Syllabus

Syllabus: World History (6th Grade)

World History I Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Cowan Amaye-Obu   
Department: Social Studies
Course Title: World History I
School Year: 2012-2013
Contact: Cowan.Amaye-Obu@ocps.net

407-245-1780

Textbook: Discovering Our Past: A History of the World  McGraw-Hill 2013
Course Description: Students will gain knowledge and understanding of foundational concepts for founding human civilizations in Ancient History. Emphasis will be placed on historical civilizations including: Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, the Americas, India, China, and Axum. In addition, World History covers polytheism and the development of the monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The religions of the Far East will include Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Finally, the concept of time, geographical landforms, basic economics, the use of technology in and outside of the classroom, and arts integration will assist students in developing the cognitive ability to “discover our past.”  

Statement on Course Objectives & Sunshine State Standards: Through notebook organization, class assignments, homework, projects, quizzes, and exams students upon completion of this course will be able to:

World History Standards
SS.6.W.1.1: Use timelines to identify chronological order of historical events.
SS.6.W.1.2: Identify terms (decade, century, epoch, era, millennium, BC/BCE, AD/CE) and designations of time periods.
SS.6.W.1.3: Interpret primary and secondary sources.
SS.6.W.1.5: Describe the roles of historians and recognize varying historical interpretations (historiography).
SS.6.W.2.1: Compare the lifestyles of hunter-gatherers with those of settlers of early agricultural communities.
SS.6.W.2.2: Describe how the developments of agriculture and metallurgy related to settlement, population growth, and the emergence of civilization.
SS.6.W.2.4: Compare the economic, political, social, and religious institutions of ancient river civilizations.
SS.6.W.2.5: Summarize important achievements of Egyptian civilization.
SS.6.W.2.7: Summarize the important achievements of Mesopotamian civilization.
SS.6.W.2.10: Compare the emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America with the four early river valley civilizations.
SS.6.W.3.1: Analyze the cultural impact the ancient Phoenicians had on the Mediterranean world with regard to colonization (Carthage), exploration, maritime commerce (purple dye, tin), and written communication (alphabet).
SS.6.W.3.2: Explain the democratic concepts (polis, civic participation and voting rights, legislative bodies, written constitutions, rule of law) developed in ancient Greece.
SS.6.W.3.4: Explain the causes and effects of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars.
SS.6.W.3.6: Determine the impact of key figures from ancient Greece.
SS.6.W.3.7: Summarize the key achievements, contributions, and figures associated with The Hellenistic Period.
SS.6.W.3.8: Determine the impact of significant figures associated with ancient Rome.
SS.6.W.3.12: Explain the causes for the growth and longevity of the Roman Empire.
SS.6.W.3.13: Identify key figures and the basic beliefs of early Christianity and how these beliefs impacted the Roman Empire.
SS.6.W.3.14: Describe the key achievements and contributions of Roman civilization.
SS.6.W.3.15: Explain the reasons for the gradual decline of the Western Roman Empire after the Pax Romana.
SS.6.W.3.16: Compare life in the Roman Republic for patricians, plebeians, women, children, and slaves.
SS.6.W.3.18: Describe the rise and fall of the ancient east African kingdoms of Kush and Axum and Christianity's development in Ethiopia.
SS.6.W.4.1: Discuss the significance of Aryan and other tribal migrations on Indian civilization.
SS.6.W.4.2: Explain the major beliefs and practices associated with Hinduism and the social structure of the caste system in ancient India.
SS.6.W.4.5: Summarize the important achievements and contributions of ancient Indian civilization.
SS.6.W.4.6: Describe the concept of the Mandate of Heaven and its connection to the Zhou and later dynasties.
SS.6.W.4.7: Explain the basic teachings of Laozi, Confucius, and Han Fei Zi.
SS.6.W.4.8: Describe the contributions of classical and post classical China.
Geography
SS.6.G.1.1: Use latitude and longitude coordinates to understand the relationship between people and places on the Earth.
SS.6.G.1.3: Identify natural wonders of the ancient world.
SS.6.G.1.4: Utilize tools geographers use to study the world.
SS.6.G.2.2: Differentiate between continents, regions, countries, and cities in order to understand the complexities of regions created by civilizations.
SS.6.G.2.3: Analyze the relationship of physical geography to the development of ancient river valley civilizations.
SS.6.G.4.2: Use maps to trace significant migrations, and analyze their results.
SS.6.G.4.4: Map and analyze the impact of the spread of various belief systems in the ancient world.
SS.6.G.6.2: Compare maps of the world in ancient times with current political maps.

Grading: In order to assure equity in the class, all assignments must be completed by the due date and time. Assignments and other responses will not be accepted if they are more than two days late. For assignments and other responses that are two days late, 10 pts per day will be deducted. All other assignment issues must meet the school Zero Policy for acceptance.

* Grade Scale: 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, 50-59 F, 1-49 I

* Grade Percentage: Test/Quizzes 35%, Folder 30%, Classwork 15%, Homework 10%, and Experiments/Projects 10%

Tests and Quizzes: Test/Quizzes will be given bi-weekly in order to assess student knowledge acquisition levels. Quizzes will be given the second week of each month while tests will take place on the fourth week. Before each examination students will participate in organized informal assessment activities to review material. Absent students must make up their test upon return to school.

Folder: An organized folder will include classwork, homework, and test, in chronological order. The Folder will insure students are on task and completing assignments. Folder reviews will be given semi-Quarterly.

Classwork: Classwork is given daily and all work must be complete before the end of the period.
Homework: Homework will be assigned two-three days per week and is due at the beginning of each period for grading.

Experiments/Projects: Special attention will be paid to projects to incorporate real-world experience in the classroom. The arts integrated curriculum of HMS assists in overall student perception in History, where selected projects will be used to achieve three dimensional learning. Experiments/Projects will be on display in the classroom for viewing.

Classroom Rules and Procedures: Students must adhere to the Orange County Code of Conduct and Howard MS Handbook Rules at all times. The classroom rules and procedures are an extension of Howard MS morale and expectations. Upon entering the classroom students are expected to:
1. Come to class on time.
2. Come to class prepared.
3. Raise your hand before you get out of your seat.
4. Raise your hand before you speak.
           5. Respect Your Peers
6. Complete all your assignments.

Bathroom Policy: Students are given six class bathroom passes every nine weeks. Students will not be given additional passes due to the access to the bathroom between periods. Therefore, students must use their bathroom passes wisely.

Finally, I expect every student to perform to the best of their abilities. Additional help will be given at the end of each class for those with special issues. So, let’s get ready to learn World History!