Why Study History? Because uninformed people make uninformed decisions, many of the world’s problems exist because people do not have an understanding of each other or the roots of the current world issues.  Learning about world history and world culture will make students understand how others lived and how the world evolved to be what it is today.  Simply, how can we live with others if we do not know anything about them?

6th Grade Course Emphasis: This course covers ancient civilizations from the Stone Age to about 500 A.D. Geography, early man and archaeology are the focus of the first unit. The study of ancient civilizations is emphasized, which include: Egypt/Kush, Ancient Israelites, Early India, Early China, The Ancient Americans, and Greece, The Greek Empire, Ancient Rome and the Roman Empire. Geography skills are reinforced throughout the year.  The curriculum instruction and assessments are based on the California State Standards for Social Science.

7th Grade Course Emphasis: This class will cover medieval and early modern history. Students will study the social, cultural, and technical changes that occurred in Europe, Africa, and Asia from 500-1789 A.D. Geography skills are reinforced throughout the year. This course is designed to meet the California Social Studies Content Standards. 

8th Grade Course Emphasis: This course covers Colonial Settlement to Reconstruction. We will begin the year with the Articles of Confederation and U.S. Constitution. The ideals from the U.S. Constitution will be reinforced throughout the year. The curriculum instruction and assessments are based on the California State Standards for Social Science.

Strategies/Instructional Practices: Students will be taught the curriculum through a variety of methods designed to reach all learners. Students will work on daily activities and projects individually, with partners, and in small groups. Oral presentations will be integrated into some projects.

Late Assignments:  Your assignment is considered late if you were in class when it was assigned and have come to the next class without it.  If you choose to turn that assignment in late, you are deciding to lose points.  I will let you earn up to 50% credit if it is turned in late, but the assignment must be turned in before the next chapter test.  After that, you will receive a zero on the assignment. If you are absent because of a school related activity, you are responsible for finding out what the assignment is and having it completed by the appropriate time.  If late work becomes an issue, this policy is subject to change at Mr. Britt’s discretion!

Make-Up Work:  My policy is for every day a student is absent, one day is allowed to complete the missed assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the make-up work.  If a student knows in advance that he or she will miss class, they need to make arrangements to have the assignment(s) completed before leaving. If absent near the end of a grading period, discuss with me for appropriate deadlines.

Cheating:  Occasionally, you may forget to do your assignment or not know how to do an assignment.  Please keep in mind the school's cheating policy and do not “borrow” your friend’s assignment. Both you and your friend will receive a ZERO on that assignment, and get to serve a 30 minute detention.  You are better off turning the assignment in late (and getting help if needed) than getting the zero for cheating.

Tests & Quizzes:  Students not present on test/quiz day will complete it on the day they return from the absence.    

Quarterly grades will be made up of the following:

• 50% - History Assignments

• 20% - Current Events

• 20% - Test/Quiz

• 10% - Readworks

    Late assignments will incur a 50% penalty & will be accepted no later than 1 week after the due date.