6th Grade Social Studies
Course Syllabus
Greenville Middle Academy
Contact Info:
Teacher: Mrs. Salena Cathcart
Room: 3310 Phone: 355-5635
Email:
scathcar@greenville.k12.sc.us
Class periods: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Required Textbook:
Journey Across Time: The Early Ages, McGraw-Hill Glencoe, copyright 2005
Online textbook: Email me to request userID and password.
Supplies:
Spiral notebook or binder
Folder with pocket
Loose leaf paper
Pens or pencils
Colored pencils (to be kept at home for map assignments)
Course Description:
Sixth grade social studies examines the history, geography, government and economics of earliest civilizations through the 15th century.
Academic Standards for 6th Grade Social Studies in South Carolina:
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the following:
* The transition of humans from nomadic to settled life in the cradles of civilization.
* Life in ancient classical civilizations and their contributions to the modern world.
* The Middle Ages and the emergence of the nation-states.
* Changing political, social, and economic cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
* The development and the impact of the Renaissance and the Reformation on Europe and the rest of the world.
* The age of European exploration and settlement in the New World.
Tentative Timetable for Text Work:
1st Quarter: Middle Eastern studies
(chapters 1, 3, 11)
2nd Quarter: Asian studies
(chapters 6, 7, 12, 14)
3rd Quarter: African & American studies
(chapters 2, 13, 16, 18)
4th Quarter: European studies
(chapters 4, 5, 8-10, 15, 17)
Grading Scale:
A: 93-100
B: 85-92
C: 77-84
D: 70-76
F: 61-69
Grades will be weighted as follows:
50% minor assessments (homework, classwork)
50% major assessments (tests, projects)
Assessments:
Students will be assessed at the end of each chapter and with review tests at the end of each unit. Homework, class work and special projects will be assessed according to stated criteria that will be given to the student when assigned. Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions if they have any uncertainty about what is expected.
Policies:
* School Attendance Policy: The school year consists of 180 days. Students may not miss more than 10 days of a yearlong course. An absence in excess of these days may cause a student to repeat a grade. When tardy to school, students report to the office with a note from a parent or doctor excusing the tardy. Excessive tardiness to school or class will be handled as a discipline matter and may prohibit the student from participating in certain extra school activities.
* Classroom Attendance & Tardy Policy: Students should be in class every day, on time. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for missed assignments after an absence. The tardy procedure is as follows:
1st tardy without pass: Warning
2nd tardy without pass: Warning
3rd tardy without pass: Lunch Detention
4th tardy without pass: After-School Detention
*
Class Rules:
1. Be prompt. Students should be in class, in their seats, on time, every day. Students should promptly respond to direction from the teacher.
2. Be responsible. Students are responsible for all assignments. Students are responsible to bring all required materials to class every day. Students are responsible to see that all missed work is made up within the time allowed by the student handbook. Students are responsible to contribute to the learning environment while in the classroom, remaining in seats, maintaining a quiet and organized environment that is conducive to learning and hard work.
3. Be respectful. Students should respond respectfully to the teacher, listening when spoken to and responding appropriately. Students should treat other students with respect, even as they would desire to be treated.
Sixth Grade Code of Conduct:
* I will promote a safe school and classroom environment.
* I will be kind, friendly and encouraging.
* I will pay attention and respect the ideas, feelings, and property of others.
* I will do the best that I can by doing my work on time, by being on time to class, and by being prepared for class.
Communication with Parents:
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I place a high priority on parent/teacher communication and will be happy to talk with you at any time, face-to-face, on the phone, or via email. I will regularly keep you informed through progress reports, report cards, student planner, notes home, phone calls, and schedule conferences. Again, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time!