7th Grade Social Studies Syllabus World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times

www.mrbess.com Course Description Students examine the global political, social, cultural and technological changes that took place between 300 and 1800 AD. Content is divided into three chronological eras: 300 1000 AD, 1000 1500 AD, and 1450 1800 AD. As we work our way through each era, students will trace the development and interactions of the world's major civilizations while focusing on seven key themes: 1) Power and Authority; 2) Ideas and Belief Systems; 3) Revolution ; 4) Interaction with the Environment; 5) Economics; 6) Cultural Interaction; and 7) Science and Technology. Students will also develop the key skills, historical understandings, and habits of mind they will need in order to be successful in 8th grade and high school social studies courses. Course Outline The dates for each unit are only approximate and are subject to change. Era 1: Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter, 300 AD 1000 AD I. Introduction to World History August 20th 24th Historiography World Geography Major Themes in World History II. Imperial Crises and Their Aftermath, 300 700 AD August 27th September 14th The Decline of the Roman and Han Empires The Expansion of Christianity and Buddhism The Byzantine Empire III. The Rise of Islamic Civilization, 700 1000 AD September 17th October 12th Origins and Beliefs The Spread of Islam The Abbasid Caliphate and the Golden Age of Islam Clash of Civilizations: Byzantium and Islam IV. The Birth of a New Europe, 500 1000 AD October 15th November 2nd Foundations of Western European Civilization The Struggle for Political and Social Order V. East Asia in the Era of the Tang Dynasty, 600 900 AD November 5th December 7th Chinese Political and Cultural Expansion Korea and Vietnam The Rise of Imperial Japan Era 2: Intensified Hemispheric Interactions, 1000 1500 AD VI. An Age of Chinese Economic Power and Islamic Expansion, 1000 1500 AD December 10th January 18th Chinese Urbanization and Commercial Expansion Developments in Japan The Rise of the Turks Cultural Exchanges Between Africa, Asia, and Europe VII. The Growth of Civilization in Sub-Saharan Africa January 22 February 1st Ghana, Mali, and Songhay

 Gold and Salt Interactions with Islam VIII. The Mongol Moment, 1200 1350 AD February 4th 12th Ginggis Khan The Mongol Conquests and Their Aftermath IX. Redefining European Society and Culture 1000 1300 AD February 19th April 5th Feudalism The Power of Monarchs and the Growth of City-States Social Change and Cultural Achievement Confrontations with Islam Rebirth After Catastrophe Era 3: The Emergence of a First Global Age, 1450 1800 AD X. Civilizations in the Americas April 8th 18th North American Societies The Maya The Aztecs The Inca XI. The Great Convergence, 1450 1600 AD April 22nd May 3rd European Overseas Expansion Three Worlds Meet The Columbian Exchange XII. The Rise of the West, 1450 1750 AD May 6th June 7th The Renaissance, Reformation, and the Counter Reformation The Rise of Powerful States The Scientific Revolution The Enlightenment Grading Policy Grading Categories Assessments Includes quizzes, unit tests, projects, major essays/term papers, and a final exam Classwork/Homework Includes journal entries, reflections, mini-essays, history binder, and other day-to-day assignments Leadership Weekly points awarded for exhibiting leadership qualities % Overall Grade Letter Grade A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CF Percentage 97.5 100 92.5 97.4 89.5 92.4 87.5 89.4 82.5 97.4 79.5 82.4 77.5 79.4 72.5 77.4 69.5 72.4 <69.5

50.00%

45.00%

5.00%

Assignment Expectations 100% complete and turned in on time All directions have been correctly followed Handwriting is legible and paper is neat (not torn, crinkled, etc.) Name and date in upper left corner (unless otherwise specified) Late Work Except in cases of an excused absence or prearranged agreement, any work not turned in on the assigned due date and at the assigned time will be considered late. Late work will be accepted for half credit if it is received within 24 hours of the original due date. Tests/quizzes missed due to an unexcused absence or tardy will be treated as late work and administered for half credit on the day the student returns to class. Make-Up Work Students have one week to make up any work missed due to an excused absence. All make-up work must be turned in before or after school. Tests/quizzes can only be made up before or after school by appointment It is the student's responsibility to find out what was missed while absent/tardy. The information can be found by asking me before or after school, by asking classmates, by checking the classroom bulletin board and handout folders, and by checking the class website. I will not seek out an absent student to make sure he or she knows exactly what was missed. Classroom Rules: I. Always act like a leader II. Always follow classroom procedures and school rules III. Always put away all outside materials (books, electronics, etc.) and finish or dispose of any food or drinks before entering class (water is okay) Classroom Expectations: I expect you to... Be curious Be open-minded Question everything Think for yourself Study hard Take pride in your work Get to class on time...everyday Discipline Procedure: 1. Loss of leadership points 2. Contact parents 3. Detention 4. Referral History Binders In addition to the middle school wide supply list, every student will be required to have a specific history binder. Students will need a three-ring binder (1 1.5 inch rings), a package of dividers, and a stack of loose leaf, college rule binder paper. Classroom Procedures: As you enter the class: Sit in your assigned seat Take out your history binder, a pen or pencil, and any assignments that are due. Quietly begin working During class: Always listen for my instructions and follow them immediately. Unless otherwise instructed, raise your hand before addressing me or the class. When others are speaking to the class (whether that is me, another student, or a guest speaker), give them your undivided attention. Before leaving class: Write down any homework. Clean up any materials you've used and put them away in their proper location. Throw away any trash you've created. Make sure your group's desks are in their proper location. Sit quietly and wait to be dismissed. Using the Restroom: Ask permission before leaving the room Only one student may leave at a time Except in cases of emergency, you may not use the restroom during the first and last five minutes of class