World History and Geography to 1500 A.D.

World History and Geography to 1500 A.D.

Instructor: Mr. Darren Minarik

Introduction

Welcome to World History and Geography to 1500 A.D. In this course you will examine the development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times to 1500 A.D. In addition you will learn valuable geography skills that will help you better understand the world around us. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting semester with all of you.

Goals

Our goals for this semester include achieving an 80 percent competency rate on all standards of learning we cover, passing the Standards of Learning Exam, and developing strong citizenship skills necessary for protecting our interests as citizens. You will learn how to acquire and use information, assess involvement, make decisions and judgments, communicate, cooperate, and promote your own interests.

Expectations

In order to accomplish the goals outlined above, we need to work to the best of our abilities throughout the semester. I expect quality work from you and you should expect my best work as a teacher.

You are reminded that I will hold you accountable for all school discipline policies and will contact parents immediately if necessary. “Respect” is an important word in my classroom and I expect everyone to respect each other. You will receive the same respect from me. Please: (a) come to class prepared to participate and learn; (b) raise your hand before speaking when the teacher or another student talking; (c) apologize if you raise your voice or use inappropriate language in the classroom; (d) avoid touching electronic equipment in the classroom (phone, TV and VCR, computer, overhead, data projector, etc.) without permission and; (e) do not assume that it is okay to do something in class just because it is not on this list of expectations. An immediate apology is expected for any inappropriate behavior. Other actions will be taken if necessary and all discipline issues are recorded. I will limit personal passes out of the classroom if you are asking to leave frequently and do not have a medical reason for leaving. You cannot use a pass until fifteen minutes after the tardy bell.

Grading

Your grades are based on total points: Unit Tests 100 points each; Quizzes 10-20 points each; Computer Lab Assignments 15 points each; Homework and Class assignments 10 points each; Projects and Papers 50 points each; Exams 20% of total grade. The grading scale is as follows: A 95-100, B 86-94, C 76-85, D 70-75, F Below 70. All test and quiz questions will be multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. If you are absent it is your responsibility to schedule a time to make up the quiz before or after school. You are allowed to retake any unit test with a score lower than 80%.

Homework and class assignments are posted on my Web site. They are also written down in the classroom. Students are expected to write down all homework assignments on their Unit Organizers. Late assignments are not accepted unless you had an excused absence or prior teacher approval.

Materials

Each day you need to bring the following materials to class:

3-ring binder with paper and your Course and Unit Organizers

Pen or Pencil and Colored Pencils (for projects and map assignments)

Assignments due

Textbook

Block Pacing Guide (Note to students and parents: Each unit number is a link to activities and Web sites for that unit.)

DAYS	UNIT	TITLE	SOLs
5 days	Unit 1	Historical Research and Geography Skills	WHI.1
4 days	Unit 2	Paleolithic Era to the Agricultural Revolution	WHI.2
8 days	Unit 3	Ancient River Valley Civilizations	WHI.3
8 days	Unit 4	Civilizations of Persia, India, and China	WHI.4
8 days	Unit 5	Ancient Greece	WHI.5
8 days	Unit 6	Ancient Rome	WHI.6
	Nine Week Exam	Exam is 100 Questions in Length	Unit 1-6 SOLs
4 days	Unit 7	Byzantine Empire and Russia	WHI.7
4 days	Unit 8	Islamic Civilization	WHI.8
6 days	Unit 9	Japan, Africa, and the Americas	WHI.10 and WHI.11
10 days	Unit 10	The Middle Ages	WHI.9 and WHI.12
6 days	Unit 11	The Renaissance	WHI.13
Throughout the Semester	Unit 12	SOL Enrichment Activities	All SOLs
End of Semester	Final Exam	Exam is 100 Questions in Length	All SOLs

Student and Parent/Guardian Contract

Please read over the course outline carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. You may leave a phone mail message at ###-####. The course outline can be accessed at the Web page listed below. You can also e-mail me at: dminarik@auburnalum.org. I will be happy to send progress reports via email upon request.

Student Name: ____________________________ Period: _____

I have read and understood the course outline and agree to follow class policies and procedures.

_________________________________
Student Signature

I have read this course outline and discussed it with my child. I understand the course outline and agree to support the class policies and procedures. I agree to allow my child to participate in the service-learning project described in the syllabus.

______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

______________________________
Work and Home Phone Numbers

Virtual Classroom
http://www.radford.edu/~dminarik/whg.htm
Contact Minarik at: dminarik@auburnalum.org

Created: 06/10/02
Last Updated: 06/09/06 11:33 AM