Course Title: Integrated Social Studies (Civics/American History)        

Instructor:

Mrs. Clarke (cclarke@mvths.org)

Course Description:  In the study of Integrated Social Studies we will explore a variety of topics such as World Geography, Civics, and American History.   Students will  use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic and historical  questions.

The use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source materials such as contemporary and historic maps of various types, satellite-produced images, photographs, graphs, diagrams, and power point presentations will all be utilized throughout the year.

In short, Integrated Social Studies uses an examination of past and modern societies as the basis for learning and mastering specific concepts of culture, government, economics, religion, and language.

Course Goal: To gain a working knowledge of our physical environment and its impact on our history and lifestyles, thus allowing us to better understand the nature of the world and the events that take place in it.

Course Objectives:

Students will:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of location, physical geography, and cultural geography of different regions around the world.
• Examine the formation of American government.
• Analyze the importance of human environmental interaction and its impact on historical and current events
• Demonstrate knowledge of varied concepts within social studies and how each are interrelated
• Develop skills in the use of primary and secondary sources to acquire and process geographic information

Schedule/Topics

• 5 Themes of Geography
• Cultural influences
• Forms or government
• Establishment of American Government
• Human-environment Interaction

Required Materials:

• Textbook (Will stay in class)
• Pen/Pencil
• Notebook
• Folder
• Chromebook

Expectations

1. Follow Rules in Student Handbook:  (ex. No Phones, No wireless headphones/earbuds, Hats, etc.)
2. Keep voices down to create a positive learning environment
3. No food/drink - water with lid is acceptable
4. Request permission to exit seat
5. Participate in class activities and complete assignments in a timely manner

Grading

• Types of Assessment:  You will be graded in this class based on the points you accumulate through: participation; writing assignments; class work; homework; projects; quizzes; and tests.

• Missing Work:  It is your responsibility to make-up work that you missed during an excused absence.  You should see me or talk to a friend in class to see what you missed.  We did not take the day off because you were not here…we missed you, but continued on with our scheduled lesson.

• Participation:  Students need to come to class ready to be part of the learning experience.  This experience will include reading, taking notes, and completing classroom work.  This course will use classroom discussion as a key tool for learning.  Students need to learn how to express their thoughts in this type of setting.  Not every student will be vocal every day, but those who choose not to actively participate in discussions will lose participation points.

Quarantine Learning Plan*

*This plan is only available to students on an approved plan through the Nurse’s Office

Daily Work: Should be checked daily on google classroom with due dates posted.

Projects: Will be posted on Google Classroom with due dates and rubrics to be followed

Tests: Will be noted prior to test day with study guides on Google Classroom. Tests will be completed in the classroom when possible. If you are officially quarantined a test will be sent through a google form. It must be completed by the due time and date.

Materials: World Geography Building a Global Perspective textbook will be posted on Google Classroom

Due Dates: All due dates will be posted on Google classroom

Technology Assistance:  Please contact Tech Services at 246-1812 or email Gina Williamson at gwilliamson@mvths.org