Athletes in Action:

The Untold Story

Course Syllabus & Guidelines

2015 – 2016

Mr. Maney

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to the Athletes in Action Mini-Course!! In this course, students will explore the historical evolution of sports in the United States from colonization to globalization. Students will examine how sports have affected the growth of America and how events in American History have influenced the growth of sports as a major industry. Students will explore the historical relationships between sport and gender, class, race, ethnicity, business, and religion. The course will look at how sports have reinforced or challenged the values and behaviors of society during various historical movements. In addition, the course provides opportunity to examine the relationship between sports and nationalism, sports and politics and the economy, sports and society change, sports and change, and sports and American expansion. Knowledge of sports is not a prerequisite for the course.

Students participate in a variety of activities including discussions, large- and small-group projects, individual projects, and oral presentations. Research and writing skills are stressed, with particular attention given to the development and refinement of skills in research organization, application of traditional library and on-line resources, and appropriate use of presentation software. The course strives to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become responsible citizens in a global society.

Required Textbook: NONE FOR THIS MINI-COURSE

COURSE CONTENT:

The class will be comprised of the following possible units/topics:

Major Areas to study:

  1. Origins of Modern American Sports (Colonial America, Sports in the 19th Century, & Sporting Events & its Spectacles, Social Class & Sports in Nineteenth Century America, Commercialization & Professionalization of American Sports)
  2. Sports Answer the Social Questions (The Integration of America Race, Gender, & Nationality. Organized Sports since 1890, Women in Sports, African American Quest for Equality)
  3. Golden Age of American Sports (The Age of Heroes, The New Woman and Old Stereotypes, Assimilation and Breaking Barriers – Ethnicity & Race in American Sports, Early Television and American Sport)
  4. Sporting Events & Individuals (The Rise of Sports since 1890, Television & Sports, Sport’s Hero’s, Sports & Immigration, the Olympics, NCAA)
  5. Contemporary Sport and Society (The New Athlete – New Ideas & Problems in the Sport, Gender Equity ? Women and Sport since 1960, Race, Class and Sport since 1960: The American Dream or Nightmare?, Sports and their Meaning to Contemporary America)

Final Exam:includes all the information from beginning until the end of the course.

Daily Classroom Essentials:

Attendance:Attendance is a requirement. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and turn in your work. If you know you will need to leave during class (ex. Appointment, field trip, sporting event, etc.) you are responsible for notifying me of this absences as well.

Tardies: You must be on time to class. You are tardy if you are not in the room when the final bell rings.

Passes:You must have with you a signed pass to leave the room. Passes are not given the first ten minutes of class. Passes will be given at the teacher’s discretion. Only one student will be permitted to be out of class at any time. Please limit your time out of the classroom, as other students will appreciate the opportunity to use the restroom as well. During tests, passes are only issued in an emergency. Students who abuse the privilege will have their pass rights revoked. YOU MUST SIGN OUT to use the bathroom or to leave the classroom.

Classroom Essentials: Come to class prepared to work, this is your job and these are the tools you will need to be successful!!

Textbook: You must bring your covered textbook! Texts are required even on the day of an exam! You will not be allowed to go to your locker after the bell rings.

Notebook:A three-ring loose-leaf binder notebook is NOTREQUIRED for this course but highly recommended. Your notebook does not need to be for history class only.

Writing Utensil: Pen or pencil is acceptable. Please no red pens.

Homework/Paper Format:The heading for all papers you submit must appear in the upper right hand corner. The heading should have the following information:Name, Period, Assignment, Date

* All papers should be neat and in pencil, pen, or typed.

Misc.

All assignments should be taken seriously. Please remember that “reading assignments” are just as important as writing assignments. Reading assignments prepare you for class discussions the following day as well as quiz and exam questions. It is essential that you be prepared for discussions every day!!!

Class participation is mandatory! 20% of your final grade will be based on your willingness to ask thoughtful questions, participate in class discussions, and group activities. My classroom is an open forum for students to express their views on the subject at hand in a THOUGHTFULRESPECTFUL manner. If I feel that participation is lacking, “pop quizzes” will be given.

Extra help is always available. If you feel overwhelmed, lost, or simply don’t understand something we’ve discussed, SEE ME IMMEDIATELY! There is no shame in seeking help or guidance. If you don’t understand something chances are several of your classmates are probably confused as well but YOU HAVE TO ASK ME! I am available before school, during my planning period, after school, or anytime that is convenient for you. Remember, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked!!!

You will have an assigned seat from the first day of class to the last. Your seat will change at the beginning of each nine-week marking period and/or when necessary for disciplinary reasons. You must always sit in your assigned seat.

Late Work:

  • If work is late because of an excused absence there will be no penalty. You have one day to make up work from excused absences for every day you were out.
  • Please locate assignments, due dates, etc. on the board in the room for the week. In addition, please copy bell ringers, notes, etc. from another student in class.
  • Late assignments will be accepted with penalty; the maximum points you can receive is 50% of the original point assessment for the assignment.
  • Late assignments WILL NOT be accepted after the unit exam for which the assignment pertained.
  • Some work cannot be made up – it is important that you attend class.
  • Any special circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.

Bellringers:At the beginning of class, you will be required to copy bellringers from the board, screen, etc. These bellringers will be included in the course grade. Each student will receive a sheet with 10 spaces. After the sheet is filled, I will collect for a grade. Bellringers are used for quiz & exam questions. If you are absent, you still need to get information.

Electronic Devices:In short, no electronic devices are permitted in class without permission. There will be times when students can use cell phones for educational purposes. Your cell phone must be put away during class. If you are caught using your cell phone during class (this includes texting in your hoodie or pocket) it will be taken from you and handed to the principal.

Ipods and other listening devices must be turned off and put away before entering the classroom. This means no ear buds should be dangling from your ears and shirt. On some occasions, you may be allowed to silently listen to music while you work. This is the only time your music player should be visible. Cell phones are not permitted without permission.

Grading:A point system will be used. Each assignment will carry a specified weight or points. Students will be informed of the point value during the instructions for that particular assignment. Students will also be made aware of its due date at that time. I will use a variety of methods to assess the students which include but not limited to the following:

Unit Tests

Chapter Quizzes

Notebook

In-Class Work

Homework

Projects

Class Participation (positive and negative)

Textbook Covered

NOTE: Extra-credit will be given when assignments are complete; not to replace assignments that were incomplete or missed during regular class time!

Daily Lessons:Our typical daily lessons will consist of bell-ringers, opening discussions; group guided reading worksheets and/or overhead notes, and closing review discussions. Completing the readings, worksheets, and participating in class discussions will be essential to earning a good grade in this class. You will have a small amount of daily homework for this class. It is important that you complete the short reading assignments and worksheets in preparation for discussions the following day.

My Philosophy:

As far as I’m concerned, your past behavior, achievements, and failures with other teachers and classes are irrelevant to this class. If you’re a straight A student great, continue your work ethic and you should have no problem maintaining that. However, if you’ve had academic and behavior problems in the past this is an opportunity for you to change your path. EVERY STUDENT ENTERS MY CLASS WITH A CLEAN SLATE, what happens after that is up to you. I don’t listen to “reputations”, positive or negative. It’s what you do in my class that counts – not your social status.

Every student begins my class with a 0%. Your effort, attitude, and performance will dictate how high that percentage climbs. Remember, I DON’T GIVE GRADES – YOU EARN GRADES. If you have an honest dispute with a grade I will be happy to discuss it with you. My door is always open to my students. You may stop by during the specified times or make an appointment.

My goal is to make this class a fun and enjoyable learning experience for everyone. I am always open to suggestions and ideas from students for projects and lessons so please let me know if you have an idea!!

My Responsibilities to You as a Teacher are to:

  • Treat you with respect and care as an individual
  • Provide you with a supportive and safe classroom environment
  • Provide necessary discipline
  • Provide appropriate motivation
  • Teach you the required content

Your responsibilities as a Student are to:

  • Treat your classmates and me with respect and care
  • Attend class regularly and arrive on time
  • Be cooperative and mature
  • Commit yourself to trying your hardest to learn and succeed

Keys to a Successful School Year:

  • Organization:Date and keep track of notes and handouts
  • 100% Effort, Everyday:It’s not your level of intelligence that matters, it’s your dedication and effort put forth.
  • Critical Thinking Skills:Constantly ask the questions “how” and “why”, consider different perspectives, and discern fact from opinion.
  • Daily Participation:Stay alert and focused and be an active participate in class discussion and lessons.
  • Reading and Writing Skills:Complete all reading and writing assignment, work hard to improve your reading and writing comprehension, and ask for help.
  • Self-Worth & Self Awareness:Consider how it relates to yourself. Use the course to develop an identity and discover your passion and harness your potential.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. EVERYTHING EVERYDAY!

To be prepared for class, you must bring all of your needed materials. This includes a writing utensil, your homework, your notebook, and your textbook (make sure it is covered at all times!)

2. RESPECT IS EXPECTED!

To be respectful, you must respect yourself, others (don’t talk when someone else is talking), and property (both school and personal).

3. BE PUNCTUAL!

To be punctual, you must be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings. Hall passes may be given after thefirst 10 minutesonly for restroom passes.

4. DUE DATES DON’T CHANGE!

If you are not going to be in class, make an effort to turn in your assignments and get new assignments before leaving for your early dismissal. Back work, quizzes, and tests must be completed with 5 days of your return or you will receive a ZERO! Unexcused absences or “cuts” will result in a zero for all assignments, including tests on that particular day.

5. ACT RESPONSIBLY!

You are expected to follow the Academic Integrity Policy and all other Behavior expectations of the BellefonteAreaHigh School.

PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED PORTION TO MR. MANEY

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Parent/Guardian SignatureStudent Signature

GOOD LUCK WITH THE SCHOOL YEAR!