Class Information

Class Information

Curriculum Overview

World History is an exciting and thought provoking course that will prepare each student with an understanding and ability to interact with the world in which we live. This course is the first introduction into the complex comparison and deductive reasoning that is required in high school. We will spend the year focusing on the California State Standards in history/social study. You can view a copy of the state standards by clicking here. We will follow the Scope and Sequence provided by San Bernardino City Unified School District. This class will cover the Ancient History, Medieval Times, Early Modern Times, and Modern World History.

Textbook

The textbook we will be using is McDougal Littell: World History Medieval and Early Modern Times. This does not need to be carried to school because there will be a set available in the classroom and one checked out to your student.

Routines

This is a survey class of World History. We use and touch on Social Science disciplines, such as Anthropology, Sociology, Archeology, Psychology and Economics to try and understand the story of the world and how it has shaped the cultures of today. The goal is to keep pacing with the district standards  in class while trying to compare ancient events to current events. Each Unit has 3 to 4 sections. This class will be engaging and the expectation is that every student to show up and be ready to work every day. A typical day will consist of an opener, followed by interactive discussions or projects with notes. Each week there will be some form of test on Friday that will cover material learned during the week, as well as review of previous topics. The purpose of the notes, projects, and discussion is for students to arrive well-prepared for the assessment at the end of the week. Demonstration of mastery of history is what we’re looking for from each student.

Different Goals of Learning History

1. You want to understand today's world as others understand it. History is a living thing. The words and actions of dead men echo through time, popping up in poems, speeches, songs, and books thousands of years later. Most importantly, people's perceptions of the past influence how they think about the future and how they act in the present. It is hard to understand the cultures of the world if you do not understand the history that created them.

 2. You want to understand contemporary events from the 'long view'. Under this schema, one values history for its ability to explain how and why the world came to be what it is now. Such a study is not focused on finding the "lessons" on history, or even the dynamics that drive it, but a lens through which to understand contemporary events. It is seeing the rise of China in the context of thousands of years of empire, a financial bail out as the culmination of a century of financial consolidation, and civil war springing from decades of religious strife. 

3. You want to understand how human societies works. This approach differs substantially from the other two. They are tethered to the world as it is - or as it is perceived - now. This approach suffers from no such limitations. It does not aim to tell the story of the humanity's history, but to explore human history and discover the dynamics or recurring patterns that make history what it has been and what it may be.

Homework

There is homework assigned every night for this class, this could be incomplete class, book work or a worksheet. I try and not assign homework over the weekend, but sometimes it can't be avoided. Students are responsible for getting the work for any days they miss. If your child is absent, they can view the nightly homework on our class website. Extra credit will be available throughout the year; however students should never plan on extra credit to make-up for missed or incomplete assignments.

Studying

Students should also spend approximately twenty minutes per night studying. History  happens everyday. Students will be expected to discipline their own study habits and determine their own level of comfort and proficiency with the material. The amount of time needed on homework and on studying will vary from student to student.

Cheating

Cheating is never acceptable. Cheating on anything will result in a zero.

Class Supplies

Students should have the following in their backpack every day for our History class:

• 2 #2 pencils
• 2 pens 
• 2 red pens (for correcting/grading)
• lined paper (college ruled)
• Colored Pencils (8 Colors) 

Also helpful to have on hand, but not required:

• highlighters
• smartphone
• tablets (ipad)

Class Website

Our class website can be found at Mrrsworld.blogspot.com. It is updated daily and is the best resource for students and parents for this class. I’d recommend bookmarking it at home and checking in each day to see what’s been learned, what links may be of benefit, and what helpful documents may have been posted. The internet offers a wealth of knowledge for students and parents alike; I highly recommend using the countless resources that are out there to enhance this year’s educational experience.

Progress Reports

You may log on to Aeries SIS “Parent Portal”  at any time to find out how your son or daughter is doing in my class (and many of their other classes as well). The parent portal is updated in real-time as assignments and tests are graded. As parents are now able to view students' grades online at any time, official Progress Reports will only be sent home for students with less than C grades. If you’ve not yet created a Parent Portal account, setup information is on the Chavez School Page (Click Here! To Be Sent There)

Grading Policy

The grading policy is point based. Each assignment will be classified into a weighted category.

Homework:  20%
Notes / Class Work:  20%

Class Participation:  20%
Tests / Quizzes:  25%
Semester Test:  15% 

Extra Credit: 10%
TOTAL POINTS:  110%

Available for Help

I will be in my classroom before and after school nearly every day for additional help or questions. I am also available by appointment. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to come ask for help.

Classroom Rules

In order to guarantee your child and all the students the excellent educational climate they deserve, we will be utilizing the following classroom rules and policies. We have gone over this information in class and everyone will be held to these expectations and consequences.

1) Respect the classroom, the teacher, fellow students, and yourself

2) Complete all assignments on time; come to class prepared every day

3) Be in your seat and prepared to work when the bell rings

4) Give your best effort every day

5) Electronic devices are only permitted upon teachers instruction for class use

6) No gum, food, or drinks 

Consequences

• Verbal Warning
• Low Level Referral
• Call Home
• Referral
• Conference
• Suspension 

Within this classroom, I will provide your student with a structured, nurturing environment. Effective learning occurs when everyone knows and understands the expectations. It is for your 7th grader's best experience that we work together. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I have already discussed this plan with your child in class and would appreciate it if you could also review it with him/her. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via email at MrR2713@gmail.com.