Current Issues 2011

Mrs. Meghan Hanson-Peters

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Current Issues is a one semester course that meets every other day. Students receive 0.5 Social Studies credit. The course focuses on controversial modern political, economic, cultural, and intellectual issues. Students will practice their skills in historical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation. The curriculum is aligned with state Social Studies standards.

TEXTS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Students will use the magazine The Week as an in-class starting point. Additionally, newspapers, periodicals, online journals, and the Internet will be used for reading and research.

OVERARCHING ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS:

  • Critical thinkers of both historic and current events evaluate sources for audience purpose, point of view, context, and authenticity.
  • Critical thinkers of both historic and current events use primary and secondary sources to evaluate and develop hypotheses and interpretations of historical events and figures.

OVERARCHING ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

  • How does the point of view of the historian impact how history is interpreted?
  • What qualifies an event as historically significant rather than simply noteworthy?
  • Why are historical questions important?
  • How do historical thinkers use primary and secondary sources to formulate historical arguments?
  • How might historical inquiry be used to make decisions on contemporary issues?

UNIT OUTLINE: This outline gives you a general overview of the essential questions and themes for each unit.

Unit 1: What is the What? Options, options, options (for news)

Unit 2: Say What? Two Sides (at least!) to Every Coin

Unit 3:So What? Why Should We Care?

Unit 4: Now What? Call to Action

REQUIRED MATERIALS: You are required to have a single-subject notebook. A three-ring binder is recommended to keep articles and handout. Students are expected to find access to a computer, dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, atlas, newspapers and news magazines. Both the SSHS Media Center and Bud Werner Public Library are available for such resources. All students are required to have a working email address.

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION:

Student grades will be determined by the following:Conceptual Understanding via Projects & Assessments, Journals, Class Discussion, and Academic Responsibility. Students are expected to complete all formative assessments (daily work and homework) as well as all summative assessments (for example, projects).

Student progress and mastery of the content standards will be designated as follows:

4Advanced: student shows sophisticated understanding and is able to explain, apply, interpret, and have perspective, empathy and self-knowledge

3Proficient: student has a basic understanding and is able to apply information/skills/attitudes to known situations

2Partially Proficient: student is able to articulate and apply some information and skills

1Need more evidence: student competence is not yet known or is inadequate

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Students are expected to bringnotebook/journal every day. One copy of each handout will be provided; teacher is not responsible for lost materials.Students are expected to complete all assignments on time and to participate in all classroom activities. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period of the day specified. In the event an absence, make-up work will be accepted according to school policy. Absent are responsible for checkingteacher website BEFORE returning to class after an absence. Then, if necessary, students can make an appointment with either teacher if follow-up is necessary.If you know ahead of time that you will be missing a class (for any reason), get a pre-arranged form from the main office and see Mrs. Hanson-Peters during an open hour to get the required assignments. Otherwise, visit website for the needed assignments. Since grades are kept on a computer gradebook, it is of the utmost importance for each student to keep ALL returned papers. The only proof of work done, should our system crash or should data be entered incorrectly, is the actual graded paper.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

All attendance and tardy policies will be enforced and the Steamboat High School Honor Code will be upheld. Please come to class ON TIME, with cell phones and electronic devices turned off.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mrs. Meghan Hanson-Peters, History

Telephone/Voicemail: 871-3646

Email:

Open hours: 4th and 5th hour