Syllabus

08/16/2011 Syllabus 7th grade Social Studies: __World History__ Teacher: Robert Todd Email: rtodd@mthcs.org School Phone #: 742-0666 **Welcome** to this school year. For many incoming seventh graders this will be a new and exciting experience, and I look forward to enjoying this time with you. Our Journey in Social Studies will focus on the ancient world and take us through the age of exploration. This is an amazing time of change and adventure throughout the world. Some of the things we will study are not only History, but Sociology, Economics, Geography, and Government as well. As one can see there is pretty much something for everyone. For this year, our focus will be **world** history, which has defined, and is continuing to define our lives in every way to this day. Its impact is far reaching, and knowing how we came to be here, is an important step toward knowing where we are going.

__ **Class expectations:** __
 * **Everyday:** In order for students to learn, they must be prepared to learn. Therefore I expect you to come to class prepared. This includes a functional writing utensil, a **SOCIAL STUDIES** notebook with writing paper, and your text book (depending on the condition and amount of textbooks, these may be kept in the classroom). Failure to come prepared will result in missing out on the lessons assigned for that day.
 * ** Absences: ** With around 150 students it is nearly impossible to keep track of what students miss when they are not in class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find me and get any work you missed for that day. Please do not ask me in the middle of class. This is your responsibility and involves you alone; I will not take time away from 24 other students, just to get you caught up. The best time to approach me is during a slow period in class, (while I am uninvolved with another student(s)), and before and after school. I am at the school almost always by 7:00 am, see me and I will write you a pass so you can come to my room.
 * ** Homework: ** I give on average one homework assignment every week; generally it is a continuation of what we were doing in class. They are due on the day that it is due. I will accept them the next day for half credit, after that I will not accept late assignments. If you turn something in, you may redo it for half to full credit regardless of score. If you turn NOTHING in you receive a zero.
 * ** Grading: ** Homework, projects, tests, and quizzes are the majority of what will make your grade. I am flexible and willing to work with all students, if there is a problem, please notify me BEFORE it is an issue as much as possible. Applying oneself to the work will almost guarantee a passing grade. I have not had a student fail or in fact receive a grade below a C, who did all of their assigned work, and turned it in on time. Grading is based upon points earned: A ten point homework assignment is worth ten points toward the final quarter grade. As such each point is equally important. It will break down along district standards (tests/quizzes will equal at least 50% of one’s grade, everything else will be the other 50%)
 * ** Textbooks: ** This year we have many textbooks that are in a state of disrepair, and possibly not enough. In the extent that we don’t have enough books for everyone we will use the textbooks in class, if you desire a textbook for home please just send me a note or email and I will issue one out to your child.


 * Note for Parents **** : ** Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this school year. I communicate best by email, but I am more than willing to talk on the phone, however please be aware that I have a limited amount of time during the day when I am free. My email is on the top of the front of this sheet. I will be updating progress book at least weekly, so please check your son/daughters grades periodically and contact me with ANY questions you might have.


 * Discipline: ** In my class there is one simple rule, Respect for everyone and everyone’s learning. We will be having a discussion within the first few days of class detailing what all is involved with this. Some of the things we will discuss include, but are not limited to, not talking while someone else is talking, active listening, NO insults, and participation. These are just a few of the things involved. As a class we will be coming up with rules that will be posted later in the year. I am a firm believer that if we all respect each other, there should be few to no problems. All School rules will be enforced. Infractions of these rules will result in the following; Students will be warned once, following that they will be given a Detention. Detentions are assigned by me, and never make me happy as it takes away time from me as well as the students. The students will be held until 3:20 and generally I have them do remedial labor (like cleaning the desks), this is not fun time. For a student to serve a detention they MUST return the signed (by their parents) slip of paper to me or I will assume they are skipping detention. This is a form of communication from me to parents, although one I would MUCH rather not use. If the Detention is not enough office referrals will be written. I will do my best to call home if the situation merits it. I also reserve the right to take alternative avenues if necessary.

Below are specific class descriptions for 7th grade Social Studies and Ace Social Studies. Course Description 7th grade Social Studies ace.docx Course Description 7th grade Social Studies.docx
 * Schedule: ** Here is our tentative schedule for the year, although due to many factors this can change.
 * **__1st Quarter:__** Review and Greece Units --- || **__3rd Quarter:__** Islam/Africa and Middle Ages Unit ||
 * **__2nd Quarter:__** Rome and China Units || **__4th Quarter:__** Renaissance/Reformation and Age of Exploration Units ||

Here is looking forward to a Great Year, Robert Todd