2011- 2012
7th Grade Social Studies Course Outline
Length of Course: One Year Instructor: Mr. Murray
Course Description / Overview: The course is designed to develop a wide array of social studies skills through the study of various topics and regions of the world. The main regions for detailed study may include the following: Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Russia and Europe.
Goals and Objectives:
- Use primary and secondary sources to gather information
- Arrange information in useable forms, i.e.; create timelines, take notes, keep records, restate major ideas, and group data.
- Interpret information: draw inferences, note cause and effect, and state relationships between categories, and write summaries.
- Use map and global reading skills: orient a map and read directions, locate places on a map or glove, use scale and compute distances, and interpret graphs.
- Develop effective presentation skills.
Throughout the course we will be working towards achieving the “Expected School-wide Learning Results” and becoming Critical Self-Directed Thinkers, Empowered 21st Century Learners, Effective Communicators, and Responsible Global Leaders.
Evaluation:
Content 80%
Major tests, quizzes, projects, and other ways students demonstrate deep comprehension and understanding of the material. For projects, a detailed scoring guide or rubric will outline specific criteria of quality work.
Daily Assignments / Homework 10%
Short in-class assignments and homework will allow students to build the skills and knowledge necessary for deeper comprehension.
Habits of Work 10% – Participation, preparedness, and speaking English only
Class participation; ability to meet due dates and manage time well; working well with peers; organization and commitment to follow-through.
Student Expectations and Requirements:
- Be respectful
- Be prepared
- Be ready to enjoy the learning process
- Be responsible for your own actions and decisions
Late and missing work will greatly affect your grade. On the first day something is late you are marked down 50% and late assignments are not accepted after one day unless prior arrangements have been made. Come early and ask for an extension, do not wait until something is due to ask for help. Assignments without names will be reduced by 25%–be diligent in your study habits. Remember, it is your responsibility to arrange to make up missing work after an absence.
Make-up or Retakes: Students may retake or redo one quiz/exam, assignment or project during each semester. The student will receive the higher of the two scores.
Academic Dishonesty: A student who is caught cheating (taking credit for work that is not their own) on assignments, projects quizzes or exams will be given a zero on the assignment, project, quiz or exam. Cheating includes plagiarism and copying other students work. A student who knowingly gives another student material or answers will receive a zero.
Communication with Parents: Scheduled parent conference will provide an opportunity to talk about your child’s progress. This conference will be in reference to the report card that you will receive prior to the conference. In the middle of each quarter, Progress reports will be given as needed. If you have any immediate concerns or questions please contact me at my e-mail at johnm@ise.ac.th .
