Frequently Asked Questions: Below are answers to common questions of students
and parents. If you are seeking an answer to a question not posted on this
page, please send your question, and I will post an answer.
- What am I going to learn this year in World History & Cultures?
- What else will I be learning?
- What resources will we be using in our class?
- What will I need to bring to class?
- Will I be keeping a current events journal?
- Will I have homework?
- What will determine what grade I get?
- How can I succeed in class?
- How can I contact you outside of school?
- Are you available for extra help?
- I missed class -- how do I find out what I missed?
- What is your policy about homework and projects that are handed in late?
- All teachers have rules and procedures. What are yours?
What am I going to learn this year in World History & Cultures?
The curriculum covers history from the dawn of man to the Enlightenment and
the Age of Exploration. The course is divided into three areas: 1) regional
studies of early civilizations; 2) global connections in the modern world; and
3) fundamental beliefs and practices of the major world religions.
We will begin by learning how societies formed, developed, flourished, and
failed, and we'll conclude by drawing relationships between different parts of
the world as ideas, technology, resources, and the struggle for power made
interactions more complex.
The civilizations we will be examining include those of: Ancient Greece,
Ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, the early Islamic kingdoms, Ghana, the
Tang and Ming Dynasties, the Mongols, and the Mayas and Aztecs.
We will then examine various global connections to the modern world which
occurred over the course of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation,
the Age of Exploration, the Age of Absolutism, and the Enlightenment. The
topics we will explore include:
1. Ideological, religious, and physical shifts of power in Europe
2. The emergence of new ideas and technology
3. Social, economic, and political adaptations to adversity and change
4. Causes of European exploration
5. Global interactions between Europe and Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the
Middle East.
Last, during the year we will also examine religion as it relates to history.
We will seek a basic understanding of the fundamental beliefs and practices of
the five major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and
Buddhism). Here we will focus on each religion's origin; its geographic areas
of practice; its core philosophies, principles, beliefs, and practices; as
well as the religion's integration into daily secular life.
What else will I be learning?
Social Studies in the 8th grade is not just about world history. It is also
about anthropology, archaeology, sociology, psychology, economics, geography,
philosophy, political science, and law. So we will also be examining such
fascinating topics as power, greed, passion, emotional intelligence, and
fairness, to name a few.
We will also be practicing a number of skills. I am a firm believer in the
importance of knowing how to take notes to help you with your studies. We will
thus be working on our note-taking skills. We will also have opportunities to
do research and engage in class discussion and in presentations. In this
regard, we will take the opportunity to actively make connections between
information learned through our research about a time long ago and our current
world situation today.
We will work on taking positions on a subject, using evidence to support our
positions, and responding to the position of others in a responsive,
respectful manner.
What resources will we be using in our class?
We are very lucky to have received new textbooks three years ago, which remain
in excellent condition. "World History" (Prentice Hall 2007) will serve as the
base for our learning. But much of what we do in class will be supplemented by
handouts and other resources, including documentaries, websites, and primary
sources.
What will I need to bring to class?
Please check the Supply List for Class page for a detailed explanation of what
you will need this year for class. Please be ready by the first day of school.
Will I be keeping a current events journal?
While this course is about the world of long ago, the most important reason
why we study social studies is to better understand today's world and help us
to become informed and responsible citizens. Thus we do want to stay current
with the events of today.
But to do that, we will not be keeping a current events journal. Instead, over
the course of each marking period, you will be given several current events
articles and op-ed pieces. You will be asked to answer specific questions as
well as provide your reaction to each current event. The assignment will be
graded. When time allows, we will take the opportunity to discuss the current
event in class.
Will I have homework?
You betcha! Homework will be assigned most days. Class time is very limited,
and we will be covering a lot of material (many different civilizations over
thousands of years). It is therefore important that you read or prepare in
advance what we will be covering the next school day.
What will determine what grade I get?
YOU will determine what grade you get in this class!
Grades are a composite of all types of work and are determined using the
points system. Assignments and activities will have a certain point value. You
can keep a record of your total points to calculate your grade. To do this,
add up all the points that you earned during the marking period. Then add up
the total maximum points available. Divide the points earned by the maximum
points. Each marking period grade includes the following:
* Homework assignments will be graded based on completion. So if you are a
conscientious student in completing your homework, you will raise your grade.
* Current events assignments are also graded based on a point scale.
* Assessments generally come in two forms: quizzes and the more comprehensive
tests. They serve as an opportunity to make good use of your homework and your
notes. So keep up with both!
* Projects vary each marking period. My purpose in assigning a project is to
encourage creative thinking and research skills -- not to buy up the supplies
at Michael's or A.C. Moore.
* Classroom participation is especially important in a social studies class
and is factored into your grade. Volunteering your thoughts, asking
questions, and listening and responding to what others have to say with
interest and respect are all great ways to exhibit classroom participation. To
support such participation, we need an ethic of caring in our classroom: a
climate of respect and support -- even when we don't agree with each other.
Those who undermine that ethic by making inconsiderate remarks will do poorly
in classroom participation, no matter how much they participate.
How can I succeed in class?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! And do your best work. Be thorough -- show that you have put
effort into your assignments and complete them on time.
I also suggest the following:
1. Have a quiet place to do your homework and to study.
2. Keep away from distractions such as the Internet, TV, video games, Instant
Messaging, and texting. (Save them as a reward for when you have completed
your homework.)
3. Keep up with your homework, your notes, and your studies. It is important
to pace yourself. Always review well in advance for a quiz or a test.
4. Follow our classroom and school rules.
5. See me with any problems you are having. I want you to succeed and do well,
not only in 8th Grade but in life.
How can I contact you outside of school?
Should you or someone from home need to contact me, my e-mail address is
HSweeney@spfk12.org or HSchallenberg@spfk12.org. (You can click on the e-mail
link on the side of this page.) I usually check my e-mail several times a day.
A message can also be left for me on my voicemail at school (322-4445).
Typically, I will only be able to return those phone calls at the end of the
school day or even the following day, depending on when the phone's message
light turns on.
Are you available for extra help?
I generally am available before and after school if you need extra help. Just
let me know the day before you would like to meet with me.
I missed class -- how do I find out what I missed?
If you were in school but missed class on a given day, stop by my classroom
either before or after school that day to find out what you need to complete
and to hand in any work due. If you do not, your work is late.
Handouts distributed in class that day will be on the front table by the end
of the day with your name on it, along with an explanation of what we did in
class and the day's homework.
You should not miss class on days you are in school when we have a quiz or test.
If you missed class because you were absent from school, you can obtain the
homework assignment by checking the Homework page of my TeacherWeb. At times,
you may also be able to download from my TeacherWeb any handouts distributed
on the day you were absent.
I also keep a weblog which explains what we did in class that day and lists
the homework. You can access the page "What We Did Today..." by clicking on
the weblog link on the left of the screen.
You will be expected to complete homework and class work missed due to illness
in a timely manner. A normal time frame is two days for each day missed.
Considerations are made for make-up work due to extended and excused absences
for prolonged illness or family emergency. Please speak to me personally, or
let Counseling know, if such a situation presents itself.
What is your policy about homework and projects that are handed in late?
Homework and projects are due at the beginning of class, not at the end of the
day. Points are deducted from assignments not completed on time. If you missed
class, but are in school, it is YOUR responsibility to hand in your homework
or assignment before or when it is due. If you were absent from school due to
illness or a family emergency, it is YOUR responsibility to hand in the
completed assignments upon your return.
All teachers have rules and procedures. What are yours?
1. Be prepared for class. Upon arriving in the classroom, pick up the day's
handouts, be seated, take out the materials needed, and get ready to work.
2. Be respectful of me, your fellow classmates, and our classroom materials
at all times, both in and outside of the classroom.
3. Show integrity: do not lie, cheat, or plagiarize.
4. Take ownership of your behavior. You are the only one responsible for your
actions. Think about your actions and understand you control whether there
will be positive or negative consequences.
5. Be an active, responsible learner. Work toward having a great year! ...
And I, your teacher, promise to do the same!