8th Grade Advanced World History
SYLLABUS
Mr. Ryan Strong
Content:
The curriculum for Social Studies in the 8th grade covers World History from earliest man to the Renaissance in Europe. However, we will begin the school year with an overview of geography and the seasonal phenomena resulting from the movement of the Earth through the solar system. I know this may seem more like science than social studies, but the connection between science and history will become evident as we study human progress through the centuries.
We will then visit early “river” civilizations in China, Egypt, and Sumer (modern Iraq), follow the progress of the Greeks as the foundation of western culture is forged, witness the fall of Rome and the rise of Byzantium to the east, journey across the Hellespont with silk-laden caravans, lay the foundations of the Great Wall and observe the timeless beauty of the Taj Majal, join a Crusade to the Holy Land as three great religions struggle to occupy the same place at the same time, sail to Africa for an insiders look at the history of the “Dark Continent,” and experience the re-birth of European literacy and progress. Clearly, a busy year.
Requirements:
With the arrival of 8th grade, so comes an increased need for taking notes in class. Now is the time to develop and sharpen this essential study skill for the many (some would say endless) academic challenges that lie in the future. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, material appearing in the textbook, and any outside reading that may be assigned or passed out in class. Bring textbook and required supplies to class each day, stay awake, follow school and class rules, and use that most valuable of human resources, common sense.
Classroom Rules:
“We have but one rule here, and it is that every student must be a gentleman.”
Robert E. Lee
· A student must never lie, cheat, or steal, that they must respect other people, their opinions and their property, and that they must always act like a gentleperson.
5 expectations (and all they imply)
a. Speak and act respectfully
b. Be prompt and prepared
c. Be honest and productive
d. Set challenging and realistic goals and pursue them
e. Have the courage to do the right thing
Consequences
If you choose to break a rule:
1st time: Warning
2nd time: Break Detention
3rd time: Parents called
4th time: Office referral
Notebooks/Materials
You will keep a history notebook that contains work for this class only.
Ø Your notebook should be 3 ring and at least 1 ½ inches.
Ø Your first and last name should be on all assignments along with the date and your period. Work with no name, date, and/or period will receive no credit.
Notebook paper
Pencil or Pen (no red, pink, cerise, scarlet, or any other shade of red ink.)
Colored pencils*
Jump Drive
Wish List
-Pack of copy paper
-Paper Towels
-Dry erase markers, eraser, or cleaner
-Hand Sanitizer
-Lysol Wipes
-Kleenex
Grades:
· Grades for each nine-week period will be computed from test scores (65%), classwork/homework assignments and quizzes (35%).
o Projects may be weighted more than one test grade.
§ Examples:
· Annotated or Illustrated Timelines
· Biographies
· PowerPoint Presentations
· Make up work:
o If you are absent the day before a test / quiz, but were present when the test / quiz was announced, you are expected to complete that test / quiz on time. You have ten days to complete all make up work. After ten days, all missing work will be given a zero.
o If absence is unexcused the student will receive a zero.
· A semester exam at the end of the second and fourth nine week periods. Be vigilant. EVERY ASSIGNMENT COUNTS!
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS PAGE
We, student and parent, have read the general overview for this year's Social Studies class and understand the requirements.
I ______am setting a goal for myself to make a
Student Name
grade of _____ in social studies this year.
I acknowledge that I am responsible for my behavior, attitude, assignments, tools and projects.
STUDENT'S SIGNATURE______
PARENT’S SIGNATURE______
Numbers/e-mail where parent can be reached
cell______
email______
E-mail is one of the best ways for quick communication with Mr. Strong. Please include this if at all possible.
PARENT INPUT:
Please tell me what you would like for me to know about your child, reaching you, or expectations for this year in social studies.