The World from the Fall of Rome through the Enlightenment
8th Grade World History I (500 – 1800)
Course Syllabus and Expectations – Ms. Mudge 2009/2010
Eighth graders in our district take World History I, 500-1800. As required by the Wachusett Regional School District, this course is designed to follow the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework for World History I. To access a copy of the Framework, go to the Department of Education web site at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html or go to my web site and click on “Framework.”
Goals:
- To study the development of world civilizations after the fall of the Roman Empire
- To study the major empires and political entities from 500 to 1800
- To examine the important political, economic, and religious developments from 500 to 1800
- To study the development of democratic, scientific, and secular thought
- To study the origins and development of major civilizations in Africa, India and East Asia
Materials:
Students will be given a copy of the textbook Human Heritage. It is expected that students will bring this book home and keep it there. This textbook has a tremendous amount of information on the history of Europe and will be used as our main source of information when studying units related to Europe. The complete text of Human Heritage is available online at http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/ose/national.html. The user name is “HH” and the password is “2HaphunutE” (it is case sensitive). To comply with the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework there are other units students will be learning. For these units, students will be using supplementary information.
Web Site:
In an effort to keep parents and students informed about 8 Gold world history, there is a web site that is updated daily. This web page includes a tremendous amount of information about the class. Parents and students are encouraged to explore the posted information. The most important page of my web page is called “What did I miss?” This page contains detailed information about class and homework assignments. Another popular page is called “Worksheets.” This page contains many of the worksheets given out in class. Also, answer keys to worksheets are often posted on this page. Of course, if you do not have Internet access, I will provide a hard copy of any of this information if requested. My web site can be found at:
http://www.teacherweb.com/MA/MountviewMiddleSchool/DebMudge/ap2.stm
Homework:
Homework is given every night. It is understood that students have busy schedules. For this reason, students are often informed of homework assignments several nights in advance. Students are encouraged to get the assignment done ahead of time if they choose. It is not a problem for a student to be ahead. Any student who falls behind will be required to stay after school to make up the work.
Absences:
Students are responsible for making up all class work and homework assignments missed due to an absence. If a student knows he/she will be absent, he/she should get the assignments prior to leaving school. If a student is sick for a day or two, all of the assignments are available on the web site. It is in the student’s best interest to use this site to keep up with their assignments. Of course, if a student is too sick to keep up with the assignments, arrangements will be made upon the student’s return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to see me to make these arrangements.
Expectations:
It is expected that students will arrive to class on time. Students are expected to come to class prepared with all necessary materials including a pen, pencil, white lined paper, and their history binder. It is expected that students will have their homework assignments completed and with them every day. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Students will not be given time to glue one last thing on, to staple papers together, to write in a title, or to do anything else to finish the assignment. Often, there are class discussions about a worksheet, a reading, or a historical topic. Students are expected to participate in class discussions. Students are welcome to voice their opinions as long as they do it in a respectful manner. Students should never make anyone in the class feel uncomfortable.
Grading:
Daily homework: There are two kinds of daily assignments. The first kind of assignment is the one checked in class, but not collected. These assignments are worth 5 points. Students will be graded as follows: 5 points = complete and on time, 3 points = incomplete, 0 = not completed or poorly done. The other kind of assignment is collected and graded with a √+, √, √- or -. A √+ is an excellent assignment and is entered into the computer as 100 points. A √ is an average assignment and is entered into the computer as 85 points. A √- is an assignment that is poorly done and is entered into the computer as 70 points. Assignments that are incomplete will earn a - and will be entered into the computer as 50 points.
Graded homework: Some assignments will be collected and graded. Students will be graded on how well they met the expectations for the assignment.
Daily questions: As students enter the classroom, they will be required to answer a daily question. These questions are designed in compliance with the District’s Literacy Initiative. The assignment will reinforce ideas, require students to preview the readings, and encourage students to make connections to what we are learning. Each week students will be required to turn these questions in for a grade. They will be graded the same as the collected daily homework with a √+, √, √- or -. If a student is absent, he/she is required to make up the questions. All questions will be posted on my web site on the “What did I miss?” page or in the classroom in the “What did I miss?” binder.
Quizzes: Students will be given quizzes several times a term. Aside from the typical, announced, in-class quiz, students should also expect open note quizzes and take home quizzes.
Tests: Tests are given at the end of every unit. Students will be given a study guide for each test, and they will be given an oral explanation of the test’s format. Students are encouraged to use their study guide to study from. All information covered by the test is on the study guide. Often the answer key to the study guide is posted on my web site under “Worksheets.”
Projects: The requirements and grading for projects vary. When a project is assigned, students will be given an assignment sheet. The assignment sheet states what is specifically expected of students. If all requirements are met, students will do well. Students are encouraged to ask any questions they have about projects as soon as they arise. They should not wait until the last minute.
Ms. Mudge
I began my teaching career at Central Tree Middle School in Rutland. At CTMS, I taught seventh grade U.S. history and then geography for a total of six years. I then transferred to Mountview and became the 6 Blue geography teacher. I stayed in that position for a year and then moved to eighth grade. This is my fifth year teaching eighth grade at Mountview. I am looking forward to an exciting and productive year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The easiest way to reach me is by e-mail at Deb_Mudge@wrsd.net. Of course, you may also call me at the school.
