Ramona Middle School Fall/Spring 2007-2008
World History Syllabus
Mrs. Eileen Goss                        Phone number – (909)971-8260                         Email – e.goss@bonita.k12.ca.us

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth study of the major turning points that shaped the world from 476 AD to 1789. The course will examine the social, cultural, and technological changes that have occurred during this period. Students will use various tools to compare events that developed concurrently around the world and understand the transmission of ideas, beliefs, scientific developments, and economic trends throughout the world.

Overview of Course Content:

The following areas will be studied during the course of the year in World History:

First Trimester                                                   Second Trimester                                                Third Trimester                      
^ Review of Geography                                         ^ Medieval Asia                                                          ^ Scientific Revolution
^ Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire                  ^ Medieval Europe                                                     ^ Enlightenment
^ Rise of Islam                                                        ^ Renaissance                                                              ^ Meso-America
^ Medieval Africa                                                   ^ Reformation

Text:
World History: Medieval and Early Modern Times, McDougal Littell
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) is every Thursday –You must bring a book. Please review the reading list with your parent/guardian for recommended historical novels.

Materials:
Students should bring the following materials to class each day: 

Paper–college ruled                             2 Blue /Black ball-point pens                                       Lined 3 x 5 index cards (multiple packs) 
Three ring binder                                 2 Red ball-point pens                                                    Colored pencils 
Student Planner                                    2- #2 pencils                                                                  10 Paper folders w/ brads 
Highlighter

Grading Policy:
Grading is based on the total points of student work, including in-class work, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. The student’s grade is also based on participation and appropriate classroom behavior.
Student work is based on the following:

Homework – guided reading, vocabulary, & note packets                             Tests & Quizzes
Projects – book reports, posters, presentations, etc.                                       Participation – SSR, attendance, behavior, & preparedness

Grading Scale
98 – 100 = A+
93 – 97 = A
90 – 92 = A-
88 – 89 = B+
83 – 87 = B
80 – 82 = B-
78 – 79 = C+
73 – 77 = C
70 – 72 = C-
68 – 69 = D+
63 – 67 = D
60 – 62 = D-
59 and Below = F

Late work will be accepted one (1) day late for half (1/2) credit, unless the student has an official excused absence. Students should still complete the assignment even if late as it will be part of the unit note packet and will help the student prepare for the unit test. It is the student’s responsibility to check with me, the posted assignments on the board, or the website for homework and to obtain information missed due to an absence. No assignment may be made up if the absence is recorded as a truant.
There are no exceptions to this policy.

Extra credit does not make up for not turning in assignments, homework, and/or projects and is rarely offered. Bonus points can be earned through preparedness, effort, positive behavior, and in-class review games and activities.

Classroom Rules & Consequences
Simple Rules will provide all of us with a successful and rewarding year:
1. RESPECT teachers, staff, other students, school, and personal property.
2. Be in class, in your seat, and prepared to work when the tardy bell rings. (Not in your seat at the bell = ½ hour detention.)
3. Follow teacher’s instructions and stay on task during the entire period (including all rules in the student handbook).
4. Observe and practice academic honesty.
5. Profanity and vulgar language will not be tolerated.
6. All CELL PHONES and other electronic equipment must be turned off and put away during class.
7. NO FOOD, DRINKS, or GUM IN CLASS – Bottled water with a screw cap is permitted.
8. Teacher dismisses class, not the bell.
9. Personal hygiene matters must be taken care of outside of the classroom.
10. Each student is entitled to three restroom/water passes per trimester. If a student uses more than 3 passes, the student is expected to serve a 15-minute make-up time at lunch or before school for each additional restroom/water pass. If the student does not use all of their passes, the passes may be turned in for bonus points.

Violation of class rules:
1. One Verbal Warning and parent notification
2. 20 minute teacher detention with parent notification
3. Proctor detention assigned with parent notification
4. Referral to Grade Level Administrator and parent notification
*Please refer to the Ramona Middle School Policies & Procedures in the Student Handbook