9th Grade World Studies Syllabus
Course Description
World Studies is designed to introduce students to major belief systems, the eras of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, and the Enlightenment. Organized in a chronological fashion, the course of study enables students to understand world, political, economic, religious, and social ideas, as well as values and attitudes to provide a full appreciation of their cultural heritage and diversity. Academic skills such as critical thinking, writing, and primary and secondary source analysis are developed.
Learning Goals and Course Objectives
The student will:
- demonstrate an understanding of World History based on the Units listed below.
- write routinely over an extended period of time for various audiences.
Tests/Projects:
35%
Quizzes:
25%
Homework:
20%
Classwork:
20%
Units of Study
Unit I: Foundations of Civilization: Unit I is about the foundations of civilizations including government and religion. This unit explores Greece and Rome as well as the major monotheistic world religions, their structure and how they relate to people's lives.
Unit II: Medieval Times This unit will explore life during the Medieval Times, 800 to 1492. This unit is meant to take the idea of government and religious social order and show how they were actually not two separate entities as they are today. The exploration of the existence of life in feudal times as either a serf, a king, a Muslim, a Christian, or a Jew will aid the students in understanding.
Unit III: Revolution through Ideas: In Unit III students will discover how new ideas rapidly changed society through examination of the Renaissance and Reformation.
Unit IV: Revolution through Ideas: In Unit IV students will discover how new ideas rapidly changed society through examination of the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Exploration. Students will research a specific topic or individual and do an in class presentation. This is a student taught unit with a research paper, a speech and a visual project component.
Unit V: Revolution Through Action This unit examines the influence ideas have on the course of human history. Students will examine the impact of Enlightenment ideas on actions taken during the English Civil War and French Revolution.
Missing / Make-Up Work
Students who are absent, excused or unexcused, are expected to make up all work. Students have as many school days to make up work as they were absent, and this time period begins upon the student’s return to school. If a student is absent on the day of a test or quiz or project due date, they are expected to take the test/quiz or hand in the project on the day they return.
Attendance
In accordance with the school policy, students will lose the right to attain a weighted letter grade with more than 9 excused and unexcused absences within a semester. Credit may still be granted if a student:
1. completes all missing work within the allowed time frame;
2. demonstrates understanding of all course competencies; and
3. earns a passing average for the marking period and/or semester.
Students who satisfy all of the above criteria will be given a Credit Only (CO) on their report card and transcript, which indicates the student is receiving credit without a letter grade. A grade of a (CO) is equal to a Grade Point Value of 1.0. For averaging purposes, (CO) counts as a 65.
Extra Help
The Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. It is a free learning opportunity for any student or teacher looking to learn more about a particular topic or practice a skill. Khan is also connected to the SAT and provides students with a free learning program that is customized to individual needs. Khan is available by visiting: www.khanacademy.org
Teachers will also have individual extra help days available for students on their caseloads during FLEX time. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are days for World Studies.
Plagiarism
At DHS we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with school policy. This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other prescribed activities. Students will be held to the policy for intentional and unintentional plagiarism as outlined in the student handbook
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that provides grade management and viewing for teacher, parents/guardians, and student alike. Teachers are able to record grades and attendance for students to view at home in PowerSchool. PowerSchool is also used by the Danbury Public Schools to organize all relevant student information, such as a student’s address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts. It is imperative that parents/guardians keep their PowerSchool information as accurate as possible. PowerSchool uses this information to send informational and emergency phone calls, as well as emails to parents/guardians. Please be sure to provide current information to your level office. If you need help accessing PowerSchool, please see your school counselor.