CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY 9th Grade Syllabus 2013-2014

Course Overview

william.ketvirtis@highlineschools.org 206-631-7089 sites.google.com/site/mrhsketvirtis

Jud Ketvirtis

This class will be introducing students to major issues, themes, conflicts, and skills that will help them better understand the world in which they live. Cultural geography is about studying complex ways in which people interact with each other and the environment that they live. How do we behave, adapt, and live in the space that we share? Students will learn how to understand our geography to interpret the present and plan for the future through the use of current and relevant issues. Along with learning about geographic concepts, students in the 9th grade will be practicing and mastering important skills that will help prepare them for the rest of high school and beyond. We will practice skills to become better readers, writers, thinkers, and citizens.

Course Units/Outline

The following is a suggested course outline of topics that the students will engage in. Please note that the outline is subject to change based on students need and time.

Unit A: Identity/Culture Unit B: Human Rights

Unit E: Purpose and Function of Government

Unit F: National and Local Unit C: Environment and Sustainability Governments Unit D: Globalization Unit G. U.S. Issues Unit H: Global Citizenship

Required Materials

Please bring the following to class everyday: A notebook (spiral or composition notebook) that is devoted to this class Pens or pencils Any other needed materials will be provided in class.

Grading

Grading in this class will be standards based. A learning standard is something that students know or are able to do; in other words, they are standards of skills and knowledge. This is intended to assist students, parents, teachers, and advisors in better understanding and communicating the students progress in class, especially in specific content or skill areas. Learning does not always happen on the day that a topic or skill is introduced. Student learning and understanding can change. This means that students grades can raise or be lowered based on the current level of understanding shown. The following scale will be used:

4 Exceeding the standard 3 Meeting the standard 2 Approaching the standard 1 Below the standard

Throughout the year I will be working with you to help you become an expert at assessing your own work. This means that when you turn in a paper or project, you will already have a very good idea of what your grade will be. Academic Honesty: All work completed must be your own. Copying homework from a classmate, cheating on a test or quiz, or plagiarizing a paper will result in a zero for all involved on the first offense. Multiple offenses may result in a zero for the course. If you need help or have questions on any assignment, please see the teacher.

Reassessment

Students will be able to reassess until they can meet each standard and to show a heightened level of their understanding. Reassessments are available after a student completes a Reassessment Request (available in class) 48 hours before the requested date, and that details the reason for the request and the steps taken to learn a standard. This opportunity is no longer available one week before the quarter/semester ends.

Expectations

All school policies will be followed in class. (This includes, but is not limited to attendance, dress code, electronics and harassment policies. Please refer to the student handbook if you have questions.) This class is committed to the MR Way: Respect: Your fellow students right to learn and your environment. Attitude: Everyone in this learning community has something valuable to contribute. Manners: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Success: Be responsible for your own learning.

Intervention Steps

If the classroom expectations are not being followed and/or behavior is inhibiting learning, the following steps will be the norm: First offense: Verbal reminder. Second: Conference with the student during lunch or after school, and the incident is documented. Third: Parent contact Fourth: Office referral

Tardies/Absences/Make up Work

Due to the collaborative nature of this class, attendance on a daily basis is an important part of each students success. When absent, please make certain you are checking the class website to see what was missed. You may also feel free to email the teacher to clarify anything you may have missed. For assignments that you missed while absent, they must be turned in promptly upon your return.