Course:“Ancient Civilizations: Geography, Culture, and History”
Teacher:Mr. Leonard
Phone:(314) 531-9091 ext. 106
E-mail:mleonard@loyolaacademy.org
CourseDescription:
Thisyear in social studies, I will learn about who the first human beings were,explore the ways that they lived, and analyze why they did what they did. ThenI will use this information to help me understand the ways of the worldtoday. I will do this by studying thegeography, culture, and history of the ancient civilizations in the followingunits:
Ø Unit 1: The 5 Themes of Geography: Location,Place, and Geographical Regions
Ø Unit 2: The5 Themes of Geography: Cultural regions, Human-environment interaction, andMovement
Ø Unit 3: Becoming a Young Historian: telling your story, creating yourpersonal timeline, and using other tools of history
Ø Unit 4: The Development of Civilizations(transition from hunting-gathering societies to complex villages, AncientMesopotamia)
Ø Unit 5: Ancient Africa (Egypt, Nubia, and Kush)
Ø Unit 6: The Research Process (long term projectdue in April)
Ø Unit 7: Ancient River Societies in Asia
Ø Unit 8: The Legacy of Greece
Ø Unit 9:Ancient Rome
Ø Unit10: The Judeo-Christian Tradition(The Hebrew Kingdoms and the The Birth of Christianity)
Ø In additionto these topics, I will learn about current events and political issues thataffect the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, the United States, and/or the globalcommunity.
Expectations:
Ø I will cometo class everyday with the mindset that I will do my best to succeed inlearning and to achieve my personal goals.
Ø I willfollow the Classroom Rules from the syllabus and the Procedures and Routinesfrom the Student Learning Contract.
Ø I will enterthe classroom each day with a positive attitude and be prepared to learn. I will placemy belongings below my desk (not in the aisles) and take out my pen/pencil andnotebook. Then I will focus myattention on the “do now” activity. I will continue following the procedures and routines for class so thatI can fully engage in the daily lesson.
Ø I willcomplete an exit slip after leaving class to demonstrate evidence of learningeach day.
Ø I willarrive to class with the following materials
o Pen or pencil
o Assignment notebook
o Social studies notebook
o Social studies folder
o A red, green, orange, or purple pen for grading
o Homework
Mr.Leonard’s classroom rules:
1) I will use respectful language, actions, and gestures when dealingwith other students and the teacher.
2) I will follow directions and if they are not clear I will ask theteacher questions until I understand them.
3) I will speak at appropriate times in class.
a. After raising my hand
b. When responding to the teacher’s questions
c. Group work
d. Open classroom discussions
4) I will ask for permission to leave my seat if I need something, otherwiseI will remain seated during class. I can use the following signs to let the teacher know that I needsomething
a. One finger = I need to sharpen my pencil
b. Two fingers= I need to approach the teacher’s desk
c. Three fingers= I need to cool down
d. Raised hand = I have a question
5) I will follow the set of rules that my classmates and I havecreated to make the best learning environment possible.
HomeworkPolicy
Dailyassignments:
Youwill be assigned at least 20 minutes of homework per night, including work onthe weekends. Assignments willchange depending on the day, but they will usually be written reflections of alesson, a set of practice questions (short answer, multiple choice, true/false,identifying images/terms, or matching), completing graphic organizers, guidedreading activities, or short essays. Homework is meant to practice what you have learned in class. My goal is for you to do your best, andlearn from your mistakes when we go over homework the next day in class. Therefore if you do your best on theassignment, you will receive full credit. This means that I will not be collecting and grading EVERYassignment. I will usually collectwriting assignments so that you can improve your writing, but you will receivefull credit.
Latehomework:
Homeworkis considered late if you do not have your completed homework on your desk whenI walk by at the beginning of class. You will receive a “Check -” (zero points) for the assignment. If I receive the work by the beginningof the next day (before morning assembly), you have the chance of earning a“Check” (half credit) if you turn in quality work that is completed. Loyola’s rule is that you will be givena white slip for each assignment that you do not turn in. I will follow this rule, but with oneexception. If you choose to giveup your recess that day to complete the homework (if class meets before recess)or give up encore to complete your homework (if class meets after recess), thenI will take the white slip back; however you will still receive a “Check” foryour grade. For an Excused Absence, you will have one extra day to completeassignments. Notify the teacherahead of time if you know you are going to be absent. If you are sick, see the teacher as soon as you can afteryou return to discuss makeup work.
Gradingpolicy:
Donow: 5 points (everyday)
Exitslip: 5 points (everyday)
ClassParticipation: 5 points per week (1 Lira = 1 participation point)
Homework:10 points (“Check +” = 10, “Check” = 5, and a “Check -” = 0 points)
Quiz:20-50 points
In-classactivities: 20-50 points
Testand Projects: 50-100 points
***ExtraCredit: Extra points can be gainedin the following ways
Ø Earningextra Lira through participation
Ø Bonusquestions on tests and quizzes
Ø Extraprojects announced throughout the year
I,______________________, fully understand the expectations, rules, and policiesfor Mr. Leonard’s class and agree to do my best to follow them
Studentsignature____________________________________Date____________