Activities and Assessment:  In this class we will be examining a wide variety of primary and secondary source readings to be accompanied by discussion, lecture, groupwork, research, writing and other special projects.  Assessment will consist of unit tests, quizzes, writing assignments and projects including a year end research project for the 8th grade.  Please take note of the following:

 

1.       Reading assignments are real homework.  Many readings will be quite difficult and it is important that students read carefully and well.  One quick reading is not enough.

2.       Essays must be well organized and structurally and grammatically correct.  Drafts should be made of each essay and careful editing is important.

3.       Students should regularly spend some time keeping informed of events in the world.

4.       Preparation for class discussion is vital.

 

 

Grades:  Your final grade will be broken down as follows:

            60% = tests and quizzes

            40% = homework

 

 

Homework:  Homework is expected to be completed on time.  Late work will lose one grade point per day (after grading) until it is turned in.  Work that is more than one week late will be assessed at half credit (after grading).  If you are absent, then it is your responsibility to get the homework for that day, or to see me when you get back.  You should call a friend or call me at home, but homework will not be posted on my voice mail.  Of course, if you are absent you will be given time to make up any missed work.  Work done at home should be neat and legible.  Spelling and grammar will be included in all homework grades.

 

 

Behavior and Participation:  The study of history, as I see it, requires active participation on the part of the students.  Students are expected to work individually, in pairs, and in groups on projects and assignments.  Students will be taught and expected to interact with courtesy and respect toward others.  Misbehavior, including excessive talking or abuse toward the teacher or other students, will not be tolerated.  Students who disrupt the class and therefore the learning process will be asked to leave class until they can return without jeopardizing the learning of their fellow classmates.

 

 

Class rules:  There are only four major rules for this class.  They are:

 

1.      Treat one another with kindness and respect.

2.      Come to class prepared.

3.      No tipping in your chair.

4.      Do not leave trash on the tables or floor.

 

 

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