H U M A N   G E O G R A P H Y   A N D   W E S T E R N   H I S T O R Y

(9^th Grade Honors – Pre-AP)

 

Course Syllabus

Sanger High School                                                                                Instructor:  Mr. Penner

2007 – 2008                                                                              Room 510

Social Studies Department                                                     875-7121 ext. 510

                                                                                         brian_penner@sanger.k12.ca.us                                              http://TeacherWeb.com/CA/SangerHighSchool/PennersWorldHistory/

 

Welcome to Honors Human Geography and Western History!  The purpose of this course is to prepare you for Advanced Placement European History.  In our study of geography, we will study the patterns and processes that have shaped human organization and uses of the world.  This will provide you with a firm foundation for the history portion of our course of study, which is the bulk of the course.  Here you will learn about the roots of modern Western culture as they are found in the world’s religions, the societies of ancient Greece and Rome, and medieval and early modern civilizations. 

 

This course will involve an increased focus on the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for successful completion of future Advanced Placement work.  Most importantly, by considering the past, you will learn to appreciate people in lands far away and also gain a sound perspective of our own country and local community.  History will come alive as we ceaselessly strive to connect the past’s lessons to our lives today.  We will challenge ourselves to think critically about our roles as global citizens and as members of our local community of Sanger here in the central San Joaquin Valley.

 

Expectations

This course is designed to prepare you for Advanced Placement work, and ultimately, for college-level work.  Consequently it will be rigorous and challenging.  You are expected to participate and strive for excellence in all class activities; including readings, discussions, group projects, writing assignments, and other tasks.  Homework will also be regularly assigned.

 

Along with the expectations noted above, this school year I expect you to:

• Grow as a learner by taking the time to read and write
• Think deeply and critically about new ideas and past and current events 
• Look beyond your own concerns and self-image to the lives and cultures of others

 

Course Goals:

• Provide students with an awareness of global human geography and the ancient, medieval, and early modern histories of Western civilizations.
• Foster the development of discipline-specific reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
• Encourage students to develop sound methodological practices for evaluating primary and secondary sources in history.

 

Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes):

• Use and think about maps and spatial data.
• Understand the relationships and interconnections between people and places.
• Identify the unique characteristics of the world’s religions and their roles in world history.
• Describe the significance of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Identify the fundamental movements that shaped Medieval Europe.
• Interpret the key developments that laid the foundation for the modern world.

Resources

• Arreola, Daniel, et al. World Geography, (2003)
• McKay, John P., et al.  A History of Western Society, 5^th edition (1995)
• Diamond, Jared. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (1999)
• Stearns, Peter. World History in Documents: A Comparative Reader  (1998)

 

Classroom Behavior

You are expected to behave in a manner that facilitates your learning and the learning of others.  Behavior that interferes with the learning process will not be tolerated.

 

Rules

1. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of Room 510.
2. Adjust your voice level to suit the activity.
3. Follow directions the first time given.
4. No food or drinks, other than water, are allowed in the classroom.
5. Observe all school rules in the student handbook.

 

Consequences

If you choose to break a rule, you will first be issued a warning.   The second infraction will result in a detention.  Disruptive behavior will result in a Step and a trip to RC.  Severe disruptions (i.e. fighting, habitual profanity) will result in a referral to the assistant principal.

 

Tardy and Attendance Policy

The school tardy and attendance policy will be strictly enforced.

 

Grading

While grades are important and reflect the quality of work you have done, it is important to remember that your purpose in this class is to grow as a learner and thinker and not to chase after grades.

 

Most assignments in honors World Geography and History involve reading, writing, and critical thinking, so in order to receive an excellent mark in this course you will have met all the expectations described above. 

 

The following are the course components and their approximate values in assessing how well you meet the expectations:

 

            Classwork/Homework             50%

            Quizzes and Tests                 50%

 

The following grade scale is used:

 

            A+           100%               C+            77-79%

            A            93-99%                 C            73-76%

            A-            90-92%                 C-            70-72%

            B+            87-89%                 D+            67-69%

            B            83-86%                 D            63-66%

            B-            80-82%                 D-            60-62%

                                                            F            0-59%