Welcome to Grade 8 World History I !
Mr. Knauss’ Course Guidelines and Expectations
E-mail: [email protected]
Course Website: http://knaussclass.weebly.com
Course Description: This social studies course traces the early expansion of the modern world from the development of Greek culture to the Rise and Fall of Feudal Europe and beyond. The course is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the intercultural aspects of our global society and value the influence history has had on modern times.
Approved Textbook: Discovering Our Past: A History of the World
Grading System: The following grading system will be used in Grade 8 World History I this year.
A = 100% - 90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 70%
D = 69% -60%
F = 59% - 50%
Anticipated Area of Study:
Quarter 1- The Development of Greek Culture
Quarter 2- Greek City-States
Quarter 3- Ancient Rome
Quarter 4- The Rise and Fall of Feudal Europe
Mr. Knauss’ Behavioral Expectations: The following behavioral expectations will be enforced during this school year in my classroom, in addition to the rules stated in your school handbook.
1. Show each other respect at all times. Respect will be modeled by Mr. Knauss throughout the year.
2. Be prepared for class: Bring all handouts provided by teacher, notebooks, folders and a pencil to write with every day!
3. Once class begins, you must raise your hand in order to ask permission to speak or share with the group, unless otherwise instructed. NO CALLING OUT.
4. You must be in the classroom and prepared prior to the start of period or you will be considered late/unprepared.
General Classroom Procedures
Recommended Materials: You will need a few materials for class this year including plenty of pencils, a 3 ring binder and/or folder specifically for this class, and notebook with lined paper. You should keep your papers organized! Keeping organized is very important, especially with regards to your grades this year. Class materials will be checked throughout the year, so be sure to keep them organized and complete.
Classroom Procedures: We will use these procedures in class each day unless otherwise specified. We will go over the procedures in class many times over the first few weeks.
1. Enter the classroom quietly, sit down, and get started on the “Warm-Up” immediately.
2. Remove all books that are not history class related from the top of your desk.
3. If there is any assigned, write down your homework into your planner. Homework will always be posted on the smart board.
4. Write down the “Warm-up” activity of the day on your Warm-up sheet provided by Mr. Knauss. The “Warm-up” activity will be on the classroom projector screen. The “Warm-up” will usually be a question that you will be responsible for answering. You will keep your “Warm-ups” in your class folder or binder. To earn full credit on collected Warm-ups, you must include the date, question, and answer. “Warm-ups” are checked and graded periodically throughout the year.
Labeled Work: You MUST write your first and last names with your block on all assignments, homework, quizzes, etc. before turning them in.
Tests: Retake Test/Corrections will occur during special circumstances per the teacher’s discretion.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given periodically throughout the course of the school year. These short quizzes will assess you on topics and material discussed in class.
Homework: If a checked homework assignment is incomplete, this will result in point(s) deducted from the student’s homework grade. Also, it will be the student’s responsibility to remember to turn in missed assignments if they are absent the day they are checked.
Projects/Key Assignments: Throughout the year, you will be engaged in various projects and Key Assignments. Time will be provided for most projects to be completed in class. Written explanations and rubrics will be provided before each project is started.
Late Work: The earned percentage grade will be reduced by 10% for each day late. For each day that an assignment is late, it is worth 10% less than the student's raw score. Thus, an assignment that is turned in two days late that earns 100% would only be worth 80%.Assignments more than five days late will all be worth 50% of the raw score. Absentee late work will follow guidelines as mentioned below.
Absentee Policy: You will be responsible to make up work missed during absences. Missed work will be placed in the Absentee Folder located in the classroom, however, you should always ask Mr. Knauss what worked you missed upon your return as well. You have 1 day to make up work for every day you are absent. Anyone absent for 1-2 days should contact a classmate or teacher at their school e-mail address to get assignments.
Academic Responsibilities: The following represent student work for each quarter-
Summative Assessments=Tests/Key Assignments
Formative Assessments= Quizzes, Homework, Class work
Academic Integrity: Cheating is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This includes copying the work of others, information verbatim (word-for-word) from websites, textbooks, etc. in the form of plagiarism. It is your job to take individual responsibility for your education. I expect the work that you submit is genuinely your own. Students will not receive points on any assignment, test, or quiz in which they have copied the work of others.
Cell phones must be turned off and put away. I will have a cell-phone basket in which you may place your devices for the duration of class. You may then retrieve them at the end of class.
Video Disclosure: Students will periodically watch videos in this social studies class to enhance their understanding of World History.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Email is the best method of contact. I look forward to working with you this school year!
-Mr. Knauss
Parent/Guardian Signature:
X_______________________________________________________