· Look back at your notes or textbook.

· Request a peer tutor be assigned.

· Request teacher’s help during the Work Period

· Stay after school for help.

Let’s have a great year!

Mr. Register