9th Grade World History I Syllabus
2015-2016 School Year, State College Area High School
Teacher Schedule:
Day A, 2: World History 1, 228 S
Day A, 3: World History I, 228S
Teacher: Gina Thompson
Office Hours: By Appt.
Day B, 6: Adv. World History I, 228S
Day B, 7: Prep / Office Hours
(814) 272-­8599 Contact Information:
gmt14@scasd.org Required Course Materials:
1. W orld History & Geography (McGraw-Hill): This text will be available to the students in class and online.
2. 3-Ring Binder, Spiral Notebook, Pocket-Folder: Students will be receiving numerous handouts throughout the year. It is
their responsibility to keep these handouts in good shape and in the order they are given. If a handout is lost, I will not give
you another copy. Please date all handouts and notes.
3. Assignment Book: In order to properly keep track of due dates I am requiring that every student have and use an
assignment book. Relying on memory alone is inefficient, unreliable, and also a waste of valuable energy.
Recommended Course Materials: Flash Drive/USB Key – Throughout the course students will have the opportunity
to work with laptops at school. A flash drive is recommended for storing and completing work both at school and at home.
Course Overview: This is the first year of a two-year survey course in World History. This course will provide students with a strong
background in the fundamental developments and interactions in the world and an in-depth study of the places, events, and people that
affected the history of the world from prehistory through the sixteenth century. Areas to be studied include the ancient civilizations of India,
China, Rome, the Islamic World, Europe, Africa, and Americas. Students can anticipate regular homework assignments.
Emphasis is placed on using the study of history to develop good academic habits and strong formal writing and research skills. Emphasis is
also placed on effective analysis of historical documents, critical thinking, and the development of oral and written communicative skills.
Research skills are stressed, with particular attention given to development and refinement of skills in research organization, application of
traditional and on-line resources, and appropriate use of presentation software. The ability to construct, refine, and present objective and factbased arguments in a clear, logical, and concise way is also a major focus of this course. This course strives to provide students with the skills
and knowledge to become responsible citizens in a global society.
Students can expect to:
• Critically analyze primary documents and resources.
• Participate in meaningful and high-level discussions.
• Evaluate sources for their credibility and bias.
• Discern fact from opinion and develop the skills necessary to
recognize the difference.
•
•
•
Collaborate effectively with their peers in a community of writers,
researchers, and critical thinkers.
Employ technology effectively in the research and writing
process.
Communicate in an effective, respectful, & constructive manner
Assignments/Grading:
We will focus on reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening, research, attention to detail, and real-life connections this
year. Students’ grades in this class will be based on a number of different types of assignments. I believe that this enables me to
assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in class without placing too much emphasis on any one area. The student is required
to keep all course material until the end of the year. Students’ grades will be weighted based on the categories below:
Daily Participation & Interaction: Every week, students will have the opportunity to earn points simply for arriving to class on
time and prepared, completing the opening writing prompt (Discussion Opener), daily lessons, and participating to the best of
their ability. Students must bring required course materials to receive credit.
In-Class: Be prepared to discuss the material in class. Assignments must be completed in order for you to be a successful
participant in class discussions.
Ongoing Assessments: Students’ grades in this class will be based on a number of assignments, including, but not limited to:
• In-class activities/discussions
• Writing assignments (such as research papers & reflections)
• Group and individual projects/assignments
• Document analysis and interpretation
Textbook and/or Supplemental Readings: It is essential that students complete the assigned readings. Class discussions and
notes will center on the previous night’s reading. Be prepared to be quizzed on the assigned reading.
Tests: Students will be given two types of tests: objective (multiple-choice, true/false, matching) and essay. These tests do not
simply evaluate one’s ability to memorize facts, but rather assess one’s comprehension and understanding of the material we cover.
Research Skills: All 9th graders are required to learn proper research and writing skills in order to be successful communicators
and educated citizens of the world. Throughout the year we will be doing a number of small and large research based assignments.
Mid-Term/Final Exam: The mid-term and final exam together will account for 10% of your final grade. The mid-term is
worth 5% and will be given at the end of the second marking period. The final exam is 5% and will be given at the end of the
year. Both tests are (objective) multiple choice.
I will record student grades regularly online. Using the online system, I can post grades online to be viewed by the student
and/or parent. If students have a question about their grade, an appointment must be made with me to discuss it. I do not have
sufficient time before or after class to discuss grades.
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
Homework Policy:
98% - 100%
92% - 97%
90% - 91%
88% - 89%
82% - 87%
80% - 81%
C+
C
CD+
D
DE
78% - 79%
72% - 77%
70% - 71%
68% - 69%
62% - 67%
60% - 61%
<59%
In order to be successful in this course, students are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments. Failure to do so
will result in a poor grade and will cause the student to fall behind in the course. The amount of homework each student has will
depend primarily on how hard the student works during class time to get his or her work completed. Homework assignments
(usually readings) will be given in advance for the following week.
Attendance/Make-up Work:
Student success and the success of this course depends on active participation; therefore, regular attendance is required. Please
review the attendance policy in the student handbook.
If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments, class notes, and course changes from a
classmate or from the course website. It is YOUR responsibility to get work to me or make up missed quizzes, etc.
Bathroom/Hallway Use:
Students must sign out to use the bathroom. Students do not need to ask to use the bathroom, HOWEVER, if your bathroom
visits are frequent I will question whether your visits are legitimate. In other words, DO NOT ABUSE THE BATHROOM PASS.
Electronic Devices:
1.
2.
3.
4.
As laid out in the district’s “Anytime, Anywhere,” policy, students may use their personal computers or electronic devices for
educational purposes only at the teacher's discretion.
Personal computers and electronic devices may not be used during paper assessment situations.
The high school’s discipline guidelines will be followed when a student is found to be using a device for a non-educational purpose.
For the 2013—2014 school year, Google Chromebooks will be available to all students for student educational use.
Academic Integrity/Plagiarism: The State College Area High School Student Handbook defines plagiarism as “using
someone else’s words or ideas without citing the source of that information.” Consequences will vary depending upon the extent
of the plagiarism and the degree of intentionality. See pages 9-10 in the student handbook for consequences. In all cases the
grade level administrator and parent will be contacted. If students are permitted to work with someone else it will be
explicitly announced.
Examples of plagiarism include (but are not limited to):
1. Buying, borrowing, or stealing another person’s work, or paraphrasing another’s ideas without giving credit.
2. Copying from a classmate or another source. (i.e. Cutting and pasting from the internet)
“This class values thinking. The more you think, talk, and write about your thinking, the better your grade
will be. There may be wrong answers, but there are no ‘wrong ideas’.”