RENSSELAER
CENTRAL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
7TH
GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
SYLLABUS
7TH
SOCIAL STUDIES: MR.
ZACHER
CONTACT
INFORMATION:
E-MAIL: [email protected] PHONE: (219) 866-4661 ext. 122
WEB PAGE:
www.zacher.weebly.com
WELCOME
TO 7TH GRADE SOCIAL
STUDIES!!
I am looking forward to this being an
exciting year as we explore the realm of social studies together.
Our class will be using “Eastern
World”, by Holt McDougal. In addition to the class text, we will also be
using other resources including some texts from within our classroom, our
schools library, internet searches and other media.
“Eastern
World”
The following will be a breakdown, map if
you will, of our study of the Eastern World. We may decide to change, move, skip
around or revisit certain areas of study but this will be a general guideline to
follow. I am planning to take 9 weeks per unit, but that could change based on
academic progress, scheduling changes, or other unforeseen
conflicts.
Unit
1 Introduction to
Geography
Chapter 1 will be taking a look at Geographic themes and elements as well
as branches of Geography. We will be focusing on Social Studies Standards 7.3.1
, 7.3.2.
Chapter 2 will be our planet Earth. We will take a look at the Earth’s
land and water features and how the Sun’s energy affects us. This chapter
focuses on standards 7.3.3, 7.3.4, 7.3.7,
7.3.10.
Chapter 3 builds off of chapter 2 and discusses Climate, Environment, and
Resources. Standard focus is 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.8, 7.3.9,
7.3.10.
Chapter 4 is the World’s People. Here we take a look at culture, global
connections, other countries and their governments and economies as well as
populations. Standards focus is 7.2.4, 7.2.5, 7.3.12, 7.3.14,
7.4.1.
Unit
2 Southwest and Central
Asia
Chapter 5 is a History of the Fertile Crescent, 7000-500 B.C.
We will discuss the rise of Sumer, Sumerian Achievements and Later
Peoples of the Fertile Crescent. Our standards focus on 7.1.1, 7.1.3,
7.3.11.
Chapter 6 takes a look at the religions of Judaism and Christianity 2000
B.C.-AD 1453. We will study the origins of the two and the Byzantine Empire
focusing on standard 7.1.4.
Chapter 7 is the History of the Islamic World, AD 550-1650.
We will explore the origins of Islam and the beliefs and practices of
their people. In addition, we will discuss the different Muslim Empires and our
focus in this chapter will be standards 7.1.4 and
7.1.7.
Chapter 8 digs into the Eastern Mediterranean. We will look into the
counties of Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Standards covered in this material are 7.1.18, 7.3.4, 7.3.6, and
7.3.12.
Chapter 9 is the Arabian Peninsula including Iraq and Iran. After looking
at the physical geography of the countries, we will discuss the history of these
countries and how they affect the world as a whole. Objectively, the standards
focused on here are 7.1.16, 7.2.4, 7.3.4, 7.3.6,
7.1.20.
Chapter 10, Central Asia. Like the previous chapter, we will look at the
physical geography and discuss its history and culture, compare and contrast it
to our country and see how this area impacts the world today. Standards focus is
7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.3.10, 7.3.14, 7.1.20, 7.1.21,
7.2.7.
Unit
3
Africa
Chapter 11 is the History of Ancient Egypt, 4500-500 B.C. We will study
the geography of Egypt, its Kingdoms, the Pyramids, and Egyptian Achievements.
Standards covered include: 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.3.11,
7.1.15.
Chapter 12 delves into the Ancient Kush, 2300 B.C.-AD 350. Standards
7.1.1 and 7.3.11.
Chapter 13 History of West Africa, 500 B.C.-AD 1650. This chapter will
take a look at the historical and artistic traditions of the Mali and Songhai.
We will also discuss the Empire of Ghana and the crossing of the Sahara.
Standards 7.1.5 , 7.1.6, 7.1.7
Chapter 14 North Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of this area along with a focus on the Nile River. Standards 7.1.16,
7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.3.12.
Chapter 15 West Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture, and
history of this area with a focus on slave trade. Standards 7.1.8, 7.1.23,
7.3.4, 7.4.4, 7.1.16.
Chapter 16 East Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture, and
history of this area with a focus on climate change and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Standards 7.1.18, 7.3.4, 7.3.7, 7.3.13,
7.1.16.
Chapter 17 Central Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of the area with a focus on mapping of Central Africa’s forests.
Standards 7.1.13, 7.1.18, 7.1.20, 7.3.4, 7.3.9,
7.1.16.
Chapter 18 Southern Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of this area with a focus on Apartheid. Standards 7.1.14, 7.2.1,
7.2.5, 7.2.8, 7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.4.7.
Unit
4 South and East Asia and the
Pacific
Chapter 19 History of Ancient India, 2300 B.C.-AD 500. The class will
study the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism and the Indian culture. Standards
7.1.1, 7.1.4, 7.3.11, 7.1.15.
Chapter 20 History of Ancient China, 1600 B.C.-AD 1450. Studies in this
chapter will compare early and later cultures in China with a focus on the
dynasties associated with its people. The economy will also be a focal point as
we look at Confucianism and Government. Standards 7.1.1, 7.1.3, 7.1.5, 7.1.6,
7.1.9, 7.1.10, 7.1.12, 7.3.11, 7.1.14,
7.3.16.
Chapter 21 the Indian Subcontinent. The chapter will look at physical
geography of the area as well as the history and culture of its people. We will
look at India today and its neighboring countries of Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Standards 7.1.17, 7.2.1, 7.2.3, 7.3.4,
7.3.8.
Chapter 22 China, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The chapter will look at the
physical geography of the area, the history, and the culture of its people.
Standards 7.1.24, 7.2.2 , 7.3.4, 7.3.12, 7.4.1,
7.4.6.
Chapter 23 Japan and the Koreas. The chapter will discuss the physical
geography of the area, the history and culture of its people, and we will also
discuss Japan and the Koreas in today’s society. Standards 7.1.11, 7.1.17,
7.2.2, 7.2.5, 7.2.7, 7.3.4,
7.3.10, 7.1.16, 7.1.19, 7.1.20, 7.1.21, 7.3.15, 7.3.16, 7.4.3, 7.4.5, 7.4.6,
7.4.8, 7.4.9.
Chapter 24 Southeast Asia. Physical geography of Mainland Southeast
Asia and Island Southeast Asia will be identified and we will also study the
history and culture of this area’s people. Standards 7.1.13, 7.3.4, 7.3.5,
7.3.14.
Chapter 25 The Pacific World. We will locate Australia, New Zealand, and
the other small islands of the Pacific and compare their size to areas within
our immediate area. We will also discuss Antarctica and its climate and
resources. Standards 7.2.1, 7.2.3, 7.3.6,7.2.7, 7.3.4, 7.3.8, 7.1.21, 7.2.9,
7.4.2.
Component
5 Standards: Individuals, Society, and
Culture
There are 9
content standards under component 5 that will be incorporated throughout the
year during various lessons.
Students will examine the role of individuals and groups in societies of
Africa, Asia and the Southwest Pacific. They will identify connections among
cultures and trace the influence of cultures of the past on present societies.
They will also examine the role of artistic expression in selected cultures.
Standards 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 7.5.3, 7.5.4, 7.5.5, 7.5.6, 7.5.7, 7.5.8,
7.5.9.
Classroom
Procedures:
Homework
Policy
The homework policy will follow that
reflected in our Student Handbook. The student is strongly urged to turn in all
assignments on time. Late homework will be accepted in all instances where a
student is absent from illness or other understandable circumstances. Homework
that is late for unacceptable reasons will be taken but may incur a reduction in
grade based on how late the assignment is turned in. Projects with due dates
generally suffer a 10% reduction each day it is late and that is after the
project is graded.
Grading
Policy/ Grading Scale
The grading policy for 7th Grade
Social Studies is broken down into 3
categories:
Homework
Projects
Tests
Homework
Assignments: are graded in increments of 5 points
regardless of how many questions or problems are on the assignment.
Homework is generally worth 5, 10, 15, 20 points with some larger
assignments worth more. Given the
grading style, it is possible to have for example, a homework assignment of 7
questions and it be worth 10 points.
The student would either receive 5 or 10 points for the assignment
depending on how many questions they answered and answered
correctly.
Projects: are generally worth more points because
there is more thought and effort put into the assignment and the student is
given more time to work on it.
Projects are usually worth 50 or 100 points and allow the student to
express their creativity. They
will be in the form of research papers, drawings and/ or poster boards, and
group presentations.
Tests: are given at the beginning of some units
and always at the conclusion of a unit. Tests are worth 100
points.
Extra
Credit: these opportunities are usually given
once before each test in the form of a review game.
It is critical for the student to be aware of this date and do the best
they can to be at school on these events. Other extra credit opportunities can be
discussed between the student and the teacher on an individual basis.
Behavior
in the Classroom
I only have
3 rules to follow in my classroom:
1.
Do the Right Thing
2.
Be prepared
3.
Give 100%
Violation of any of these rules will fall
subject to the Student Handbook and follow the guidelines set forth under our
Pyramid System.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will not
be tolerated. Copying written text, generating internet search materials as a
student’s own work, turning in someone else’s assignment in an attempt to earn
credit or any other type of deception to complete an assignment will result in
punishment outlined in our school’s
handbook.
Questions/
Concerns:
Contact me using any means on the cover of
this syllabus should questions arise.
CENTRAL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
7TH
GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
SYLLABUS
7TH
SOCIAL STUDIES: MR.
ZACHER
CONTACT
INFORMATION:
E-MAIL: [email protected] PHONE: (219) 866-4661 ext. 122
WEB PAGE:
www.zacher.weebly.com
WELCOME
TO 7TH GRADE SOCIAL
STUDIES!!
I am looking forward to this being an
exciting year as we explore the realm of social studies together.
Our class will be using “Eastern
World”, by Holt McDougal. In addition to the class text, we will also be
using other resources including some texts from within our classroom, our
schools library, internet searches and other media.
“Eastern
World”
The following will be a breakdown, map if
you will, of our study of the Eastern World. We may decide to change, move, skip
around or revisit certain areas of study but this will be a general guideline to
follow. I am planning to take 9 weeks per unit, but that could change based on
academic progress, scheduling changes, or other unforeseen
conflicts.
Unit
1 Introduction to
Geography
Chapter 1 will be taking a look at Geographic themes and elements as well
as branches of Geography. We will be focusing on Social Studies Standards 7.3.1
, 7.3.2.
Chapter 2 will be our planet Earth. We will take a look at the Earth’s
land and water features and how the Sun’s energy affects us. This chapter
focuses on standards 7.3.3, 7.3.4, 7.3.7,
7.3.10.
Chapter 3 builds off of chapter 2 and discusses Climate, Environment, and
Resources. Standard focus is 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.8, 7.3.9,
7.3.10.
Chapter 4 is the World’s People. Here we take a look at culture, global
connections, other countries and their governments and economies as well as
populations. Standards focus is 7.2.4, 7.2.5, 7.3.12, 7.3.14,
7.4.1.
Unit
2 Southwest and Central
Asia
Chapter 5 is a History of the Fertile Crescent, 7000-500 B.C.
We will discuss the rise of Sumer, Sumerian Achievements and Later
Peoples of the Fertile Crescent. Our standards focus on 7.1.1, 7.1.3,
7.3.11.
Chapter 6 takes a look at the religions of Judaism and Christianity 2000
B.C.-AD 1453. We will study the origins of the two and the Byzantine Empire
focusing on standard 7.1.4.
Chapter 7 is the History of the Islamic World, AD 550-1650.
We will explore the origins of Islam and the beliefs and practices of
their people. In addition, we will discuss the different Muslim Empires and our
focus in this chapter will be standards 7.1.4 and
7.1.7.
Chapter 8 digs into the Eastern Mediterranean. We will look into the
counties of Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Standards covered in this material are 7.1.18, 7.3.4, 7.3.6, and
7.3.12.
Chapter 9 is the Arabian Peninsula including Iraq and Iran. After looking
at the physical geography of the countries, we will discuss the history of these
countries and how they affect the world as a whole. Objectively, the standards
focused on here are 7.1.16, 7.2.4, 7.3.4, 7.3.6,
7.1.20.
Chapter 10, Central Asia. Like the previous chapter, we will look at the
physical geography and discuss its history and culture, compare and contrast it
to our country and see how this area impacts the world today. Standards focus is
7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.3.10, 7.3.14, 7.1.20, 7.1.21,
7.2.7.
Unit
3
Africa
Chapter 11 is the History of Ancient Egypt, 4500-500 B.C. We will study
the geography of Egypt, its Kingdoms, the Pyramids, and Egyptian Achievements.
Standards covered include: 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.3.11,
7.1.15.
Chapter 12 delves into the Ancient Kush, 2300 B.C.-AD 350. Standards
7.1.1 and 7.3.11.
Chapter 13 History of West Africa, 500 B.C.-AD 1650. This chapter will
take a look at the historical and artistic traditions of the Mali and Songhai.
We will also discuss the Empire of Ghana and the crossing of the Sahara.
Standards 7.1.5 , 7.1.6, 7.1.7
Chapter 14 North Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of this area along with a focus on the Nile River. Standards 7.1.16,
7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.3.12.
Chapter 15 West Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture, and
history of this area with a focus on slave trade. Standards 7.1.8, 7.1.23,
7.3.4, 7.4.4, 7.1.16.
Chapter 16 East Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture, and
history of this area with a focus on climate change and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Standards 7.1.18, 7.3.4, 7.3.7, 7.3.13,
7.1.16.
Chapter 17 Central Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of the area with a focus on mapping of Central Africa’s forests.
Standards 7.1.13, 7.1.18, 7.1.20, 7.3.4, 7.3.9,
7.1.16.
Chapter 18 Southern Africa. The chapter discusses the geography, culture,
and history of this area with a focus on Apartheid. Standards 7.1.14, 7.2.1,
7.2.5, 7.2.8, 7.3.4, 7.3.9, 7.4.7.
Unit
4 South and East Asia and the
Pacific
Chapter 19 History of Ancient India, 2300 B.C.-AD 500. The class will
study the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism and the Indian culture. Standards
7.1.1, 7.1.4, 7.3.11, 7.1.15.
Chapter 20 History of Ancient China, 1600 B.C.-AD 1450. Studies in this
chapter will compare early and later cultures in China with a focus on the
dynasties associated with its people. The economy will also be a focal point as
we look at Confucianism and Government. Standards 7.1.1, 7.1.3, 7.1.5, 7.1.6,
7.1.9, 7.1.10, 7.1.12, 7.3.11, 7.1.14,
7.3.16.
Chapter 21 the Indian Subcontinent. The chapter will look at physical
geography of the area as well as the history and culture of its people. We will
look at India today and its neighboring countries of Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Standards 7.1.17, 7.2.1, 7.2.3, 7.3.4,
7.3.8.
Chapter 22 China, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The chapter will look at the
physical geography of the area, the history, and the culture of its people.
Standards 7.1.24, 7.2.2 , 7.3.4, 7.3.12, 7.4.1,
7.4.6.
Chapter 23 Japan and the Koreas. The chapter will discuss the physical
geography of the area, the history and culture of its people, and we will also
discuss Japan and the Koreas in today’s society. Standards 7.1.11, 7.1.17,
7.2.2, 7.2.5, 7.2.7, 7.3.4,
7.3.10, 7.1.16, 7.1.19, 7.1.20, 7.1.21, 7.3.15, 7.3.16, 7.4.3, 7.4.5, 7.4.6,
7.4.8, 7.4.9.
Chapter 24 Southeast Asia. Physical geography of Mainland Southeast
Asia and Island Southeast Asia will be identified and we will also study the
history and culture of this area’s people. Standards 7.1.13, 7.3.4, 7.3.5,
7.3.14.
Chapter 25 The Pacific World. We will locate Australia, New Zealand, and
the other small islands of the Pacific and compare their size to areas within
our immediate area. We will also discuss Antarctica and its climate and
resources. Standards 7.2.1, 7.2.3, 7.3.6,7.2.7, 7.3.4, 7.3.8, 7.1.21, 7.2.9,
7.4.2.
Component
5 Standards: Individuals, Society, and
Culture
There are 9
content standards under component 5 that will be incorporated throughout the
year during various lessons.
Students will examine the role of individuals and groups in societies of
Africa, Asia and the Southwest Pacific. They will identify connections among
cultures and trace the influence of cultures of the past on present societies.
They will also examine the role of artistic expression in selected cultures.
Standards 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 7.5.3, 7.5.4, 7.5.5, 7.5.6, 7.5.7, 7.5.8,
7.5.9.
Classroom
Procedures:
Homework
Policy
The homework policy will follow that
reflected in our Student Handbook. The student is strongly urged to turn in all
assignments on time. Late homework will be accepted in all instances where a
student is absent from illness or other understandable circumstances. Homework
that is late for unacceptable reasons will be taken but may incur a reduction in
grade based on how late the assignment is turned in. Projects with due dates
generally suffer a 10% reduction each day it is late and that is after the
project is graded.
Grading
Policy/ Grading Scale
The grading policy for 7th Grade
Social Studies is broken down into 3
categories:
Homework
Projects
Tests
Homework
Assignments: are graded in increments of 5 points
regardless of how many questions or problems are on the assignment.
Homework is generally worth 5, 10, 15, 20 points with some larger
assignments worth more. Given the
grading style, it is possible to have for example, a homework assignment of 7
questions and it be worth 10 points.
The student would either receive 5 or 10 points for the assignment
depending on how many questions they answered and answered
correctly.
Projects: are generally worth more points because
there is more thought and effort put into the assignment and the student is
given more time to work on it.
Projects are usually worth 50 or 100 points and allow the student to
express their creativity. They
will be in the form of research papers, drawings and/ or poster boards, and
group presentations.
Tests: are given at the beginning of some units
and always at the conclusion of a unit. Tests are worth 100
points.
Extra
Credit: these opportunities are usually given
once before each test in the form of a review game.
It is critical for the student to be aware of this date and do the best
they can to be at school on these events. Other extra credit opportunities can be
discussed between the student and the teacher on an individual basis.
Behavior
in the Classroom
I only have
3 rules to follow in my classroom:
1.
Do the Right Thing
2.
Be prepared
3.
Give 100%
Violation of any of these rules will fall
subject to the Student Handbook and follow the guidelines set forth under our
Pyramid System.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will not
be tolerated. Copying written text, generating internet search materials as a
student’s own work, turning in someone else’s assignment in an attempt to earn
credit or any other type of deception to complete an assignment will result in
punishment outlined in our school’s
handbook.
Questions/
Concerns:
Contact me using any means on the cover of
this syllabus should questions arise.