Global Social Issues – Syllabus
In Global Social Issues, we will study how humans behave and interact with each other. In
some instances we will see people and nations working together on environmental concerns;
and in some we will see other people and nations working at cross-purposes on
the environment. On other issues, like women’s rights, we will discover a wide spectrum of
views and approaches according to a particular society’s culture and history.
The course is based on a framework of issues that will help us examine and understand
cultures and societies around the world. We will begin by examining some of our own identities
and social issues in Virginia and the U.S., and the various structures, concepts, and
beliefs that characterize human social interaction here. Among these are family and community;
class and caste; race, ethnicity, and gender; as well as governance and economic systems. We
will then use these categories to examine social issues across the globe. We will identify
factors that contribute to social change, so that as various events unfold in our study, students
and teachers will together be able to develop possible causes or explanations for them.
Supplies:
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Three ring binder or a section of one.
Optional: Colored pencils, markers (These will be provided for you during class;
however, some students like to bring their own.)
Classroom Expectations:
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Be seated in class, and working on the warm-up activity when the bell rings.
Since discussion is a major part of this course, please respect others’ views, and
practice basic manners during discussion and debates.
Contact me if you are absent on a test day so that a make-up time can be arranged.
Otherwise, you will be expected to take the test on the day of your return.
Most assignments will be completed in class with very little homework. Therefore, it is
essential that class time be used wisely.
Grading:
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Grading will be done using the point system.
Grades will consist of classwork, quizzes, tests, and projects.
Course Topics:
I have provided a web of the course layout on the back of this page. For more in-depth
information, please see my website.
I am excited for a new school year! Contact me anytime at mpruitt@lcps.org.