Syllabus

Sixth Social Studies / Course Syllabus

Ancient History and

Contemporary Cultures

Mr. Willingham, Mr. White, and Mr. Crocker

Introduction

Ancient History: We will be exploring the world's first inhabitants and earliest civilizations, and their contributions to our world. Our study of these civilizations will continue through Medieval Europe and the Age of Exploration.

Contemporary Cultures: 1600 to the Present continues the study of world cultures with the focus on the changes that have occurred in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from 1600 to the present. Students examine the history and geography of the societies that have been developing concurrently during this period, including the growing interaction among these societies as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Students also address the continuing growth of the political and economic ideas that shaped the world in which we live today.

Curriculum

The state adopted textbooks : 1. Contemporary Cultures 2. My World History by Pearson. We will also use supplementary texts and the SC standards.

Course Outline

First Nine Weeks--

6.1.CO Compare the development of social systems among the early river valley civilizations.

6.1.CE Summarize how environmental factors influenced the interactions within and between early civilizations.

6.1.P Analyze the shift from early to classical civilizations and the enduring contributions of classical civilizations.

6.1.CX Contextualize the origins and spread of major world religions and their enduring influence.

6.1.CC Analyze changes and continuities that influenced the organization and technological advancements of early and classical

6.1.E Analyze multiple perspectives on the political, intellectual, and social achievements of classical societies through a variety of primary and secondary sources.

Second Nine Weeks-:

6.2.CO Compare the political systems within world civilizations.

6.2.CE Explain the impact of global exchanges among world civilizations.

6.2.P Summarize the increased global exchanges among world societies using the Crusades as a major turning point.

6.2.CX Contextualize the historical effects of the expansion of the Turks and Mongols on Europe and Asia.

6.2.CC Evaluate continuities and changes in cultural and economic interactions between societies in both West Africa and the Americas.

6.2.E Analyze multiple perspectives on the increased interactions among and between world societies through a variety of primary and secondary sources.

6.3.CO Compare European motivations for exploration and settlement.

6.3.CE Explain the impact of increased global exchanges on the development of the Atlantic World.

6.3.P Summarize the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on ideological, political, and social systems in the Atlantic World.

6.3.CX Contextualize the experience of indigenous peoples due to expansion and the conflict that arose from it.

Third Nine Weeks

6.3.CC Analyze the intellectual, political, and social changes in relation to the idea of individual rights from Humanism to the Enlightenment.

6.3.E Analyze the short and long term impact of the Atlantic World's growth using primary and secondary sources across multiple perspectives

6.4.CO Compare the political revolutions which resulted from the Enlightenment

6.4.CE Analyze the economic, political, and social impacts of colonialism and the rise of imperialism.

6.4.P Summarize the local and global impacts of the Industrial Revolution.

6.4.CX Contextualize the environmental impact of the Industrial Revolution.

Fourth Nine Weeks

6.4.CC Analyze the progression of nationalism in the 19th through the early 20th century

6.4.E Analyze multiple perspectives on increased global interactions and revolutions through a variety of primary and secondary sources.

6.5.CO Compare the global movements that resulted in the advancement or limitation of human rights during the 20th and 21st centuries.

6.5.CE Explain the impact of nationalism on global conflicts and genocides in the 20th and 21st centuries.

6.5.P Analyze the impact of increased global interdependence using the Great Depression and Cold War as major turning points in the 20th century.

6.5.CX Contextualize various sustainability efforts amid increasing global interdependence.

6.5.CC Analyze the progression of technological developments and the resulting cultural diffusion throughout the 20th and 21st centuries

6.5.E Analyze multiple perspectives on global interdependence during the 20th and 21st centuries through a variety of primary and secondary sources.

Class Organization

The basic information of the class will be covered through textbook readings, classroom discussion, cooperative learning group activities, and audio-visual materials. To further enhance learning, various hands-on materials such as desk maps, student atlases, charts, time-lines, primary source documents, and interactive computer software will be used throughout the social studies classroom.

Grading Policies

u Homework: During the nine weeks, students will be given a minimum of ten homework assignments. At the beginning of each grading period, students will have a grade of 100.

Homework counts as 10% of the grades for this class. It will not be accepted late.

u Chapter/ Standard Tests: When possible, tests will be announced one week before the date they are given. In addition, smaller quizzes will be given to measure a student's understanding of the material covered in class. Tests will count 50% of the students’ grade.

u Projects count as two test grades. There will be one per nine weeks, minimum.

u Class work: Work in class and notebook checks will count as 40% of the students’ grade. This includes positive class participation.

u Make-Up Work: Students are responsible for finding out assignments missed and for making up work missed when they are absent.

u Late Assignments: The grade for late work will decrease by ten points daily.

Class Rules

û Be in your seat when the bell rings and working on the Bell Work Assignment.

û Do not leave the room once you have entered.

û Come prepared for class.

û Be respectful and courteous to teachers, faculty, staff, and peers at NMS.

û No food, drinks, candy, or gum in class without permission.

û Keep your objects and negative comments to yourself.

û Raise your hand to ask a question or for permission to leave your seat.