Social Studies 8
Course Overview
Teacher:
Ms. Kaminski
Rationale:
Social Studies is a multidisciplinary subject that draws from the social sciences and humanities to study human interaction, natural and social environments. The overreaching goal of social studies is to develop thoughtful, responsible, active citizens, who are able to acquire the requisite information to consider multiple perspectives and to make reasoned judgments. (IRP pg. 1).
Summary:
Social Studies 8 is a course that invites the student to explore
the classical past of the world, focusing on culture, and the
interactions of people within various civilizations. In their
studies, students will be exposed to various means of historical
learning, including primary and secondary source documentation. A
challenge is presented to the student to delve into history and
immerse themselves within the culture and time we are studying,
and then apply this knowledge to present day. Keeping this in
mind, students will study the development and decline of
civilizations, the daily art, and religions, cultural
adaptations, political and economic interactions, world geography
and finally the impact of the physical environment on culture.
Required
Materials:
- 3 Ring Binder
- Pens
- Pencils
The following supplies may be needed for projects and assignments and should be brought to class when requested.
- Blank Notebook Paper, Poster Board
- Pencil Crayons, Felts
- Scissors, Glue
Textbooks:
Beers,
Burton, Patterns of Civilization. Vol. I *
Kemball,
Walter, Geographic Essentials. *
* Note:
Both these textbooks are old and outdated, and will be used in
the class sparingly. Students will receive much of their
information supplemented from worksheets and handouts.
Evaluation:
Homework - 25 % Homework - 25 %
Tests/Quiz’s- 25 % Tests/Quiz’s - 25 %
Projects - 15 % Projects - 15 %
Midterm - 25 % Participation - 10%
Participation - 10 % Final Exam - 25%
Term 1 = 50% of your final grade. Term 2 = 50% of your final grade. The averages of term 1 and term 2 will make your final grade for the year.
Course
Objectives: Social Studies 8 will enable students to develop the
following skills:
·
Identify and clarify a problem, issue or inquiry
·
Plan, revise and deliver written and oral presentations
·
Identify factors that influence the development and decline of
world civilizations
·
Describe a variety of diverse cultural traditions and world
religions
·
Demonstrate and understanding of the tension between individual
rights and responsibilities of citizens in a variety of
civilizations
·
Explain the development and importance of government systems
·
Analyze the effect of commerce on trade routes, settlement
patterns, and cultural exchanges.
·
Describe the impact of technological innovation and science on
political, social and economic structures
·
Construct, interpret and use graphs, tables, grids, scales,
legends, and various types of maps
·
Describe how physical geography influenced patterns of
settlement, trade, and exploration.
·
Locate and describe current and historical events on maps
Course
Expectations:
1. It is expected that students will treat their peers, the teacher, themselves and the school with respect and courtesy.
2. Arrive to class on time and only leave when the teacher dismisses you, otherwise ask permission to leave the classroom.
3. Raise your hand to be acknowledged, don’t yell out answers – this is part of showing respect.
4. Stay on task. Do your job as a student.
5.
Bring all necessary materials to class, don’t waste time
looking for these materials or asking to go to your locker to get
them.
6.
After an absence, please present a note from your
parent/guardian regarding your absence. All work missed because
of absence must be made up. This is the responsibility of the
student.
7.
If you miss a test or presentation, you must make it up
the first class you return. No excuses.
8.
Any work not handed in on time will be subjected to a penalty
of 25% off the original mark the first day late and then 50% each
day after that. Students have two weeks from the assigned date to
hand in major projects, at the end of this period if the
assignment is not competed a mark of 0 will be given. Regular
homework assignments will receive 50% off the first day with one
week to hand the assignment in, after this a mark of 0 is given.
9.
Plagiarism – is using the work of others as if it were
your own without giving credit to the author. Students who are
found plagiarizing will be given a “0” grade for that
assignment. Plagiarism is not tolerated.
10.
Please do not eat, or drink pop in class. You may bring only
water.
If you need any help please come and see me!
I want everyone to do well and I will make time for you if you
are having problems! J
Also to aid in your success for this class I have a web page with many links that may prove useful in class (http://www3.telus.net/EKaminski), an email address (missk100@hotmail.com) and a homework page (http://TeacherWeb.com/BC/StJohnBrebeuf/Kaminski/) . I will do my best to keep these all current and updated for you and your parents.
Social Studies 8
Course Outline
Ø
Geography: Knowledge and Skills
A)
Interpreting maps and globes
B)
Mapping skills
C)
Locating Information
Ø
Middle Ages in Western Europe
A)
The Geographic Setting
B)
Collapse of the Roman Empire
C)
The Emergence of Judeo/Christian Civilization
D)
The Feudal World
Ø
Middle Ages in Eastern Europe and the Middle East
A)
The geographic setting
B)
The Byzantine Empire
C)
Islamic Civilization
Ø
Middle Ages in China and India
A)
Geographic setting
B)
Role of religion
C)
Foundations of eastern civilizations
Ø
Renaissance and Reformation in Europe
A)
The decline of Feudalism
B)
Factors contributing to the Renaissance
C) Development of the
arts, science and technology
Ø
Current Events and Extension Activities