Ancient History Syllabus
“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”
― Robert Penn Warren
Instructor Information
Mr. Sannes
Room:
Arete Phone: (480) 222-4233
Email: esannes@areteprepacademy.org
Course Information
This course is a study of ancient history from the beginnings of civilization in the Ancient Near East through the end of the Roman Republic. Throughout the course we will study literature, mythology, philosophy, politics, religion, daily life, material culture, and the arts in order to gain a complete understanding of early Western civilization. We will utilize primary sources and consider an array of artifacts in order to enhance student understanding.
Course Goals
To identify the difficulties of studying ancient history, and how historians deal with these.
To identify the major people, places, and events during this period, and to evaluate how these people, places, and events helped shape the ancient world.
To identify the origins of civilization, how those beginnings shape the way civilizations form, and how civilizations adapt and change over time.
To analyze and interpret primary texts in age-appropriate moderation.
To use and create historical tools such as maps, timelines, charts, graphs and historical method.
To cultivate good study habits, including: taking quality notes, annotating texts, making arguments supported by textual evidence, and organizing materials.
To understand and appreciate aspects of culture distinctly different from our own, and to evaluate those values which are universal.
Tutoring
Monday and Friday mornings, room 207
Grading
Participation (20%)
Graded weekly out of 10
Notetaking
Bellwork
General participation
Class and home work (30%)
Includes all classwork and homework
Tests (20%)
Expect a longer test every 3-4 weeks
Quizzes (20%)
Quizzes occur weekly on Fridays
Projects (10%)
There will be 4 projects throughout the year
Required Materials
1 Pen or pencil
2 notebooks (1 per semester)
1 composition notebook
Testing
Quizzes will be given on a weekly basis (these quizzes will be closed note)
Tests will be given roughly once a month or at the end of a unit (these tests will be open note)
Please note that students will not be able to use another student’s notes on their open notes tests
Using someone else’s notes will be viewed as Academic Dishonesty
Class Expectations
The expectation is that students are in class and are prepared to learn and engage with the classwork and content.
Student behavior will be assessed within the Arete Framework; Treat others the way you would like to be treated, Align your behavior with Truth, Beauty and Goodness, and You have the liberty to make decisions so long as it doesn’t cause a problem for others.
When the class period begins, students are to be silently seated, working on the do now.
Refrain from disruptive behaviors. No cell phones or other distracting items are permitted in class. These items will be confiscated as per school policy.
Honesty is expected at all times. Cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances and any corresponding work that resulted from cheating will result in a zero grade and will follow school academic dishonesty policy.
Harassment, intimidation and bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
You will be assigned a daily, weekly, quarterly and semester grade. This reflects your classroom attitude, cooperation, participation, tests and homework. Please be aware that your actions will be reflected in your quarter and semester grade.
All issues, concerns, problems, or situations will be dealt with in accordance with the school policy.
Late Assignments
● I give full credit for all work turned in on time.
Parent – Student – Teacher Agreement Letter
Hello Parents and Students,
It is with great pleasure that I have your child in Ancient History this semester.
I look forward to working with your student and serving as a communications liaison to you for any concerns you may have on behalf of your child during the term of this course.
To ensure your student understands the course requirements and is serious about his/her studies in Ancient History, I am asking for your help. Please review and discuss this syllabus with your child. To acknowledge the course expectations I am requesting that both you and your child sign and date this document. Please have your child return this page to me by 8/10/26. If you should have any questions or concerns during this quarter please contact me at the information given on the first page. Your child’s education is important to me and I look forward to enabling their ongoing success.
Best regards,
Mr. Sannes
Arete Preparatory Academy
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Parent(s) Signature Date Signed
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Student Signature Date Signed