MULTICULTURAL STUDIES SYLLABUS

Teacher: Mrs. Annie Nyeste (NYE-es-tee)

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Objectives

  • Gain knowledge about different countries’ history and communities
  • Gain an understanding of other world religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam)
  • Be able to prepare an ethnic dish (to be shared with the class!)
  • Be able to think critically about the perspectives and values of other countries
  • Gain an understanding of globalization and its effects
  • Demonstrate a general knowledge of world geography
  • Be able to communicate (both formally and informally) your ideas and beliefs about different societies

Student Evaluation

Homework/Bellwork/Daily Assignments 10%

Quizzes30%

Participation 10%

Tests50%

Units (Subject to Change)

Major Religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism,

Asia: China, India, Russia, Turkey, Iran

Europe: United Kingdom, France

South America: Brazil, Chile

North America: Mexico

Africa: South Africa

Country Units consist of but not limited to:

Heroes/Fairytales/Legends

Holidays

Slang

Food

Art

Guest Speaker

Geography

Materials

  • Notebook with a section for Bellwork, Geography, Vocabulary, and Missionaries (I suggest a small three ring binder but a spiral notebook would be acceptable)
  • Pens or Pencils, whichever you prefer
  • Folder or something to keep print outs in
  • We won’t be using a textbook for this course but I will need you to print out different resources for yourselves or access them electronically. I will give you more notice than just the day before when I do need you to bring print outs to class.

Cellphone Policy

At the beginning of class, cellphones should be placed in your assigned pocket in the Phone Daycare, located next to the bookcase. Texting, social media, gaming, listening to music, and other distracting uses of technology are unacceptable in my classroom. Devices should be used ONLY when instructed to do so by me.

Absent Work

I have a teal bin with file folders that contain absent work. It is your responsibility to get that absent work and to sign that you did in my folder. You’re an adult! Make up work must be obtained timely so that you can complete it according to the school’s policy.

Late Work

Late work isn’t accepted. I repeat, late work isn’t accepted. Wait, did I mention that late work isn’t accepted? Well, let me tell you right now, late work isn’t accepted. Come to me crying, I’ll probably cry with you but late work isn’t accepted. Life’s tough but you’ve been warned: late work isn’t accepted.

OBVIOUSLY, CHEATING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN ANY FORM AND I DON’T TOLERATE IT. I will liberally give zeroes for all parties involved. Actions prove who someone is. I really hope that no one is a cheater. According to Ms. East, if I think you’re cheating, you already are. Don’t be shady!

A Last Few House Keeping Things

  1. Classroom conduct. I respect you and you respect me. I expect you to be polite to me and your classmates.
  2. It is my opinion that talking about your business in class makes it everyone’s business. The classroom is a public place with people who can hear. Don’t be surprised when someone knows your business if you’ve talked about it in a place with many eavesdropping ears.
  3. Being physically present isn’t enough; you must be mentally present too.
  4. I’ve borrowed from the University of Southern Mississippi’s policy on preparation for class. “…preparing for class means being ready to discuss and intelligently question issues raised by material. This does not mean, however, that you must master the material…it is perfectly reasonable that you may be confused.” But come prepared to ask questions on what specifically that you find confusing. I understand that you may be confused. That’s fine! But simply telling me that you don’t understand without any specifics communicates to me that you’re making up an excuse and you didn’t really prepare for class.
  5. Food and drink are fine with me as long as it’s not distracting and that you’re ALL tidy. I’m the one that cleans the room. It’s your responsibility to take care of your own mess. House elves don’t work here.
  6. I’m really excited about this class!!!!