Shari Abbott
This course will help you to answer your own questions about the state of the world and your role as a global citizen. To this end, we will focus on understanding current global issues and mastering the skills necessary to find and evaluate information about current issues.
The course is organized around an analytical framework for understanding global issues. Each unit is focused on a particular factor in this framework. The final unit applies all these concepts to one issue:
Unit 1—Global Interdependence & Constructing Reality: The Media
Unit 2—Scarcity & Exchange
Unit 3—Power
Unit 4—Coexistence and Conflict
Unit 5—Current Issue Analysis
HOW YOUR GRADE BREAKS DOWN
Projects/tests/quizzes: 40%
These include oral reports, debates, and a test for each unit.
You can retake a failed test/quiz only, for a combination of the 2 grades.
Class participation: 10%
The quality of the class depends on the level of your daily involvement. Show what you think, interpret and remember from the homework during class discussion. Absences and failure to come to class prepared with completed reading, assignments and other materials will hurt your level of performance.
Formal and informal writing: 25%
There will be several formal essays, several informal reflections and a documented research paper as a final project.
-You may always rewrite a formal essay for a higher grade, during a limited time period.
Homework: 15%
***You receive three HW Passes -not to be used for writing drafts, tests/quizzes or group work. Work is postponed one class, not excused forever
***Homework is due the beginning of class. After that, it can be completed for ½ credit only, unless you were excused absent. There is usually homework daily.
Classwork: 10%
Activities, research steps, and short journal writings fall in this category.
| Class Participation | 10% |
| Homework | 15% |
| Journal | 10% |
| Papers | 25% |
| Projects | 20% |
| Quizzes/Tests | 20% |
SHOW YOURSELF (Attendance)
When you are not here, you are missing out. You are responsible for making up all work missed when absent, so see me as soon as you return. Learn the Handbook policies on tardies and absences, as I do follow them.
Class participation is important. Offering your ideas and opinions in a positive way is key to building community. If you contribute regularly and following the guidelines, you will do well in participation.
CLASS PREPARATIONS:
You will need material for taking notes and organizing your notes and reading during every lesson. There is no textbook for this course. You will need a 3-ring binder for taking notes and organizing. One set of Class Atlases must be shared between two classes, so cooperation is key.
***You receive three HW Passes -not to be used for writing drafts, tests/quizzes or group work. Work is postponed one class, not excused forever
***Homework is due the beginning of class. After that, it can be completed for ½ credit only, unless you were excused absent. There is usually homework daily.
SHOW RESPECT
We all must show respect for everyone else. This means no verbal or non-verbal put-downs. This also means showing understanding for others’ differences in culture, dress, speech or learning style.
You should also demonstrate respect for yourself and your ability to learn. This means be in the class when the bell rings, ready to learn. Do not cheat or plagiarize. Have all class materials every day and do your homework.
This class is only as exciting as you help make it—class discussions are a large part of this course and will be interesting and engaging IF you participate. Come to class prepared and willing to share your unique insight and perceptions, and the class will be rewarding. I am looking forward to an excellent trimester!
LATE WORK AND GRADE UPDATES
I calculate grades electronically after about the second week, I will provide you with a written handout of your grade with a breakdown like that above. Except projects and essays, all late daily work is 50% off if late without an excuse. Late projects or writings without effective excuse will be penalized 10%/day.
When you are not here, you are missing out. You are responsible for making up all work missed when absent, so see me as soon as you return. Learn the Handbook policies on tardies and absences, as I do follow them.
Please use me as a resource. I will be available most A periods and D periods, and usually after school. Please contact me at home or by email; the contact information is below.
My home number is available on the Course Expectations handout. Do you try and reach me at school, unless you call the main office and leave me a message there. You can also use my email: abbotts@arps.org