Course Syllabus

Kuna/Swan Falls High School

Home of the Kavemen/Chargers!

Global Connections Course 2023-2024

HELLO,

My name is Mr. Usog and I am your Social Studies teacher this semester.  I am excited to be in Kuna and looking forward to another great year.  Social Studies should be exciting this year!  We will cover the following subject areas during the semester:

Global Connections

·         Geography, Map Reading, Climate Zones and Physical Geography.

·         Ancient Civilizations Overview

·         The Conquistador's and Latin America

·         Islam and the Middle East

·         Asian History and Culture

·         Africa and African Culture

·         Art History

·         Exploration of Antarctica

·         The Cold War and World History in the Modern Era

·         Terrorism and Human Rights.   Current World Events

Much of my educational philosophy is based upon helping become successful.  Success is contagious and together we will learn what you need to do to become a successful lifelong learner.

Group activities:  The following group activities will be integrated with the topics listed above

1.     Debates.  All students will be required to participate in the debate forum using Robert's Rules of Order.  This reinforces public speaking skills and abilities.

2.    Global Connections students will participate in a Mock U.N. General Assembly meeting. Feudalism activity, the Roman City, and the Empire/Imperialism Game.  

3.    Map Challenges – All students will be able to identify places and regions on the map.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

You will need to bring a composition notebook, loose-leaf paper and a pencil or pen to class every day.  The school rules for attendance will be strictly enforced so please know them.

Please check grades often.  Grades are posted once a week on the FAMILY LINK System.  If you do not know your passwords contact your advisory teacher or me ASAP.

CLASSROOM RULES

My goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for you.  Please take note of the following classroom rules.  

Respect for Self

·         Students will always do their best.

·         Students will positively participate in all classroom activities.

Respect for Others

·         Students will stay on task without disturbing or distracting others.

·         Students will not use ‘put downs’ or harass others.

·         Students will respect each other’s differences and opinions.

Respect for School

·         Students will complete all assignments on time.

·         Students will actively listen when the teacher is speaking.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

Late assignments will lose 25% of the grade.  TURN ASSIGNMENTS IN ON TIME PLEASE

There will be two tests.  The Class Notebook is worth 500 points! Students will complete two presentations during the semester worth 100 points each.  Classroom worksheets will be worth a total of 400 points. Several quizzes will be given.  This year’s Debate topics are:

        Should the United States withdraw from the Korean Peninsula?

        Was the withdrawal from Afghanistan the right decision?

        Should the United States withdraw from the NATO alliance?

        Is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Good or bad for America?

        Is the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Nuclear Energy good or bad for Idaho?

        What is the most important Issue of Global Concern facing the world today?

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy

The policy for cell phones and other electronic devices are simple –

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

VIOLATION OF THE POLICY WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING CONSEQUENCES:

1st offense – If I see/hear device – I will ask to put it away – WARNING

2nd offense – Device will be placed in my desk drawer until the end of the day and parent/guardian will be contacted

3rd offense – Parent/Guardian will be contacted and will need to pick up the device from an administrator in the office   

Extra Credit Policy.

Extra credit is NOT OFFERED IN SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSROOMS.

Late Work Policy.

Late work will be accepted according to teacher discretion/policies.  Students must be utilizing intervention, or office hours to make up assignments. Assignments only within current units will be considered. Extenuating and uncontrollable circumstances will be considered only if students communicate directly with the teacher. 

Tardy Policy

A student is considered tardy the first TWENTY (20) minutes of the class period.  After twenty minutes you will be marked absent.  Tardy consequences are as follows:

Your first THREE Tardies are FREE (of in class consequence)… but after the third tardy, every time you are tardy it is a ZERO for that day. That includes days when there are Tests and Quizzes.

NO WORK MAY BE MADE UP…

On your 3rd tardy your parents will be contacted by email or phone. 

On your 4th tardy administration will be contacted and loss of credit in the class may be a possibility.

Contact information: If you have, any questions please feel free to contact me.  

ID CARD Policy

ID Cards are required for my class.  Students will not leave class without an ID card and PASS

Telephone 208-955-0200 ext 2123 or email ausog@kunaschools.org