Mr. Younger\'s class syllabus
- 1. Mr. Younger’s World History Syllabus Home: (530) 534-5959 Instructor Mr. Justin Younger Phone Cell: (530) 519-5832 Office Las Plumas High School rm.1205 E-mail welderjustin@hotmail.com Office Mon & Wed: 2:15 – 4:00pm Hours Tues, Thurs, & Fri: 3:15 – 4:00pm What are we going to learn? Though the main focus of this class begins with the late 1700’s, the first goal is for students to learn how the philosophies of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Christians influenced the development of Western political thought. Then students will learn how the early ideas of individual rights and democracy progressed from the late 1700’s to the present day, as well as how modern day conflicts across the world (such as the Rwandan Genocide and fighting between Israelis and Palestinians) have their roots in the past. Students will also learn from the historical example of the United States that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high cost, are vulnerable to attack, and are not practiced everywhere in the world. Students will learn to develop an awareness of world events as well as the historical, geographical, political, economic, and social importance of those events. In order to understand how and why countries interact with each other in certain ways students will learn that world events may be viewed from a variety of different perspectives depending upon the country in which you live. What supplies will you need to succeed? Pens (blue or black only) Highlighters #2 pencils 3 ring binder, dividers, and plenty of paper Ink for your home printer Art supplies (colored pencils, pens, crayons, etc.) Black Sharpie Basic calculator Page 1
- 2. What if a problem comes up? I realize that sometimes things happen that are outside of your control and sometimes you just plain forget stuff. (Happens to me all the time) To help you during these stressful times I will give you four passes that you will be able to use for a variety of things like using the bathroom, getting an extra day on an assignment, etc. But be warned: if you use all of your passes things like going to the bathroom during class time will require you to either spend some detention time with me or receive an intervention. If you receive a detention with me, you must serve it within two days or I will take ten points off of your grade. I know that some of the things that come up in your life might require you to miss class (doctor’s appointment, illness, family emergency, etc.) However, we have a huge amount of material to cover in the span of 180 days, so please try to keep your absences to a minimum. While I do not take points away for unexcused absences, if you miss a lot of class it will be very hard for you to stay caught up and I guarantee your grade will suffer. Please note there may possibly be a reward at the end of the semester for students who miss no more than three days of class . . . . How do I grade? 1. Every student receives five grades during the semester. These include: two progress reports, two quarter grades, and a final semester grade. It is the semester grade that becomes permanent and goes on your official transcript. 2. The grading scale is as follows: A = +88%, B = 87-78%, C = 77-68%, D = 67-58%, F = -57% 3. All tests, many assignments, and most projects are assigned a point value according to difficulty and time invested. (Each unit also carries extra credit opportunities to help students who might not be strong in all areas of academic performance) 4. Late homework will be accepted for reduced credit. 5. Missed quizzes, tests, videos, or assignments may be made up before school, at lunch, or after school on the day you return. Any assignment that was due on the day you were absent is due the period you return, unless prior arrangements have been made. If you have read and understand this policy sign here: ________________ 6. Calendars and point sheets will be provided to assist you in becoming more organized and self-reliant. Please store these papers in your 3-ring binder or in your portfolio. ***PARENTS! PLEASE ASK TO SEE THESE REGULARLY!!!*** 7. Only write in blue or black ink and/or pencil 8. PLEASE write your name on all assignments. Tests, projects, and homework turned in without a name will receive a zero. 9. Students who copy or plagiarize, as well as students who give their work to others to be copied will be given a zero for the assignment and will be assigned Saturday school. Stay current! - Students will be asked to watch the news or read the newspaper to stay current on local, national, and global issues. We will watch and then discuss the news at least three times a week on issues ranging from politics, sports, pop culture, catastrophes, Page 2
- 3. etc. Will there be homework? Homework is a very important part of understanding the vast amount of information we will be covering in this class. Students will usually be assigned homework four nights a week. Much of the homework will involve the completion of unit packets that correspond to the textbook. These packets are not difficult to complete if you work on them a little every night. However, if you wait till the last minute and try to complete the whole thing in one shot I promise you will find it difficult. Is this teacher strict? Las Plumas High School states that its goal is to require students to be safe, responsible, and respectful. My classroom rules are a simple extension of the goals of the school and a way for me to not only teach historical facts, but to teach students how to be productive, well- rounded, contributing citizens of a democratic society. 1. Students will treat each other with respect and kindness 2. Tardiness will not be tolerated 3. Turn off cell phones and music players before entering class 4. Students in my class will follow the school dress code 5. No one will interrupt someone who is speaking Consequences: 1. Verbal warning 2. Intervention notice 3. Referral to vice-principal’s office Students have six steps of discipline in my classroom. After all six steps in my room have been exhausted, students will move onto the school’s discipline step plan. A full explanation of the school discipline policy can be found at: http://www.lphs.ouhsd.org/ I have read and understand this document: ______________________________________(parent) ______________________________________(student) Page 3