World Cultures
Mrs. Urschler
2014-2015
“Self-knowledge comes from knowing other men.”
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
_______________________________
Course Goals:
In the interconnected world we now live in, it is necessary for individuals to have an
understanding and respect for how and why people, in other regions, live as they do.
In addition, a responsible member of this global community must recognize the
abundance of resources this planet avails us while considering the limits on them as
well. To this end, it is important to see the connections between people and their
environment. In this course we will examine this relationship between geographical
features and the people and cultures of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Course Outline:
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Introductory Unit
Africa
Middle East
South Asia
Southeast Asia
East Asia
Grading:
Your grade will consist of tests, quizzes, homework, assignments, individual and group
projects, class presentations, a term paper, daily participation and a final exam.
 Your grade will be determined using the standard grading scale:
A
B
C
D
F

90% & above
80% - 89.99%
70%- 79.99%
60%-69.99%
Below 60%
Grades given for the nine week marking periods will be rounded up for .5% and
above. Your final grade will be calculated by taking the average of your four
nine weeks percentages.
Class Rules:
All of the rules and guidelines that are outlined in your student handbook will be
enforced. In particular, it is expected that each student…
1. Be on time. This means in your seat, ready to work at the bell. In addition,
do not ask for the hall pass during the first 5 minutes of class.
2.
Be respectful. This means do not talk while the teacher or another student is
talking. Also, making fun of or degrading other students and their comments
will NOT be tolerated.
3.
Be responsible and accountable. This means have your materials, do your
work, participate in discussions, and live up to your greatest potential!!! You
are REQUIRED to keep a 2 ½ -3 inch three-ring binder with 6 dividers for this
class. It may not be shared as a binder for other classes! In addition, you are
expected keep all class material s organized by unit in your binder (there will
be periodic checks). Also, YOU are responsible for completing any missed
work due to being late or absent!!!
4. Be prepared… to leave your cell phone in your book bag!!! Use of cell
phones and iPods during our class time will not be tolerated, unless I expressly
permit their use for instructional purposes. Any student caught using a cell
phone/iPod (i.e., texting, browsing, listening to music, etc.) in class without
prior consent will face disciplinary consequences. Your presence in class
requires the absence of earbuds, cell phones, iPods, etc.
Additional Help:
Students are encouraged to ask for additional help whenever needed. I am here to
help you succeed!!! I will generally be available before school or during school at a
time convenient to both student and teacher.
 This year I have 2nd period hall duty, 5th period lunch, and a 7th period prep. Otherwise,
I will usually be in room 38 , the library or the Social Studies Office (room 89).
 Remember to check my email on a regular basis and email me with
questions/concerns!!! Be PROACTIVE!
Remember:
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
This is your education… take control of it! You will get from this class what you put into it!
Let’s have fun and enjoy the year!