Honors Civics and Economics Course Information

Honors Civics and Economics ~ Course Information

The World History course will address six (6) periods in the study of World History, with a key focus of study from the mid 15 th century to present. The standards of this course are grouped in a way that reflects accepted periodization by historians. The learning standards of this course have been written to focus around a basic core of chronologically-organized periods and events in history in order to have a set of learning standards that can be reasonably taught and learned with some depth and not just memorization of facts, within the time available for classroom instruction. However, local districts and teachers are encouraged to elaborate on what is included here, to add topics that they feel are important, and to organize material into Concept-based Units of study. Students taking this course will study major turning points that shaped the modern world. Students coming to this course are expected to have a firm foundation in the themes and tools of geography and early, ancient and classical civilizations from their K-8 experience. Written conceptually, standards for this course have been developed with a historical approach, which should be at the center of any local World History curriculum a LEA may develop from these standards. The standards of this course are grouped in a way that reflects accepted periodization by historians. In order to write a set of standards that can be reasonably taught and learned with some depth within the time available, topics have been selected around a basic core of chronologically-organized history and social science knowledge. However, local districts and teachers are encouraged to elaborate on what is included here, to add topics that they feel are important, and to organize material into Concept-based Units of study. The essential standards in themselves are not intended to be the curriculum, nor do they indicate the whole of the curriculum that will be written by an LEA. The essential standards have been developed to serve as the minimum baseline standards that will guide each local school district in the development of their standard and honors level World History courses. The essential standards for World History have been written conceptually and identify the most critical knowledge and skills that students need to learn in this course. The Essential Standards for this course have been written to the levels of cognitive processing outlined in the Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (RBT). The use of RBT as well as conceptually written standards are a combination that will help to ensure students successfully achieve the mission of the North Carolina State Board of Education: “…every public school student will graduate from high school, globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century.” Through the study of World History, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. The desired outcome of this course is that students develop relevant enduring understandings of current world issues and relate them to their historical, political, economic, geographical and cultural contexts. As students examine the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements, and phenomena, they encounter the contributions and patterns of civilizations of the past and societies around the world. Students taking this course will broaden their historical perspectives as they explore ways societies have dealt with continuity and change, exemplified by concepts such as civilization, revolution, government, economics, war, stability, movement, technology, etc. This course is intended to be taught as a high school course that will receive high school credit. Thus, it has been developed based on the concepts, content and skills that are developmentally appropriate for students at the high school level.

Required Materials & Additional Supplies

Civics Textbooks: Textbooks will not be assigned to students. Textbooks are available in the Media Centerfor student check out as needed.

Supplemental Reading Materials: Supplemental reading materials, such as novels, may be used throughout the course and will be provided to students online or through check out in the Media Center. Students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of novels if they wish to do so.

Course Project Materials: Students may need to purchase additional materials throughout the semester to complete assigned projects. Students will receive advance notice of projects and materials.

Required materials for students to bring to class EACH DAY:

• Free Dropbox account for storing documents, pictures, and videos for projects. (dropbox.com)
• USB device (flashdrive for backing up storing electronic documents)
• 3 ring binder and Loose Leaf Notebook paper
• Writing Utensils (Pens in blue or black ink and/or pencils)
• As a 1:1 Blended Classroom ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A LAPTOP (school provided or student may provide own)

*Students may wish to bring their own colored pencils, highlighters and/or markers to class; however, these items are optional.

CLASSROOM "WISH LIST" ITEMS

As a part of daily classroom use, for hygiene and project purposes, Classroom “WISH LIST” items are included below. These items are optional for students to bring in and are especially appreciated at any time throughout the school year. If dropping "Wish List" Items in the front office, please be sure to indicate the intended classroom (ex: Mrs. Crowther-C2):

Small Dry Erase Markers – Index Cards – Tissues - Clorox/Lysol/Off-Brand Wipes - Ziploc Bags (Quart and Gallon) –Shoebox size storage containers-Giant size post it pads-Any Arts/Crafts materials (i.e. fabric, felt, glitter, paint, hot glue sticks, etc.)

Grading Policies

The following percentages will be used to determine each student’s grade:

World HistoryFinal Course Exam

Students will take a final exam at the end of this course. The exam is created by DPI (The Department of Instruction) and based on the course standards. It will be administered during the Fall Semester Exam Week. Please note: The final course exam will count as 20% of the student’s final course grade. There are no exemptions for the course final exam.

Grading and Absences

Please be advised that students that are absent more than 7 (seven)class periods duringthissemester course,excused or unexcused, will receive a failing grade (FF) for the course.

Reporting Grades

Academic Integrity & Course Work Expectations

Honor Code

Parents and students are asked to please read over and familiarize yourselves with the J. P. Knapp Early College Honor Code, which all students are expected to follow at all times:

Due Dates & Missing Work

Students are expected to adhere to due dates and encouraged to pace themselves accordingly. Above all, students are expected to complete all assigned work to the best of their abilities.

In the case of missing assignments, students will be placed on the Office Hours list. Additional interventions:

1st Missed Assignment - Teacher Warning (students will be asked to complete the work & submit immediately)

2nd Missed Assignment - Parent Contact

3rd Missed Assignment - Parent Contact & Team Conference

Should a student reach a3rd Missing Assignment (or more), the circumstance(s) will be evaluated and additional interventions may be used, including, but not limited to: required attendance during Office Hours, After School Detention, Friday Afternoon Detention, a Student/Parent Conference, a Student/Principal Conference and/or a Referral. Finally, work not completed past the 3 day policy unfortunately exhibits zero understanding of associated assignment content and therefore is subject to receiving a zero in the grade book.

As mentioned previously, students are expected to adhere to due dates. Late assignmentsare subject to a deduction in points or a loss in assignment credit.

Make-Up Work - Due to Absence(s)

In the case of an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to retrieve his or her make-up work from the designated area in the classroom. Students are given three (3) days to complete and submit make-up work. Absent students who have missed a test or quiz must make arrangements to make up the missing assessment(s).

Students are asked to provide as much advance notice as possible if an extended absence from class is planned. A written note or email from a parent/guardian indicating the dates and reason(s) for the extended absence are acceptable. At least 48 hours notice is needed to prepare work for students to complete during an extended absence.

Classroom Expectations

Classroom Agreements

At the beginning of the course, students will review the Civicsstandard“Classroom Agreements”.

1) Proceed with Perseverance – Keep TRYING!

2) Have Humor.

3) Operate with an Open Mind & Acceptance.

4) Treat others as you wish to be treated! Remember, Recognize & Return Respect.

5) PARTICIPATE…Confidently, Equally & Fairly!

6) Do Your Best!

Students are invited to make suggestions and add to the “agreements”. These “agreements” are posted in the class andexpected to be followed by all students. The school and county handbook policies and procedures are expected to be followed at all times as well.

If a student chooses to break an “agreement” disciplinary action(s) will be as follows:

Electronic Devices

Students may not use electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, iPods, MP3 Players, CD players, game devices, etc.) during class unless authorized by an early college staff member. Failure to comply with this policy will result in confiscation of the electronic device. Parents will be required to pick up the device from the main office.

Students are required to bring laptops to class each day. It is each student’s responsibility to ensurehis or her laptop is charged and ready for use in class. Students are strongly encouraged to have power cords with them each day and to utilize down times, such as lunch, to charge laptops.

Laptops will not always be used at the beginning of class; therefore, students are required to wait for directions prior to powering up and/or logging on to laptops.

Additional Information

Class Tardiness: Students are expected to be in the classroom, seated, preparedfor class and ready to work at the designated class period start time. Students tardy to class three (3) times will be referred to the main office for disciplinary action.

Field Trips: Students may take field trips during this course. Field trips are subject to change and/or cancellation at any time. Once field trips are planned and approved, students will receive a permission slip to include date(s), costs and specific field trip information. Parents are encouraged to participate in field trip activities. If you are interested in attending to help chaperone, please contact Mrs. Crowther for more information.

Important Resources/Links:

District Website:

School Website:

OpenClass:

NCWiseOWL:

Destiny (Library Catalog):

SAS Curriculum Pathways:

**Additional resources will be included on Mrs. Crowther’s Teacher Webpage and in the “Resources” in Schoology

Communication: Open communication is very important! Parents may be contacted throughout the year by email or telephone. Please provide your most updated information for this purpose.

Parents, guardians and students are invited to contact me with comments, questions and/or concerns at any time. I can be reached during office hours at the school at 252-232-3107 ext. 1508 or by email. Please remember to frequently visit the school website and Schoology, as these too serve as great tools for communication!

After reviewing the syllabus please sign and return the last page of this form no later than the second week of classes. Thank you for your support! I look forward to a fun, fantasticyear!

Thank you,

Mrs. Bernice K. Crowther