Jefferson Davis High School Aaron M. Dukes, Instructor [email protected]

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES SYLLABUS Fall 2011

ALL SCHOOL PROCEDURES AND POLICIES FROM THE FOLEY HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK WILL BE FOLLOWED. ACCOMODATONS FOR STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL EDUCATON PLANS (IEPS) OR PERSONALIZED EDUCATION PLANS (PEPS OR 504S) WILL BE FOLLOWED.

Course Rationale: This course is designed to acquaint students with current events of local, state, national and international interest. Knowledge about and analysis of current events are vital in students’ educational development as they prepare for their active roles as citizens. This course allows students to acquire key contemporary personalities and events that impact their lives. Daily and weekly news sources serve as primary references for organization of the content of this course.

As students study current issues from historical and geographical perspectives, they strengthen their research and analytical skills. Utilization of up-to-date technology is crucial. Using a variety of resources, students are able to evaluate news for content, fact, opinion, reliability, and validity and to utilize many different elements of news resources to develop an understanding of events and issues of the present. Mastering the content standards of this course requires students to investigate issues by looking beyond the presentation given in the media.

As essential component of Contemporary World Issues is the inclusion of a variety of instructional strategies that actively engages students. This course requires comprehension of editorials, graph materials, media text, maps, and statistical data. A classroom environment that incorporates discussion and research as well as problem-solving projects that are community-based enhances the development of democratic ideals and citizenship and facilitates the learning content in this area.

Proposed Objectives: The proposed objectives are obtained from the State of Alabama Curriculum Guide: The topics that will be covered include:  Describing current news stories from geographical, historical, political, social and cultural perspectives.  Comparing the relationship of governments and economics to events occurring in specific nations.  Comparing civic responsibilities, rights, opportunities and privileges of U.S. citizens to those of other nations.  Analyzing the impact of science and technological changes in the U.S. on the world.  Analyzing how cultural elements facilitate global understanding or cause misunderstanding.  Comparing information presented through various media, including television, newspapers, magazines, journals and the Internet.  Identifying strategies that facilitate public discussion on societal issues.

Assessment: My assessment process will consists of tests, quizzes, homework, class work, class notebook, and midterm/final exams. The following is a schedule of percentage weights for each category:

Tests: 50% Homework 15% Class work 15% Midterm/Final Exam 20%

Materials Needed: A three ring binder with dividers. The binder will be divided into the following categories – current events, news articles, class notes, projects, journal entries and tests. The three ring binder is to be used for this course only and should be brought to class everyday. You should also bring paper, pen or pencil, highlighter to class everyday. Please come to class prepared. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to obtain any of

1 these items. Also, please do not leave personal items in the class room for they may be lost. If any additional items are required such as markers, crayons and/or colored pencils for map projects. You will be notified in advance.

Make Up Procedures: Class work and Test: It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and turn in these assignments. As set forth by the Baldwin County Board of Education, students will be given 3 days to make up assignments for each day of an EXCUSED absence. No homework, class work, or test may be made up if an absence is UNEXCUSED.

Cheating: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Any and all students found to be cheating will receive a zero on that assignment or test and a discipline referral.

Tardiness: 1st – 3rd tardy will be documented in the grade book. 4th and subsequent tardy will result in a discipline referral.

Classroom Rules: 1. All school rules and regulations are to be followed. 2. Follow directions the first time they are given. 3. Be in your seat when the bell rings. 4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. 5. Be polite and respectful of others. 6. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom.

Consequences: 1. Warning – Verbal 2. Break Detention 3. Break Detention for two days and a call home to the student’s parent/guardian. 4. Discipline Referral. (Serious offenses will be sent to the office immediately.)

Contact Information: I am available for conference during my planning period, 1st Block. You may contact me at 943-2221 or at [email protected] to set up an appointment.

Sign and return the slip below. Also, please provide a contact telephone number.

I, ______understood and have read and understood the rule and consequences.

______Student Name Printed Student signature Date

______Parent Name Printed Parent signature Date

______Day Phone ______Night Phone ______Email.

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