Syllabus

6th Grade Social Studies Syllabus for Mr. Kwadjo Campbell at Hughes Academy of Technology, incorporating the new textbook, expanded course outline, and integration of technology tools, including coding, AI, and digital graphics:

Teacher Name: Mr. Kwadjo Campbell
Contact Information:

• Phone: (via Hughes Academy Main Office)

• Email: kcampbell@greenvilleschools.us

• Class Website: Mr. Campbell’s Class Page

Course Title: 6th Grade Social Studies 

Textbook Title

World History: myWorld Interactive South Carolina Edition (Published by Savvas Learning Company)

Course Description

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of world history through the lens of geography, government, culture, and economics. We will explore human development from early civilizations through the modern world. Students will gain critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning, writing, research, and hands-on projects.

Honors Students:
Students in the honors track will engage in extended learning tasks that go beyond the grade-level standards, including primary-source analysis, cross-cultural comparisons, digital research projects, and presentations. They will also explore global patterns through an interdisciplinary lens and participate in collaborative inquiry, simulations, and debates.

This class is committed to preparing students for a dynamic and interconnected world by incorporating technology tools throughout the curriculum. Students will engage in activities including basic coding, artificial intelligence (AI) tools for research and writing, and digital graphic design to deepen their understanding of historical concepts and present their work creatively and professionally.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

1. Interpret and apply geographic tools and themes.

2. Describe the rise and development of early civilizations.

3. Analyze the political, economic, and social structures of ancient and classical societies.

4. Evaluate the impact of cultural diffusion and global trade networks.

5. Compare and contrast systems of government and economics across time and place.

6. Analyze causes and effects of revolutions and transformative movements.

7. Utilize technology (AI, coding, and digital design) to research, create, and present historical content.

8. (Honors) Conduct cross-cultural inquiry and present findings in multimedia formats.
   
   

Course Outline / Scope & Sequence

Unit/ Topics Covered/ Estimated Duration

1. Geography & Map Skills: Geographic tools, human-environment interaction 3 weeks

2. Early River Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, 4 weeks

3. Classical Civilizations: Ancient China, Greece, Rome, Persia, India 4 weeks

4. Medieval Societies: Byzantine Empire, Islamic World, West African Kingdoms, Feudal Europe 4 weeks

5. Cultural Exchange & Trade: Silk Road, Trans-Saharan Routes, Indian Ocean trade 3 weeks

6. Enlightenment & Revolutionary Era: Enlightenment thinkers, American, French, and Latin American revolutions 3 weeks

7. The Modern World: Industrialization, Global Conflicts, Technological Advancements 3 weeks

8. Civics & Economics: Systems of government, economic theory, civic engagement 3 weeks

9. Research Capstone (Honors Focus): Inquiry project using AI tools, digital graphics, coding 2 weeks

Honors Enhancements:

• Additional readings and primary-source studies

• Digital research-based writing

• Use of AI to support analysis and presentation

• Independent or group multimedia presentations with a global perspective

Annotated Classroom Book List

• Greece in the Ancient World by Don Nardo

• The Silk Roads: A Brief History with Documents by Justin Jacobs

• Medieval Lives: Eight Charismatic Men and Women by Terry Jones

• The Enlightenment for Beginners by Rius

• The Story of the World (Vol. 1) by Susan Wise Bauer

These selections are used to deepen literacy, promote critical thinking, and provide additional context for project-based learning.

Materials Needed for Class

• Course textbook: World History: myWorld Interactive SC Edition

• Composition notebook or binder with lined paper

• Colored pencils / markers for mapping activities

• Earbuds/headphones (for multimedia learning)

• Access to Chromebook or digital device (school-issued preferred)

• Google Drive access for assignments

• Optional: USB drive or cloud storage account

Classroom Expectations

1. Respect – for yourself, your peers, and the classroom environment

2. Responsibility – be prepared, punctual, and proactive

3. Engagement – participate actively, ask questions, collaborate

4. Integrity – submit original work, use AI ethically and transparently

5. Digital Citizenship – use technology appropriately and productively

Consequences for not meeting expectations follow the school-wide behavior framework.

Grading Policy / Practices

Category Weight

Formative (classwork, quizzes, discussions) 40%

Summative (projects, essays, tests)  50%

Homework & Preparation Tasks  10%

Note: AI-assisted projects must include human input and reflection to be accepted for grading. All work is checked for originality.

Late Work Procedures (school-wide policy)

• Day 1 Late: Up to 70% credit

• Day 2 Late: Up to 60% credit

• After Day 2: May be marked “Missing” unless due to excused absence

• Excused Absence: Full credit available with timely completion
  
  

Redo / Retake / Revision Procedures

• Available on summative assessments and major projects within one week

• Students must confer with the teacher and complete a correction plan

• Highest possible score on revision: 90%

• Honors-level redos may receive full credit if advanced criteria are met

Final Notes

We believe history is not just about the past—it’s a tool to understand and shape the future. Students will leave this course with a stronger grasp of global events and a deeper understanding of their role as informed citizens in a digital world.

Let’s have a great year of learning, exploring, and innovating together!