Western Civilization
COURSE SYLLABUS

2010-2011
INSTRUCTOR: Matthew D. Woods

A. DESCRIPTION

This course involves a careful examination of events of the twentieth century in American

history.  We will learn about events that have helped to shape the country using a historical

view. The class will focus on key figures and events that have help to shape our society.

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

             To introduce students to the incredible events, that has shaped our lives that

             had occurred                               

             over the last 100 years in American Culture.

D. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES

1.     Required text: American Anthem: HOLT

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

required material.

E. 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 30% of the students’ 9 week grade.

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

worth 3% of the students 9 weeks grade 30% divided by 10 = 3%   

 If there are 20 assignments    30% divided by 20 = 1.5% 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 10% 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 battle during World War One.

Second Nine Weeks: A battle during World War Two.

Third Nine Weeks: How rock and Roll came to be and how it ties into the Civil

Rights movement.

Fourth Nine Weeks: American pop culture during the 1970’s

Test Grade:
Test grades includes test and quizzes.  Test grades account for 35% of the students’ 9 week grade

F. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

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

G. 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 _____________________________________________