Mrs. Reif’s
GREAT ISSUES IN SOCIETY POLICIES
2015-2016
The Basics
Class Materials There will not be a text given out to students of this course. Much of the content that
students will be covering will come from a combination of materials from teacher and
student research.
 Because there is no class text much of the content will be in the form of handouts. The best
way to keep these materials organized is a heavy-duty folder or binder.
Attendance Your student will have 3 days for every one day absent to make up any work that was
missed. The homework that was due on the day he/she was absent will be due on the first
day he/she returns to school.
Grading Policies
Possible Assignments This course is unique in that there are no exams or quizzes. Instead, grades will be
calculated through different assignments and activities. These assignments and activities
may include:
o Research Papers
o Speeches
o Position Papers
o Multimedia Presentations
o Debates
o Community Service
o Skits
o Class Discussion
o Group Teaching
o Online Discussion
o Interviews
 Each graded assignment will be given a point value by the teacher depending on the size
and difficulty of the task. For example, a short reading may be worth 10 points while a
presentation may be worth 100 points.
Participation-
 In addition to the possible assignments above, 100 points every five weeks will be given for
participation. Points are given based on a student’s contribution to in-class discussions,
debates, small projects, etc. These points make up for a lack of tests/quizzes.
Topics to be Covered
 Identifying a “Great Issue”?
 Research Methods & Techniques
o
Reliable vs Unreliable Resources
 Content
o We will discuss the first week of classes what topics may be covered this semester
 Final Projects
o Project types and topics will be discussed in class.
Essentially, this class is designed to be YOURS…NO state mandates, NO state exams. This class will
go where you are willing to take it.
Keeping Up-To-Date
Begin by checking out the class website www.reifshistoryclasses.weebly.com. There is a wealth of
information there including the programs I will be using below.
In an effort to keep everyone connected, I will be using a number of different programs to post important
information. Below is the codes, links, etc to those programs.
Remind
By downloading this program to your
smartphone or by going to www.remind.com,
it will allow me to send mass emails and texts
regarding important information such as due
dates, test dates, etc. In order to receive these
emails/texts you need to subscribe below.
Facebook
For students who have a Facebook account, like my
page: Mrs. Reif’s History Classes. *This does not require
a “friend request.”* I will post important information
such as test dates or homework reminders along with
any interesting articles, photos, etc. on this page.
Students and parents will also be able to message my
page if there are any questions.
YouTube
Some assignments throughout the year
will be video-based. Lectures are
recorded by me and then viewed by the
student via YouTube. The easiest way to
access these videos is to subscribe to my
YouTube Channel. These videos will be
posted to my website as well.