Syllabus
Mrs. Alissa Piro
7th Grade Humanities
High Tech Middle North County
E-mail: [email protected]
Room: 11
Phone Number: (760) 759-2763
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:15-4pm, or by appointment
Course: English Language Arts/History-Social Science (Humanities)
World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times
Students will study the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in Europe, Africa, and Asia in the years 500-1789. Students study the history and geography of great civilizations that were developing concurrently throughout the world during medieval and early modern times. They examine the growing economic interaction among civilizations as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. They learn about the resulting growth of Enlightenment philosophy and the new examination of the concepts of reason and authority, the natural rights of human beings and the divine right of kings, experimentalism in science, and the dogma of belief. Finally, students assess the political forces let loose by the Enlightenment, particularly the rise of democratic ideas, and they learn about the continuing influence of these ideas in the world today.
(from the Content Standards for CA Public Schools)
Reading, Writing, Language Conventions, Listening & Speaking
Students will increase their English language skills through word analysis, fluency, and systematic vocabulary development. They will learn reading comprehension skills and engage in literary response and analysis. Writing instruction will focus on specific strategies and application. Language conventions will focus on both written and oral forms including listening and speaking.
Goals/Essential Questions
What causes a civilization to thrive? Decline?
How do civilizations impact each other?
How does literature impact society?
Reading List (in part or whole)
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
“A Midsummer Night's Dream” by William Shakespeare
Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges
The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Sir James Knowles
The Crispin: Cross of Lead by Avi
All books written by Dr. Seuss
Semester 1 Schedule
Our time is managed for each specific group of students and is, therefore, subject to change.
Culture (1 week) 8/30 - 9/2
- Familiarization of school & classroom culture
- Characteristics of a culture
- Personal Culture Project
- Latitude & Longitude
- Map Features (compass rose, key, etc.)
- Different types of maps & purposes (political map, climate, etc)
- The Globe Project *** Challenge Option: details on each continent (climate, etc.)
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension quizzes
- Writer's Workshop: Response to Literature (5 paragraph essay)
- The myth of Romulus & Remus
- Government of the Republic
- Contributions of Rome
- Causes of the Fall of the Roman Empire
- Geography of Europe
- Impact of Christianity
- Feudalism
- Religious Crusades
- Bubonic Plague
- The Catholic Church
- Writer's Workshop: Narrative Writing: A Dragon Story (plot)
Preparation (1/10-1/18)
POL's: Wednesday, January 19th – Friday, January 21st
Semester 2 Overview
- The Dr. Seuss Project (Narrative Writing - theme): 1/4 - 3/25
- The Renaissance: 2/1 - 3/11
- Reformation: 3/14 - 3/25
- Medieval Islam: 4/11 - 5/6
- The Age of Exploration: 5/9 - 6/3
- Medieval China & Japan: 6/6 - 6/17
- Writer's Workshops: Expository & Persuasive Writing
- TPOL's: 6/6 - 6/17 (preparation & presentation)
Mark your calendars now for these must-attend events!
September 2, 2010 – Back to School Night
October 20-22, 2010 – Student-led Conferences
January 19-21, 2011 – POL's
March 24, 2011 – Exhibition
April 20-22, 2011 – Student-led Conferences
June 15-17, 2011 – TPOL's
Class Supplies
Please see Mrs. Piro for help gathering any of these materials.
- Book bag or back pack
- 3 ring binder w/dividers (or organizational equivalent)
- Notebook Paper
- Composition Books
- Pens (one must be blue or black)
- Pencils & Erasers
- Highlighter(s)
- Pen/Pencil Pouch
- Hand-held pencil sharpener
- Planner
In addition to the school rules (please refer to the Student & Parent Handbook and Dress Code), expectations to maintain a positive culture in Room 11 are as follows.
- Be on time
- Be respectful (both physically and verbally)
- Be attentive
- Be creative!
Procedures
- When you enter class…
- Sharpen pencils
- Get out necessary books and other materials
- Sit down quietly and begin warm-up
- When you have “nothing else to do”…
- Work on unfinished assignments
- Read silently
- Write your own book
- Research an interesting person or event in world history.
- Write an article about something going on at school
- Write a persuasive essay for the teacher or a parent!
- Work on unfinished assignments
Homework will be assigned as needed. Big projects and essays will be assigned periodically throughout the year. Written directions and grading criteria will be given to the students in advance as well as posted on the class DP. Students are expected to write down all their assignments in a planner (or organizational equivalent). The team calendar can also be viewed on the class DP for reassurance. Most often, time will be provided in class for students to begin their work and ask questions before completing at home.
Expectations for completing homework:
- All homework assignments will be completed on time (typically due the next day)
- Students are responsible for make-up work due to an absence (see “If You Are Absent” for make-up help).
- Students will turn in complete work that has been neatly and cleanly done.
- Homework is graded on effort as well as accuracy.
Please help your child in the following ways:
- Make homework a priority with your child.
- Provide your child with the necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment.
- Give your child lots of praise and support when homework is completed responsibly and in a timely manner.
- Contact the teacher if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.
You will need to make up classwork and homework. You have one day to use for makeup work for every day you were absent. For example, if you were absent for 2 days then you will have 2 days to make up your assignments. Below are the steps you should follow.
1. Check the website for what you missed.
2. Confirm with a class member what you missed in class and for homework.
3. Collect any missing handouts from your classroom file or online.
4. If you missed…
…an assignment, write “absent” in the header and turn it into the basket.
…a major in-class project, check with me for an alternative assignment to make up the points.
Late work is ONLY acceptable if a student is absent and has a valid parent note for his/her absence.
Extra credit will not be offered.
Grading
A+ 97-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69% Failing 0-59%
A 93-96% B 83-86% C 73-76% D 63-66%
A- 90-92% B- 80-82% C- 70-72% D- 60-62%
Student grades will be based on attendance, class participation, and overall behavior in addition to completion of work: journals, projects, papers, quizzes, and readings.
1. Check the website for what you missed.
2. Confirm with a class member what you missed in class and for homework.
3. Collect any missing handouts from your classroom file or online.
4. If you missed…
…an assignment, write “absent” in the header and turn it into the basket.
…a major in-class project, check with me for an alternative assignment to make up the points.
Late work is ONLY acceptable if a student is absent and has a valid parent note for his/her absence.
Extra credit will not be offered.
Grading
A+ 97-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69% Failing 0-59%
A 93-96% B 83-86% C 73-76% D 63-66%
A- 90-92% B- 80-82% C- 70-72% D- 60-62%
Student grades will be based on attendance, class participation, and overall behavior in addition to completion of work: journals, projects, papers, quizzes, and readings.