Syllabus

** World Civilizations Class Outline Mr. Siff **  ** Content **  World Civilizations is a general survey course that seeks to instill in students an understanding of World history, geography and cultures. The course is designed to begin in the ancient world and trace the evolution of major human institutions up to the modern day. The class will emphasize helping the students develop an ability to absorb content and critically analyze what they see and hear. Students are going to be given homework on a nightly basis and they will be given opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned in a variety of ways. Participation in class discussions, reading quizzes, homework journals, and contributions to the class Wiki page are all ways that students will be able to demonstrate this knowledge. Students will also be given the opportunity to work on their writing and verbal communications skills and performance on these exercises will be added into the students final grade. Finally, students will also have the opportunity to take part in graded discussions and debates that will help them develop important verbal communication and critical thinking skills.  // At the beginning of each class week students will be given a syllabus outlining the assignments for the week. It will allow the students to plan their week and remain current on the expected reading for the class. It will also give students a look at any upcoming quizzes, tests or projects that they have for the coming week. //  ** Text **  Philip J. Adler, Randall L. Pouwels, //World Civilizations//, 5th ed. Thomson,  Wadsworth Publishing, Boston, MA, 2008  ** Best way to reach me: **  During school hours I am available through email:  jsiff@wyomingseminary.org   One problem that we will encounter in scheduling appointments is that I am coaching three sports this year. Please see me during class on the day you want an appointment and I will do my best to try and accommodate your schedule. I am also working as a class dean so I will be in my office on the first floor of Sprague hall most of the day after bell 2. I promise to be flexible and I hope that you will be understanding of these demands and I promise that we will find a way to meet to clear up areas of confusion or concern. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> After Hours: Carpenter Hall <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> Third Floor, Parking lot side (Apartment G)  <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> 570-592-4756 (Don't call after 10pm please) <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> Email is also an effective means of communication after hours. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">** Expectations ** <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> 1. Come to class with an open mind and a desire to learn. Every student has the ability to improve there understanding and knowledge of history. The excuse " I am not good at history" does not fly in my class. Please come to class with all the necessary materials including something to write with and your book. I will inform the class if they will not need to bring their books to class on a given day. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> 2. Make every effort to be on time. I will try to get the class started promptly at the beginning of the bell and if you arrive late my concentration will be thrown off. I understand that things arise but please make every effort to get here quickly. This counts for homework assignments, papers and projects as well. Points will be taken off for each day that an assignment is due. I am a very reasonable person and if you need an extension you need to ask in advance of the assignment due date. The night before it is due is unacceptable and will only be allowed in extreme cases. Keep in mind that I will publish assignment sheets for the week so try to look ahead and anticipate potential conflicts. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> 3. Class participation is necessary. If you are preparing for class you will be able to make meaningful contributions. The only way to make improvements is by taking risks and I understand that you may feel you are shy, but I promise to create a classroom environment that is safe and comfortable for students to take academic risks. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> 4. Extra help is available by design and appointment. I will be in my classroom during bell 9 most days but I encourage students to make an appointment because my other responsibilities may have me in other places during that time. I am also willing to meet students during the evenings in the library or dorm by appointment. My dorm duty night is Monday and I will be in Carpenter hall during that time. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">** Journals ** <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> Each student is responsible for keeping a journal throughout the year. Students will be given a list of questions relating to each chapter and they will be responsible for responding to two of these questions in their journals. The journals will be looked at periodically and graded as part of the final grade. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">** Class Wiki ** <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> It is expected that every student will create a wiki account and participate regularly in all wiki assignments. If this constitutes an unfair burden for you please feel free to bring your concerns to me so we can discuss them. <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> <span style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">