Global Studies
Ms. Flexon
Syllabus
E-mail:
Room:
Phone:
lflexon@rtmsd.org
D115
610-627-6281
Overall Objective
The overall objective of this course is to look at various topics within five major cultures of the
world: Middle East, India, China, Latin America and Africa. Within the context of each culture
we will focus on geography, social structure, economy, religion, philosophy, modernization, art,
music, literature and government. An emphasis will be placed on the 20th Century for each of
these cultures. Each culture will be a unit of approximately seven weeks.
Specific Course Objectives
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To understand the relationship between the past and present in culture.
To better understand how the various cultures relate to their natural and social environment.
To develop a knowledge of the vocabulary particular to each culture.
To develop continuing interest in different cultures though the use of current events.
To pen our minds to positive aspects of cultures different than our own.
To realize that our culture is made up of various ideas acquired from other parts of the world.
To realize that people are different and that is just fine.
Materials
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World Cultures A Global Mosaic textbook
Persepolis, The Story of a Childhood, Marjane Satrapi
The Colors of the Mountain, Da Chen
Nectar in a Sieve, Kamala Markandaya or Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse
Grading
Your grade for this class is based on your performance in the following areas:
 Class assignments and participation
 Home work assignments- I do not accept late work.
 Tests & quizzes
 Projects
 Midterm and final exams
Teacher Website/Student Responsibilities
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to find out what work was missed and make it up.
My webpage is the primary source for accessing homework assignments, handouts, class
assignments, class notes and calendar of daily activities. You should consult the web page before
you ask what you missed while you were out. Images, graphs, visual diagrams from the website
should also be considered class notes. If you missed the class discussion based on these visual
aids, you should speak with another student or Ms. Flexon to get the information.
In addition to the website, students should also check the appropriate bins and notebook in the
classroom for outline of missed work and assignments. School policy states a student has two
days for every day they were absent to submit makeup work. When you return from an absence,
you are expected to have the homework that is due that day which was posted on the website.
Some assignments are based on technology, for example Discovery Education Videos. Be aware
that technology can sometimes create problems; however, that is not an excuse for not completing
the assignments. DO NOT wait until the night before to complete technology assignments, if you
internet is down the assignment is still due!
Class Participation
This course is a discussion-based curriculum- you must contribute to class discussions. If the
classroom atmosphere is not respectful or appropriate it prevents good classroom discussion.
My expectations are simple: come to class prepared (book, notebook and pen). Be ready to
participate. Behave as a responsible student and classroom citizen.
Required Material
Each student is required to maintain a notebook and bring it to class. It must be neat and
organized by units. Headphones are also required for this course. Please bring them to class
each day.
Cheating
I expect honest, independent work from all students at all times. Any Academic dishonesty will
result in a zero for the assignment/test/quiz in question and an automatic zero in class
participation for the quarter. Refer to the academic honesty handout if you have any questions.
Extra Help
Extra help is available any time. However, it is the student’s responsibility to come to see me.