World Cultures

COURSE SYLLABUS

2010-2011
INSTRUCTOR: Matthew D. Woods

A. DESCRIPTION

This course involves a careful examination of events and the various cultures

of the world.  We will learn about events that have helped to shape the world

cultures using a historical view. The class will focus on key figures and events

that have help to shape our world.

B. ORGANIZATION

This is a lecture course in which topics are presented by the instructor.  The

students are expected to follow along with the teacher and be interactive with

the lessons.  The use of multi-media is an integral part of the course.  The

Students will be exposed to videos on the various subjects as well as extensive

use of computers to help with their learning of the subjects

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.     To introduce students to the various cultures that exist around the world

and to give the students a better understanding of the people of the world.

D. COURSE TOPICS

The course will cover the following topics:

1.   Middle ages in Europe and early Chirstianity

2.   The early Asian cultures

3.   Mesoamerica

4.   African Civilizations

5.   The Amish

6.   The Islamic World

7.   Religions around the World

E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES

1.     Required text: Human History; Human Legacy: HOLT

2.     Supplies: Pencil/Pen and paper. Part of participation is coming to class

with required material.

F. GRADING PLAN

Coursework will be weighted as follows:

Assignment Grades

For assignment grades the students will either receive a 100% or a 0% on

individual assignments.  The reason for this is to ensure maximum student

learning. An assignment is usually, but not always, a follow along worksheet

that the teacher assigns the students during a lecture.  The assignment will

be graded during class by the teacher and the students and given back to the

students.   It is up to the students to correct the missed items to a score of

100% and then turned into the teacher.  At that time the student will then

receive a 100% on that assignment.  Even though they may have answered

questions incorrectly originally.  This policy is to insure the students learn the

material.  A 0% may be awarded if the assignment wasn’t turned in or not

corrected to 100%.  The student has one week after the assignment has been

made to receive 100% on that individual assignment.  Each assignment is a

portion of 25% of the students’ 9 week grade.

Example: 10 assignments for the 9 weeks will make each individual project

worth 2.5% of the students 9 weeks grade 25% divided by 10 = 2.5%   

 If there are 20 assignments    25% divided by 20 = 1.25% per individual assignment

Participation
This is a course that requires participation form the students.  If the student

is attentive and asking questions and is generally involved in the learning

process they will earn maximum credit in this area.  If a student is not coming

to class with required material, falling asleep, or disrupting class they are not

fully participating in class.  If a student is not fully participating in class their

participation grade will reflect that. A total of 25% of the students’ 9 week grade

comes from participation.

Presentation

Students will have a presentation that counts for 20% of the nine week grade. 

The reason for this is to prepare students for life after high school where they

may be in situations that they are required to speak in public.  We will cover

research and presentation basics in class.

The four subjects are

First nine Weeks: A figure or group from middle ages Europe.

Second Nine Weeks: The Islamic culture

Third Nine Weeks: The Amish culture

Fourth Nine Weeks: Research a possible future career

Test Grade:
Test grades includes test and quizzes.  Test grades account for 30% of the

students’ 9 week grade

G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

1.     School rules apply in Mr. Woods’s classroom, but respect for others is strictly enforced.

J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS

For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably

be some students who did well in academic courses where information was

most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course

where participation is most important. So do not think that if you are a "B"

student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with

relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty.  In the past students who followed

along and paid attention have done very well in this course.

15DEC10

To all students and parents:

As of the Third of January, Mr. Woods will no longer accept late class work.  School policy regarding absences will still be honored. 

Parent /guardian signature _____________________________________________