Class Syllabus

Culver City High School

2008-2009

Global Issues

Dr. Chapman Rm. 31

E-mail: Jonchapman@ccusd.org

CCHS Beliefs 1.      Each member of our school community plays an integral part in

making student success a certainty. 2.      That all students are provided the necessary resources and

opportunities to become successful Critical Thinkers, Self-Guided Achievers, Involved Citizens, Collaborative Workers, Quality Producers, and Adaptable Problem Solvers.

3.      That all students are immersed in vigorous, standards-based curricula that promote higher level thinking skills.

4.      That all students are capable of learning and as such, we educate the whole person providing students the necessary support to achieve their fullest potential.

5.      That we value diversity and promote tolerance and espouse understanding and compassion.

6. That the aesthetic value of our campus is an important part of student achievement.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with the necessary fundamentals in interpreting global events and understanding their root causes and the influence that geography plays in impacting societies.

Standards

All subject matter taught in this Global Issues course coincides with the National Geographic Standards (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/standardslist.html )

and with the California History-Social Science Analysis Skills for Grades 9-12:

Textbook

World Geography (McDougal Littel).

Expectations

1. Be here.

2. Be prepared.

3. Be Nice!

No…– Food, candy, gum,

drinks

– Grooming in class

– Strong fragrances

– Prohibited items• Hats

• Electronics

• Prohibited Dress

– Skateboards

CCHS Behavior Standards Remember the Culver

City High School Behavior Standards:

1.      Respect yourself, your teachers, classmates and school. Any and all forms of disrespect (including foul language) will not be tolerated.

2.      Remain in your seat at all times, unless directed to move by the teacher.

3. Focus your attention on the topic directly related to class

lectures/discussion.

Consequences for violation of expected behavior may include…– Verbal warnings

– Time-outs

– Teacher-assigned detention

– Class suspension

Materials

Pencils, pens and paper should be brought to class every day, as should the textbook (protected with a book cover).

A three-ring binder with a plastic pouch is invaluable to student organization and success.

Because we will be producing many colored maps, an inexpensive set of colored pencils will help the student to complete these in a timely fashion.

Daily Work Daily work will consist of class work and

homework and will be checked on a regular basis. Notes will be taken several times per week. These

may be reviewed and graded at intervals in the semester and will be handed in at the final and graded for completeness (100 points)

Each student is responsible to maintain the integrity of all his/her work. Unless otherwise stated, assignments are individual. School rules on cheating will be observed.

Weekly Current Event Assignment In addition to completing regular class

assignments, students will be required to turn in weekly current event interpretations.

These media interpretations will come from newspaper, magazine, or online articles

In addition, a copy of the article must be attached to the back of an interpretation, which will be due every Thursday.

Make-up Procedures

Make-up work: It is YOUR responsibility to find out the missing work from the High School’s website at http://cchs.ccusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=73639&type=u&rn=4965610 or from a classmate. Dr. Chapman is not required to allow for make-up work or tests in the case of truancy, so make sure you clear ALL absences.

Any late work will be assigned half-credit.

Special Help

Teachers are available for extra help most days before school, at nutrition, or after school.

To be on the safe side, make an appointment. (In some cases, the teacher may require extra help sessions.)

Grades

Tests and major assignments: 40% of the grade.

Daily work: 40%. Class Participation: 15%

– (See Section X. Participation) Class citizenship: 5%

– (The most subjective component, yet the most important:

• Outstanding= 5 points;

• Satisfactory=4 points;

• Needs improvement=2 points;

• Unacceptable=0 points.).

Grading Scale (as a percentage of total points possible)

A: 90% and up B: 80-89% C: 70-79% D: 60-69% F: below 60%

– (Mercy rule: Students who score between 50 and 59% can received a D- if they score more than 75% on their Final Exam)

Participation 2 pts. each day of attendance (on-time, on-task) 1 pt. late, or deficient in some other part of participation

(lack of materials, missing work, etc.) 1 pt. each completed homework/classwork assignment 0 pts. uncleared absences, assignment of detention, or

absence due to in-school or out-of- school suspension. Extra points:

– perfect attendance and assignments

– Start work before tardy bell

Tardies

3rd to 5th tardydetention– Unserved detentions result in Saturday School

Each tardy after 5thSaturday School

Grade book

The grade book is accessible at https://secure.gradebookwizard.com/login.aspx

I will give you your login name and password upon request.

Truancy

Attendance is important– For learning

• Classroom environment

– Keeps you out of trouble– It’s the law

• SARB process (Ed Code)

• Truancy tickets (City Ordinance)