Eastern Hemisphere and Language Arts Syllabus

Eastern Hemisphere Course Overview

Social Studies at the 6^th grade level is a full year course focused on the study of the Eastern Hemisphere. The history, culture, and geography of this hemisphere will be explored through a variety of perspectives. Many key concepts in civilization, ancient through modern, will be explored. Students will develop skills related to the work of real geographers and historians, such as conducting research, creating and interpreting maps, making inferences, and examining primary sources.

1. What does it mean to be a responsible and informed citizen of the world?
2. Why is it important to study the histories, cultures, and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere?
3. How have past civilizations impacted our society today?
4. How is the work of historians and geographers performed in an authentic way?
5. How does point-of-view and individual perspective affect our understanding of cultures and civilizations? Why should we seek out and analyze wide-ranging opinions?
6. How have the origin and impact of ideas and technological development affected history and social change?
7. What key elements are necessary for a civilization to begin, prosper, change, or perhaps disappear?
8. What is the effect of globalization on the various cultures and governments of the world?

6^th grade Language Arts will focus on the following three areas: Reading, Writing, and Communication. In accordance with the Seattle School District Standards and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, the instruction of writing will center around the writing process and the six-trait writing model. The focus of these writing skills will be used to analyze and evaluate the literature being read. During the year, students will also practice the elements of fluent speaking and active listening.

In Eastern Hemisphere, grades will be determined through percentage of total points possible. In Language Arts, the following weighted scale will determine grades:

Reading Log: 10% of total grade

Portfolio: 10% of total grade

Assignments/Projects: 80% of total grade

Students will be issued a copy of The World and Its People, the Eastern Hemisphere textbook to keep at home. Students will need to bring learning supplies everyday. They need to bring their three-ring binder with dividers, planner, and a book to read. In their main binder, they should also have plenty of pens, pencils, colored pencils, and paper. In addition, it would be beneficial for the students to have a small ruler, self-contained pencil sharpener, computer disc, and page reinforcers. They will need a one-inch three-ring binder with dividers for their in-class portfolio. The one-inch binder will be kept in a file cabinet in the classroom. If you would like to check out your student’s work, please contact me. Please let me know if obtaining these items will be a problem.

Expectations: I have high expectations, both academically and for behavior. Our team has a core belief that: We will all be responsible for respecting each other, our school, and ourselves. As a team of teachers and students, we will work together to determine the implications of this expectation during the first days of school. That said, I pride myself on providing a positive classroom environment and I insist on student behavior that is safe, respectful, and not disruptive of learning.

• We will follow the Team 6C policies and expectations for beginning of class, during the lesson, and at the end of class behavior.

• Passes are for emergencies only. Even in the event of an emergency, you must make up time and you must have a written pass to be in the hallways during class time.

• Gum, junk food, or sodas are not appropriate in our classroom during the school day. Let’s work together to keep our room clean and neat; trash should be placed in the waste can and paper in the recycling bin on the way out of the classroom.

• After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to check with friends or a study partner, with the posted assignments, and then with me (before school or during homeroom) for missed work. One extra day will be given for each day absent to complete the work and submit for full credit.

Concerns: The school number is 252-5010. My prep period is between 10:10 and 10:50 and I am also usually available after school.

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