World Geography and Ancient Civilization II
7th Grade Course Description
Mr. Derosier
Central Tree Middle School
Room 226
Course Description
Seventh graders study the origins of human beings in Africa and the early civilizations that flourished in the Mediterranean area. They study the religions, governments, trade, philosophies, and art of these civilizations as well as the powerful ideas that arose in the ancient world and profoundly shaped the course of world history. These ideas include monotheism, democracy, the rule of law, individual worth, personal responsibility, the alphabetic principle for a writing system, and scientific reasoning.
Course Materials
You will need the following materials to be successful in this course:
· Textbook: which I will provide
· Either a 3 Ring binder with dividers or a notebook with perforated edges.
· Writing utensils (pencils, or pens with blue or black ink)
· Planner/organizer
Course Content
The events and themes explored in class will be done through lectures, homework, writing prompts, projects, group assignments, primary source analysis, journals, and test/quizzes. All assignments and exercises will strengthen the development of critical thinking, reading comprehensive and effective writing skills. The following topics will be explored tentatively in the following sequence:
Unit 1: Review of 6th Grade Material and Ancient India
Unit 2: China and Japan
Unit 3: Australia and New Zealand
Unit 4: Ancient Greece
Unit 5: Rome
Classroom Expectations
· Be prepared for class and be on time!
· Be respectful at all times to every individual in the classroom
· Keep the classroom clean.
· No use of cell phones in the classroom
· Homework Policy: If you do not have your homework the day it’s due, you can pass it in the next day for half credit. On the third day, it is a zero and I will not accept it. ( It is your responsibility to hand in late homework, I will not remind you)
· STAY IN YOUR SEATS UNLESS GRANTED PERMISSION!
***Heading: All work should have the following heading on the top left and corner of the page:
Name
Period
Date
Assignment Name or Description
Organization
Throughout the year you will receive primary source readings, articles, and worksheets in addition to your textbook. Keep these handouts organized in your binder. The more orderly your materials are kept, the easier it will be to prepare for test, quizzes and cumulative exams.
Grading Policy
You will be graded on a points system. The larger the assignment, the larger the grade. Homework and class work are usually worth 10 points. Homework is graded on a check minus, check, and check plus scoring system. Check plus= 10/10. Checks= 7/10, and check minus = 5/10. Quizzes and small projects are usually worth 25-50 points. Tests, Essays and large projects are usually worth 100 points. At the end of each quarter you will also receive a participation grade which will consist of the following:
25 points on a combination
1. Participation
2. Effort
3. Attentiveness
4. Attitude
Cheating/Plagiarism
Central Tree Middle School policy is that anyone who is caught plagiarizing will receive a zero for the assignment and will face the appropriate disciplinary consequences from the teacher and administrators.
*Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook.
Bullying
There will be zero tolerance for bullying in this classroom. Those who are caught bullying will be disciplined according to school policy.
*Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for a definition of bullying and consequences.