8th Grade World History

Course Syllabus
2016-2017 School Year
Teacher: Mrs. Morgan
Room: A-109
Email: smorgan.wl@ccboe.us
I. COURSE Description: This course covers world history to 1500 following guidelines as delegated by the Alabama
State Department of Education Course of Study Standards. Emphasis is placed on economics, geography,
government, world religions, and how these things shaped the history of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The
textbook used is, Discovering Our Past: A History of the World, Early Ages (Glencoe). The text and classroom
instruction are aligned with the Alabama Course of Study for Social Studies. Studies begin with prehistoric man and
continue to the year 1500. A pacing guide will be followed so that all objectives are taught. The learning process will
be maintained at all times.
II. REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS:
1.

1.A binder with loose leaf paper

2.

A PEN, blue or black ink, or pencils. No brightly colored pens or pencils are allowed.

3.

It is important that you keep yourself organized. Your success in class will be heavily influenced by your
organization.

4.

Highlighter

5.

Initiative. You must be prepared for class every day. Success requires a willingness to work. If you do your
best and work to your potential, you will succeed in this class.

III. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: This classroom will abide by the policies set forth by the Alabama Department of
Education, the Calhoun County Board of Education, and Walter Wellborn High School.
Rules
1.

Enter the classroom quietly.

2.

Be on time

3.

Be respectful

4.

Bring supplies to class.

5.

Be in your seat; facing forward, immediately upon entering class.

6.

Take binder out and begin bell ringer activity.

7.

Refrain from talking during instruction and independent seatwork.

8.

Cell Phones are not to be seen or heard in the classroom unless I have stated they can be used for
research.

9.

Never eat or drink in class.

10. Refrain from all personal grooming in class.

11. Raise your hand when seeking permission to speak or leave your desk.
12. Listen attentively during announcements.
13. Hold all trash until dismissed to your next class.

Consequences
1.

A verbal warning will be given.

2.

Break Detention, documentation of behavior will be entered into a log, and parent will be contacted.

3.

Before/After School Detention

4.

Office referral.

Please note that certain behaviors, such as fighting, disrespect, defiance, or skipping class, warrant an
immediate referral. Also, failure to appear to detention results in an office referral.
IV. COURSE GRADING PROCEDURE: It is essential that you know and understand the information covered in this
class in order to be successful. You will complete class notes, classroom assignments, homework, quizzes, group
work, and tests. There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of each quarter and at the end of the
semester.
1. Tests: One test will be given upon the completion of a chapter, a unit of study, or related objectives. Tests will be
composed of various types of questions, to include multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and essay
questions. Each test will cover information from notes, the text, participation, group work, and class assignments.
2. Quizzes: Important vocabulary will be covered first when beginning new material. Vocabulary quizzes will be
taken and will usually contain 10 to 15 words.
3. Classwork, Homework, Group Work, and Participation: You will need to keep yourself organized. All of your
notes will be stored in your binder. On the day of your test, the notes will be turned in to me. Classwork will be
assigned daily and is expected to be completed that day, unless instructed otherwise. Participation is important to
your success in your class. Participating in class discussions and group work will help you understand and apply what
you have learned in this class. Homework will, on occasion, be assigned.
4. Projects: A project may be given once per semester.
Grading: The semester is divided into two, nine-week grading periods. Grades for World History will be computed
and reported using a standard scale as follows:

100-90=A
89-80=B
79-70=C
69-60=D
59 and Below=F
5. Study Guides:
Study Guides and tentative test dates are given the first day we start a new unit. You will have your study guide in
plenty of time to prepare for your test. Please keep up with your study guides. If you lose your study guide, they will
be posted on my website and Facebook page. Each test will cover information from notes, the text,
participation, group work, and class assignments. A study guide is a tool to help you prepare for your test. It does
not contain information that you must memorize.
Please note: Test dates and study guide hand out dates are subject to change.

V. CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM: Students found cheating on any independent class assignment, quiz/test, or
plagiarizing any work, will receive an automatic grade of zero (0).
VI. ATTENDANCE: When you are absent, it is your responsibility to make- up your work. The policy with regard to
absences as stated in the Code of Conduct book will be followed.
VII. TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to keep up with
and ensure that all missed work is turned in. Students may go to the make-up work center in the back of the room to
get what work was missed upon their return.
VIII. ASSISTANCE: If you need help, or you see yourself falling behind, please let me know. I cannot help you if I
am unaware that you need help. I am available to meet with you before school, second period, after school, and by
email anytime. If these times do not work for you, please see me before or after class to set up a more convenient
time for you. Parents and guardians, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns through the
above email address or through the school's office.

Please take the syllabus home and show it to your parent or guardian. Have them sign it, and bring it back to
class by Friday, August 19, 2016. You will receive BONUS points for a parent or guardian signature. Your
signature on the syllabus is required.
I have read and understand the rules, expectations, and procedures included in the syllabus.
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Student Signature

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Date

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Parent Signature

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Date