Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I am so glad to be a bloggin
Here it is, I am in the 21st century now. I know not what course others may take, give me a blog or give me death. I only regret that I have but one blog to give for my country. These are the blogs that try men's souls. Darn the bloggers, full speed ahead. Blogger on a Hill. Tramps like us, baby we were born to blog. We the bloggers, in order to create a more perfect union....
AP US Syllabus
United States History Mr. Crooks
Advanced Placement Fall 2007
Course Description:
The Advanced Placement Program in United States is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials – their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An Advanced Placement United States History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.
(From the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program Course Description)
Major differences between AP and other classes:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by earning a score of a three or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam offered in May.
2. Because students are potentially earning college credit for their work, A.P. U.S. History is designed to be taught on the college level and many students find the pace and work load difficult.
3. Each test will cover a significantly greater body of information than students may be used to.
4. Homework will consist primarily of reading assignments and reviews of daily notes in order to master the large body of factual information.
5. There will be very few “simple” assignments where the student can improve his or her grade merely by completing the work. Furthermore, there will be very little extra credit offered.
6. There are relatively few graded assignments each semester, which increases the need for adequate preparation every day.
7. Responsibility for mastering the material rests primarily with the student.
Objectives:
As part of the AP course in United States history students will:
1. examine the political, social, economic, and cultural influences in United States history.
2. investigate the issues that have caused either conflict or consensus within the nation.
3. explore the various historiographical approaches and interpretations of United States history.
4. gain insight into current trends and problems in modern society through an examination of past experiences.
5. develop higher levels of written and oral expression.
Texts:
The primary text is The Enduring Vision, Fifth Edition by Paul S. Boyer, Clifford E. Clark, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, Neal Salisbury, Harvard Sitkoff, and Nancy Woloch; published in 2004 by Houghton Mifflin ($76.17).
We will also use The American Political Tradition by Richard Hofstadter; published in1989 by Vintage Books ($45.00) and After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection, Fourth Edition by James West Davidson and Mark Hamilton Lytle; published in 2000 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ($40.85)
Expectations:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the assigned work and earning a 3 or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam in May.
2. Each student is expected to keep up with the workload. This will include readings in the text, outside readings, position papers, Document Based Questions (DBQ), homework, class work, and quizzes. Each student is required to keep an organized notebook.
3. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, group work, and activities.
4. Students will complete approximately 5 exams, combining multiple choice and essay questions. Each student will also complete a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
Major Units: Grade Scale:
The Colonial Era
The Revolutionary Era 90-100 =A
Growth of Nation 80-89 =B
Jacksonian Democracy 70-79 =C
Expansion and Civil War Below 70 =F
Reconstruction and the West
Course Requirements:
Each unit will conclude with a two day exam. Part I will involve a day of multiple choice questions. Part II will involve the Essay sections. Each will count as a major grade.
The Final Exam will be comprehensive and worth 20% of the student’s final grade.
Each student will be required to complete at least 2 Document Based Questions (DBQ) and two summaries of historical articles this semester. These will count as a major grade.
Quizzes in this class are designed to force students to read the chapters thoroughly. Unit tests usually cover 3 chapters (about 100 page) and "cramming" on the last night may be hazardous to your grade. If you learn the material for the quizzes this allows for better class discussion and less stress on test days. These quizzes are agonizingly picky but success on the quizzes is an excellent indicator of success on the tests.
From time to time there will be homework that need to be handed in for a grade. There is little time in this course for busy work thus all homework is educationally valuable, but only if completed correctly. Some homework requires more work than others and may count double.
For each chapter you will receive a "Review Sheet" of terms that may or may not be important. I suggest, but do not require, that you fill these out as you read. It may help with the quizzes but more importantly they are excellent review sheets for Unit Tests, Final Exams, and the AP Exam. In May you can study 1000 pages in the Book, or 33 well-done Review Sheets.
The AP Exam will be administered in May, 2005. I expect all students that remain in the class to prepare for and take this exam. If you can survive this course, you will do well on the exam.
Grade Breakdown:
Tests and Papers……........65%
Quizzes and Homeworks...15%
Final Exam...........………..20% (Comprehensive)
Make-Up Policy:
It is the student's responsibility to see the teacher about any work missed while out with an excused absence. If you are in school but not in my class on any given day, it is the student's responsibility to hand in any work due that day and pick up any homework assignments for the next day.
The following policy will apply to all make-up work:
Tests: Tests will be made up on the day that a student returns from an absence. If the student is absent for several consecutive days, the student must make arrangements to make it up in the mornings, during lunch, or possibly after school. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still be required to take the test that day. I reserve the right to change the format of make up tests to all essays.
Homework: missed homework is due the day after the student returns.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be made up the day a student returns.
Major Papers: These will be due on the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
** If you complete the semester without having to take any make-up tests or DBQs, and no late papers, I will drop your lowest major grade. (This does not include the final exam.)
Cheating and Plagiarism:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, classwork, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
Discipline:
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines as set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights of others. This is an AP class but that does not change the policy on tardies or classroom behavior. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM EXCEPT WATER.
Recovery:
Since this is an AP class recovery for failed tests and assignments is not available. If you cannot pass the work you need to drop back to regular US History. In addition, we do not generally give extra credit assignments. I will be more than willing to work with students who are having problems but this is a challenging class and requires both time and ability.
Important Information:
School phone # - 770 521-7600 Voice mail: extension #228
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Email: crooks@fulton.k12.ga.us
Fax # - 770 521-7659
Advanced Placement Fall 2007
Course Description:
The Advanced Placement Program in United States is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials – their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An Advanced Placement United States History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.
(From the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program Course Description)
Major differences between AP and other classes:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by earning a score of a three or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam offered in May.
2. Because students are potentially earning college credit for their work, A.P. U.S. History is designed to be taught on the college level and many students find the pace and work load difficult.
3. Each test will cover a significantly greater body of information than students may be used to.
4. Homework will consist primarily of reading assignments and reviews of daily notes in order to master the large body of factual information.
5. There will be very few “simple” assignments where the student can improve his or her grade merely by completing the work. Furthermore, there will be very little extra credit offered.
6. There are relatively few graded assignments each semester, which increases the need for adequate preparation every day.
7. Responsibility for mastering the material rests primarily with the student.
Objectives:
As part of the AP course in United States history students will:
1. examine the political, social, economic, and cultural influences in United States history.
2. investigate the issues that have caused either conflict or consensus within the nation.
3. explore the various historiographical approaches and interpretations of United States history.
4. gain insight into current trends and problems in modern society through an examination of past experiences.
5. develop higher levels of written and oral expression.
Texts:
The primary text is The Enduring Vision, Fifth Edition by Paul S. Boyer, Clifford E. Clark, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, Neal Salisbury, Harvard Sitkoff, and Nancy Woloch; published in 2004 by Houghton Mifflin ($76.17).
We will also use The American Political Tradition by Richard Hofstadter; published in1989 by Vintage Books ($45.00) and After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection, Fourth Edition by James West Davidson and Mark Hamilton Lytle; published in 2000 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ($40.85)
Expectations:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the assigned work and earning a 3 or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam in May.
2. Each student is expected to keep up with the workload. This will include readings in the text, outside readings, position papers, Document Based Questions (DBQ), homework, class work, and quizzes. Each student is required to keep an organized notebook.
3. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, group work, and activities.
4. Students will complete approximately 5 exams, combining multiple choice and essay questions. Each student will also complete a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
Major Units: Grade Scale:
The Colonial Era
The Revolutionary Era 90-100 =A
Growth of Nation 80-89 =B
Jacksonian Democracy 70-79 =C
Expansion and Civil War Below 70 =F
Reconstruction and the West
Course Requirements:
Each unit will conclude with a two day exam. Part I will involve a day of multiple choice questions. Part II will involve the Essay sections. Each will count as a major grade.
The Final Exam will be comprehensive and worth 20% of the student’s final grade.
Each student will be required to complete at least 2 Document Based Questions (DBQ) and two summaries of historical articles this semester. These will count as a major grade.
Quizzes in this class are designed to force students to read the chapters thoroughly. Unit tests usually cover 3 chapters (about 100 page) and "cramming" on the last night may be hazardous to your grade. If you learn the material for the quizzes this allows for better class discussion and less stress on test days. These quizzes are agonizingly picky but success on the quizzes is an excellent indicator of success on the tests.
From time to time there will be homework that need to be handed in for a grade. There is little time in this course for busy work thus all homework is educationally valuable, but only if completed correctly. Some homework requires more work than others and may count double.
For each chapter you will receive a "Review Sheet" of terms that may or may not be important. I suggest, but do not require, that you fill these out as you read. It may help with the quizzes but more importantly they are excellent review sheets for Unit Tests, Final Exams, and the AP Exam. In May you can study 1000 pages in the Book, or 33 well-done Review Sheets.
The AP Exam will be administered in May, 2005. I expect all students that remain in the class to prepare for and take this exam. If you can survive this course, you will do well on the exam.
Grade Breakdown:
Tests and Papers……........65%
Quizzes and Homeworks...15%
Final Exam...........………..20% (Comprehensive)
Make-Up Policy:
It is the student's responsibility to see the teacher about any work missed while out with an excused absence. If you are in school but not in my class on any given day, it is the student's responsibility to hand in any work due that day and pick up any homework assignments for the next day.
The following policy will apply to all make-up work:
Tests: Tests will be made up on the day that a student returns from an absence. If the student is absent for several consecutive days, the student must make arrangements to make it up in the mornings, during lunch, or possibly after school. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still be required to take the test that day. I reserve the right to change the format of make up tests to all essays.
Homework: missed homework is due the day after the student returns.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be made up the day a student returns.
Major Papers: These will be due on the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
** If you complete the semester without having to take any make-up tests or DBQs, and no late papers, I will drop your lowest major grade. (This does not include the final exam.)
Cheating and Plagiarism:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, classwork, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
Discipline:
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines as set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights of others. This is an AP class but that does not change the policy on tardies or classroom behavior. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM EXCEPT WATER.
Recovery:
Since this is an AP class recovery for failed tests and assignments is not available. If you cannot pass the work you need to drop back to regular US History. In addition, we do not generally give extra credit assignments. I will be more than willing to work with students who are having problems but this is a challenging class and requires both time and ability.
Important Information:
School phone # - 770 521-7600 Voice mail: extension #228
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Email: crooks@fulton.k12.ga.us
Fax # - 770 521-7659
AP World Syllabus
Be Advised: If grades are more important to you than the process of learning, you are in the wrong class.
World History Mr. Crooks
Advanced Placement Fall 2007
This is a year long course that takes a college level approach to World History, beginning with the earliest civilizations and continuing up to the present. Unlike regular World History, this course concentrates on non-European History in much greater detail and scope. There is a major emphasis on themes common to all cultures and civilizations.
Text: The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History, Bulliet, Crossley, Headrick, Hirsch, Johnson, Northrup ($74.97) ISBN # 0-618-42770-8
In Addition there will be several supplemental texts
*** The text will be considered your primary resource for the basic content knowledge. In addition, there will be SEVERAL supplemental texts provided by the teacher containing primary documents including:
World History in Documents: A Comparative Reader, Peter Stearns
The Nystrom World History Series (Mapbook)
Objectives: Students will:
1. Examine the political, social, economic, and cultural influences throughout history.
2. Investigate the issues that reflect change and continuity between cultures and eras.
3. Explore the various historiographical approaches and interpretations of World History.
4. Gain insight into current trends and problems in modern society through an examination of past experiences.
5. Develop higher levels of written and oral expression.
Expectations:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the assigned work and earning a 3 or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam in May.
2. Each student is expected to keep up with the workload. This will include readings in the text, outside readings, Document Based Questions (DBQ), homework, class work, and quizzes. Each student is required to keep an organized notebook.
3. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, group work, and activities.
4. Students will complete approximately 5 exams, combining multiple choice and essay questions. Each student will also complete a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
The AP Exam will be administered on May 15, 2008. I expect all students that remain in the class to prepare for and take this exam. If you can succeed in this course, you will do well on the exam.
Major Units: Grade Scale:
Pre-History – 600 CE
600 CE – 1450 CE 90-100 =A
1450 – 1750 CE 80-89 =B
1750 – 1914 CE 70-79 =C
1914 – Present Below 70 =F
Course Requirements:
TESTS:
Each unit will conclude with a two part exam. Part I will involve a day of multiple choice questions. Part II will involve the Essay sections. Both are equal in value and count as a major grade.
The Final Exam will be comprehensive and worth 20% of the grade.
Each student will be required to complete at least 2 Document Based Questions (DBQ) and two summaries of historical articles this semester. These will count as a major paper grade.
Test Dates and Early Morning Requirements:
Due to time constraints and test validity issues, students will be required to come in early on 4 days this semester to complete in class essays. These dates are noted below. Please make plans accordingly so that this is not a last minute conflict.
September 18th @ 7:30 AM
October 30th @ 7:30 AM
November 16th @ 7:30 AM
December 14th @ 7:00 AM
** If you complete the semester without having to take any make-up tests or DBQs, and no late papers or projects, I will drop your lowest major grade. (This does not include the final exam.)
QUIZZES:
Quizzes in this class are designed to force students to read the chapters thoroughly. Unit tests usually cover 3 chapters (approx. 100 pages) and “cramming” on the last night may be hazardous to your grade. If you learn the material for the quizzes this allows for better class discussion and less stress on test days. These quizzes are agonizingly picky but success on the quizzes is an excellent indicator of success on the tests.
REVIEW SHEETSFor each chapter you will receive a “Review Sheet” of terms that may or may not be important. I suggest, but do not require, that you fill these out as you read. It may help with the quizzes but more importantly they are excellent review sheets for Unit Tests, Final Exams, and the AP Exam. In May you can study 1000 pages in the text or 33 well-done Review Sheets.
Grade Breakdown:
Tests and Papers 65%
Quizzes and Homework 15%
Final Exam 20% (Comprehensive)
Make-Up Policy:
It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher about any work missed while out with an excused absence. If you are in school but not in class on any given day, it is your responsibility to hand in any work due that day and pick up any homework assignments for the next day.
The following policy will apply to all make-up work:
Tests: Tests will be made up on the day that a student returns from an absence. If the student is absent for several consecutive days, the student must make arrangements to make it up in the mornings, during lunch or after school. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still be required to take the test that day. I reserve the right to change the format of make-up tests.
Homework: Missed homework is due the day after the student returns.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be made up the day a student returns.
Major Papers: These will be due on the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, class work, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
Be advised: Discussing, sharing, or soliciting information about a test, quiz, or essay from any student in any period is a strict violation of the honor code. DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING ABOUT AP WORLD HISTORY WITH ANOTHER STUDENT. If you witness students sharing information, please report it in person or drop an anonymous note in my box or on my desk.
Discipline:
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. You will not have time to misbehave. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights of others. This is an AP class but that does not change the policy on tardiness or classroom behavior.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM EXCEPT WATER.
Recovery:
Since this is an AP class, recovery for failed tests and assignments is not available. If you cannot pass the work you need to drop back to regular World History. I will be more than willing to work with students who are having problems. This is a challenging class and requires both time and ability.
Important Information:
School phone # - 770 521-7600 Voice mail: extension #228
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Email: crooks@fulton.k12.ga.us
Fax # - 770 521-7659
World History Mr. Crooks
Advanced Placement Fall 2007
This is a year long course that takes a college level approach to World History, beginning with the earliest civilizations and continuing up to the present. Unlike regular World History, this course concentrates on non-European History in much greater detail and scope. There is a major emphasis on themes common to all cultures and civilizations.
Text: The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History, Bulliet, Crossley, Headrick, Hirsch, Johnson, Northrup ($74.97) ISBN # 0-618-42770-8
In Addition there will be several supplemental texts
*** The text will be considered your primary resource for the basic content knowledge. In addition, there will be SEVERAL supplemental texts provided by the teacher containing primary documents including:
World History in Documents: A Comparative Reader, Peter Stearns
The Nystrom World History Series (Mapbook)
Objectives: Students will:
1. Examine the political, social, economic, and cultural influences throughout history.
2. Investigate the issues that reflect change and continuity between cultures and eras.
3. Explore the various historiographical approaches and interpretations of World History.
4. Gain insight into current trends and problems in modern society through an examination of past experiences.
5. Develop higher levels of written and oral expression.
Expectations:
1. This is a college level course and as such, each student has the opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the assigned work and earning a 3 or better on the National Advanced Placement Exam in May.
2. Each student is expected to keep up with the workload. This will include readings in the text, outside readings, Document Based Questions (DBQ), homework, class work, and quizzes. Each student is required to keep an organized notebook.
3. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, group work, and activities.
4. Students will complete approximately 5 exams, combining multiple choice and essay questions. Each student will also complete a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
The AP Exam will be administered on May 15, 2008. I expect all students that remain in the class to prepare for and take this exam. If you can succeed in this course, you will do well on the exam.
Major Units: Grade Scale:
Pre-History – 600 CE
600 CE – 1450 CE 90-100 =A
1450 – 1750 CE 80-89 =B
1750 – 1914 CE 70-79 =C
1914 – Present Below 70 =F
Course Requirements:
TESTS:
Each unit will conclude with a two part exam. Part I will involve a day of multiple choice questions. Part II will involve the Essay sections. Both are equal in value and count as a major grade.
The Final Exam will be comprehensive and worth 20% of the grade.
Each student will be required to complete at least 2 Document Based Questions (DBQ) and two summaries of historical articles this semester. These will count as a major paper grade.
Test Dates and Early Morning Requirements:
Due to time constraints and test validity issues, students will be required to come in early on 4 days this semester to complete in class essays. These dates are noted below. Please make plans accordingly so that this is not a last minute conflict.
September 18th @ 7:30 AM
October 30th @ 7:30 AM
November 16th @ 7:30 AM
December 14th @ 7:00 AM
** If you complete the semester without having to take any make-up tests or DBQs, and no late papers or projects, I will drop your lowest major grade. (This does not include the final exam.)
QUIZZES:
Quizzes in this class are designed to force students to read the chapters thoroughly. Unit tests usually cover 3 chapters (approx. 100 pages) and “cramming” on the last night may be hazardous to your grade. If you learn the material for the quizzes this allows for better class discussion and less stress on test days. These quizzes are agonizingly picky but success on the quizzes is an excellent indicator of success on the tests.
REVIEW SHEETSFor each chapter you will receive a “Review Sheet” of terms that may or may not be important. I suggest, but do not require, that you fill these out as you read. It may help with the quizzes but more importantly they are excellent review sheets for Unit Tests, Final Exams, and the AP Exam. In May you can study 1000 pages in the text or 33 well-done Review Sheets.
Grade Breakdown:
Tests and Papers 65%
Quizzes and Homework 15%
Final Exam 20% (Comprehensive)
Make-Up Policy:
It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher about any work missed while out with an excused absence. If you are in school but not in class on any given day, it is your responsibility to hand in any work due that day and pick up any homework assignments for the next day.
The following policy will apply to all make-up work:
Tests: Tests will be made up on the day that a student returns from an absence. If the student is absent for several consecutive days, the student must make arrangements to make it up in the mornings, during lunch or after school. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still be required to take the test that day. I reserve the right to change the format of make-up tests.
Homework: Missed homework is due the day after the student returns.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be made up the day a student returns.
Major Papers: These will be due on the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, class work, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
Be advised: Discussing, sharing, or soliciting information about a test, quiz, or essay from any student in any period is a strict violation of the honor code. DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING ABOUT AP WORLD HISTORY WITH ANOTHER STUDENT. If you witness students sharing information, please report it in person or drop an anonymous note in my box or on my desk.
Discipline:
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. You will not have time to misbehave. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights of others. This is an AP class but that does not change the policy on tardiness or classroom behavior.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM EXCEPT WATER.
Recovery:
Since this is an AP class, recovery for failed tests and assignments is not available. If you cannot pass the work you need to drop back to regular World History. I will be more than willing to work with students who are having problems. This is a challenging class and requires both time and ability.
Important Information:
School phone # - 770 521-7600 Voice mail: extension #228
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Email: crooks@fulton.k12.ga.us
Fax # - 770 521-7659
World History Syllabus
Syllabus: World History
Chattahoochee High School
Mr. Crooks – Fall 2007
COURSE DESCRIPTION: World History will contain coverage of the earliest civilizations and world events through the time of European exploration. Students will identify the basic elements of all civilizations and trace the transition from the ancient to the advanced. Students will gain knowledge of important geography skills, recognizing patterns and connections, and will practice critical thinking skills. Throughout the school year students will gain a global perspective of the events that helped create the society they live in today.
UNITS:
Unit 1: Rise of Civilizations in Asia, Africa, and Europe
Unit 2: New Empires Emerge
Unit 3: Transition to the Modern World
Unit 4: Worlds Collide
TEXT: World History; Patterns of Interaction, McDougal Littell
Cost of Book: $64.98
Suggested Resource: Elements of Style
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Homework/Class work (15%): Homework will be assigned on a daily basis and all written work should be handed in at the beginning of class. Late homework will only be accepted up to one day late and only half credit will be given.
Major Assessments (60%): Major tests will be given approximately every other week. Test format will combine multiple choice, geography and information processing skill questions, and essay questions. Major assessments also include projects. There will be one project per semester.
Quiz (10%): Quizzes will usually cover material covered in the previous day's class or assigned reading.
Final Exam (15%): The Final will be comprehensive. It will include information for both semesters.
GRADING SCALE
90-100 =A
80-89 =B
70-79 =C
BELOW 70 =F
MAKE-UP POLICY
It is the student's responsibility to see the teacher about work missed during an excused absence. You will find all missed work on the make-up board.
Homework: All missed assignments are due the day after a student returns. Work that was due on the day of the absence must be turned in the day the student returns.
Quizzes: Missed quizzes are to be made up the day a student returns to class.
Tests: Tests are to be made up the day a student returns from an absence. If the student has been absent for several days, and then the make-up will be scheduled for a morning, lunch period, or afternoon. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still take the test on that day. I reserve the option to change make-up tests to 100% essay format.
Projects: Projects are due the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
***If you are in school but miss my class, you are still responsible for turning in any work due and picking up the homework assignment. This includes late or early check-outs, TAG classes, or field trips.
*** IF YOU TAKE ALL OF YOUR TESTS ON THE DAY SCHEDULED, AND YOU TURN IN ALL PROJECTS ON THE DAY THEY ARE DUE, I WILL DROP YOUR LOWEST TEST GRADE ON YOUR FINAL AVERAGE. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FINAL EXAM.
EXPECTATIONS
I expect a serious approach to your work in this class. All materials necessary should be brought to class, as you will not be allowed to return to your locker. Each student will be required to keep a three ring binder for their notes and handouts.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. Respect everyone and everything.
2. Student must be in the room when the tardy bell rings.
3. Students should come with notebook, paper, and writing utensils everyday.
4. Hall passes will only be issued if you use the agenda in the student handbook!
5. It is a student’s responsibility to approach the teacher about make-up work missed during an absence.
6. No food or drink, except water.
7. Students can get extra help by either coming in before school or setting up an appointment with the teacher.
8. ABSOLUTELY no one should ever be behind the teacher’s desk or in the teacher’s personal belongings.
9. Cell phones, iPods, graphing calculators, and other electronic devices will be confiscated and the student will receive school mandated consequences.
DISCIPLINE
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines as set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights and sensitivities of others. BE AWARE: I will strictly enforce the tardy policy.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, class work, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
Contact Information:
School phone # - (770) 521-7600
Email: Crooks@fultonschools.org (Probably the quickest way to reach me)
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Fax # - 770 521-7659
Chattahoochee High School
Mr. Crooks – Fall 2007
COURSE DESCRIPTION: World History will contain coverage of the earliest civilizations and world events through the time of European exploration. Students will identify the basic elements of all civilizations and trace the transition from the ancient to the advanced. Students will gain knowledge of important geography skills, recognizing patterns and connections, and will practice critical thinking skills. Throughout the school year students will gain a global perspective of the events that helped create the society they live in today.
UNITS:
Unit 1: Rise of Civilizations in Asia, Africa, and Europe
Unit 2: New Empires Emerge
Unit 3: Transition to the Modern World
Unit 4: Worlds Collide
TEXT: World History; Patterns of Interaction, McDougal Littell
Cost of Book: $64.98
Suggested Resource: Elements of Style
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Homework/Class work (15%): Homework will be assigned on a daily basis and all written work should be handed in at the beginning of class. Late homework will only be accepted up to one day late and only half credit will be given.
Major Assessments (60%): Major tests will be given approximately every other week. Test format will combine multiple choice, geography and information processing skill questions, and essay questions. Major assessments also include projects. There will be one project per semester.
Quiz (10%): Quizzes will usually cover material covered in the previous day's class or assigned reading.
Final Exam (15%): The Final will be comprehensive. It will include information for both semesters.
GRADING SCALE
90-100 =A
80-89 =B
70-79 =C
BELOW 70 =F
MAKE-UP POLICY
It is the student's responsibility to see the teacher about work missed during an excused absence. You will find all missed work on the make-up board.
Homework: All missed assignments are due the day after a student returns. Work that was due on the day of the absence must be turned in the day the student returns.
Quizzes: Missed quizzes are to be made up the day a student returns to class.
Tests: Tests are to be made up the day a student returns from an absence. If the student has been absent for several days, and then the make-up will be scheduled for a morning, lunch period, or afternoon. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still take the test on that day. I reserve the option to change make-up tests to 100% essay format.
Projects: Projects are due the day assigned whether you are in school or not.
***If you are in school but miss my class, you are still responsible for turning in any work due and picking up the homework assignment. This includes late or early check-outs, TAG classes, or field trips.
*** IF YOU TAKE ALL OF YOUR TESTS ON THE DAY SCHEDULED, AND YOU TURN IN ALL PROJECTS ON THE DAY THEY ARE DUE, I WILL DROP YOUR LOWEST TEST GRADE ON YOUR FINAL AVERAGE. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FINAL EXAM.
EXPECTATIONS
I expect a serious approach to your work in this class. All materials necessary should be brought to class, as you will not be allowed to return to your locker. Each student will be required to keep a three ring binder for their notes and handouts.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. Respect everyone and everything.
2. Student must be in the room when the tardy bell rings.
3. Students should come with notebook, paper, and writing utensils everyday.
4. Hall passes will only be issued if you use the agenda in the student handbook!
5. It is a student’s responsibility to approach the teacher about make-up work missed during an absence.
6. No food or drink, except water.
7. Students can get extra help by either coming in before school or setting up an appointment with the teacher.
8. ABSOLUTELY no one should ever be behind the teacher’s desk or in the teacher’s personal belongings.
9. Cell phones, iPods, graphing calculators, and other electronic devices will be confiscated and the student will receive school mandated consequences.
DISCIPLINE
I will abide by and enforce the guidelines as set forth by the Fulton County Board of Education. The most important thing to remember is to respect the rights and sensitivities of others. BE AWARE: I will strictly enforce the tardy policy.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:
The Social Studies Department considers academic integrity a top priority. Any copying or sharing of answers on homework, class work, assignments, tests or projects is cheating. The only exception to this rule is if the teacher has explicitly stated that the work is a “cooperative learning” experience. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
Plagiarism is also a form of cheating. Plagiarism is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as the “act of stealing and using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own.” Although the direct copying of another’s work is the most blatant example, any time a student takes another’s ideas and passes them off as their own it is plagiarism. A student must note the source even if he or she “rephrases” the material.
The consequences for cheating or plagiarism on any assignment are the awarding of a zero grade and an honor code referral for all parties involved. Allowing one’s work to be copied is also considered cheating.
FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
Contact Information:
School phone # - (770) 521-7600
Email: Crooks@fultonschools.org (Probably the quickest way to reach me)
Home Phone # - 770 205-8153 (please do not call after 10:00 PM unless emergency)
Fax # - 770 521-7659
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