7th Grade Social Studies – Ancient and Medieval World History
Teacher: Mr. Adam Decker
Room Number: 207
E-Mail: adam.decker@logan.kyschools.us
Planning Time: Monday – Thursday 10:15 – 10:55 A.M.
Phone: (270) 542-4139
Daily Required Materials for Students:
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Pencils
Composition Notebook
Folder
Loose-leaf Paper
Erasers
History Alive Social Studies Workbook (provided by the teacher)
Student Data Binder (provided by the teacher and remains in classroom)
Access to technology (computer, internet, etc.) will be provided at the school but any access that is provided at home will
be greatly beneficial to students. However, if students do not have this access at home, all efforts will be made to prevent
this from hindering the learning process.
Periodically, other materials such as poster boards and art supplies may be required but the teacher will make all possible
effort to provide these resources.
History Alive textbooks are used for this class. Textbooks will remain in the classroom, however students will be allowed
to check a textbook out for homework completion as needed.
Course Description: This course seeks to provide students the opportunity to investigate, analyze, and apply Kentucky Social
Studies Core Content Skills, including Government and Civics, Culture and Society, Economics, Geography, and Historical
Perspectives. These skills will be guided by the historic time period of Ancient and Medieval World History that includes the
following major areas:
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Early Humans
Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Ancient China and India
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Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Medieval Europe
Medieval Middle East and Africa
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Imperial China and Japan
Renaissance and Reformation
Civilizations of the Americas
Learning Tasks
1. Participation – Class interactions will be large contributors to learning in this class. Therefore, students are expected to
engage in intelligent discussions of the assigned topic in all areas (discussion activities, group learning activities, shared
projects, etc.) to help process course material or to demonstrate understanding.
2. Individual Tasks and Assignments – Students will be required to complete individual learning tasks that are designed to
enhance and build upon knowledge. These tasks include but are not limited to: word wall assignments, note taking,
workbook activities, homework assignments, individual projects or individual student tasks that are part of a group
assignment, etc.).
3. Formative Assessment – Students will complete numerous quizzes, tasks, discussions, etc. that will be assessed and
tracked by students. These assessments will not impact the student’s final grade but will be used to guide instruction and
student needs.
“It is history that teaches us to hope.” –Robert E. Lee
7th Grade Social Studies – Ancient and Medieval World History
4. Summative Assessment – Following major topics, students will complete written tests that will assess the student’s
learning for that topic. These assessments are K-PREP formatted using multiple choice and extended response
questioning, while also assessing the student’s ability to read and interpret information presented in charts, graphs,
maps, and reading passages, along with content specific questions. Summative assessments will be the ONLY source for
student grades in this class.
5. Retake Procedures – Students who are not satisfied with their summative assessment grades will have the opportunity to
retake their assessment. Students will need to arrange a time with Mr. Decker, usually in the morning time (7:25-7:45) or
during Mr. Decker’s planning time, to go-over the missed content and reinforce their understanding. Students will then be
required to re-take a different set of questions based on the same content. However, students are required to retake
ONLY THE QUESTIONS THEY MISSED. Also, student may retake their assessments as many times as they would like. Finally,
retakes tests completely replace their initial grades for full credit. But it is the full responsibility of the student to follow
these procedures and be responsible for retaking their assessments.
6. Study Island and Other Technology-Based Learning – Students will use Study Island, Mission U.S., Discovery Education,
and other online resources to enhance and build upon their learning. These tasks will be completed in the classroom or
school computer labs.
Course Guidelines and Expectations:
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Students are required to be prepared for class each day with their expected materials and any assignments from the
previous days.
Students are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments and assessments that they may have missed when
students are absent from school.
All behavioral expectations follow the PBIS and school handbook policies. Basically, treat others the way you want to be
treated and be an engaged learner; everything else will fall into place.
Grading Scale – The overall total points possible for summative assessments divided by the points earned in a 9-week time
period will determine the students’ overall grade for this class.
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A = 94% - 100%
B = 85% - 93%
C = 78% - 84%
D = 70% - 77%
F = 0% - 69%
As always, if there are any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please do not hesitate to call or contact
Mr. Decker, and if desired arrange a time to meet.
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Student Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature
“It is history that teaches us to hope.” –Robert E. Lee