Global Studies Syllabus

8^th Grade Social Studies– Mr. Cloutier--2019-20

Course Description

Students in Global Studies will learn about geography, world history, and the way the United States interacts with countries around the world. There are eight essential standards that all students will be expected to meet by the end of the school year. There are also four additional standards that students will learn about.

Essential Social Studies Standards

1. I can explain how government types and economic systems address the needs of the country’s people.
2. I can describe how physical and environmental features impact people.
3. I can research and analyze the significance of a historical event
4. I can describe the reasons people move around the world.
5. I can describe the impact of independence movements.
6. I can explain how the use and importance of resources impact countries.
7. I can analyze how the world has changed after the Cold War.
8. I can describe how growing populations and economies have impacted countries around the world.

Additional Standards

1. I can make informed arguments about candidates for public office.
2. I can evaluate the effectiveness of international organizations
3. I can create and present a researched based thesis statement on an event in history.
4. I can evaluate human rights issues around the world today.
5. I can evaluate how technology has impacted social movements
6. I can create various types of maps
7. I can evaluate the ways that international organizations affect people around the world

Grading Guidelines

Purpose/Definition of Grading: The purpose of grading is to show what students know and are able to do in relation to state and course standards. Grading: a) reflects academic achievement, b) contains meaningful feedback, c) aligns with Princeton Public Schools Curriculum, and d) reflects consistency among classes, grade levels, and/or departments. Princeton Middle School will be implementing a Standard Based Reporting system. Students will be assessed on the course standards and content. Student grades will be reported using the following:

E = Exceeds the Standard

M = Meets the Standard

P = Partially Meets the Standard

IE = Insufficient Evidence

Formative (practice) and Summative (achievement):

Academic Practice (Formative) Assessments are given while a student is learning the material. This is designed to provide direction for both students and teachers. Formative assessments are not part of the academic grade and will not count as part of their report.

• Practice (formative) assessments include activities such as teacher observations, quizzes, homework, rough drafts, peer editing, and notebook checks, etc.

Academic Achievement (Summative) Assessments are given after completing a sequence of instruction and practice. Students are ready to be responsible for the material. Summative Assessments will make up the entire portion of the academic grade.

• Academic achievement (summative) assessments include: final drafts, tests, exams, projects, essays, performances, etc.

Life Skills Evaluation

• Additionally there will be five life skills that will be evaluated and reported:

1. Preparation for Class
2. Effort and Work Completion
3. Teamwork and Collaboration
4. On Task and Active Participation
5. Respectful Behavior