Los Alamitos High School

Joni Bigley Los Alamitos High School 562-799-4780 ext. 82817 [email protected]

Welcome to History and the Future!!! This is an exciting, collaborative, and work-intensive course, which will paint a picture of how our world came to be and where it is heading in the future. The core of this class will be centered around trends of current world issues. Students will gain an understanding of how important it is to open the mind to alternative ways of thinking and it is my hope that this class will spark an interest in students wanting to know and explore the world beyond these classroom walls. This class will focus on collaborative learning as well as the use of multi-media to help students “see” real life examples of what we discuss in class. Thus, I will be showing many video clips/movies from networks such as the nightly news, PBS, & The History Channel, some of which are PG-13 in nature. By signing this syllabus, you are giving me the “OK” for your student to be a part of these class activities . Alternatively, other assignments can be given. If you need to contact me, or have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 562-799-4780 ext. 82817.

Thank you! I’m looking forward to a fun semester learning about the world!!!

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE Introduction & Social Media The Environment Technology (Electronics, Weapons, Space) Globalization Health, Obesity & Disease Current Events & The Future

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

1. Bring any and all necessary materials as requested. Required materials: paper, writing utensil & folder or binder. Recommended materials: markers or colored pencils, glue sticks, ruler. 2. This course dictates that you are self-reliant and responsible for your work and yourself. 3. Respect your peers and extend common courtesy to those in your class. We all have different learning styles and we must respect those around us. That being said, this is a collaborative environment which means we will be working in groups. Be prepared to know every student by name at the end of the first week! 4. Active participation is a must! The more you participate, the more you will internalize and understand the material as well as the concepts. You will earn credit for being an active member of the classroom. 5. Following school and class rules (I dismiss you – not the bell, no food, dress code, etc.)

If you follow these simple guidelines we will have a great semester…and a great year!

Homework and Assignment Policy

All homework and assignments are due when designated by teacher. If you are absent, or if you miss any part of class, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed (at the appropriate time) AND to make up the work. LATE WORK WILL BE WORTH UP TO HALF CREDIT. Homework will be checked off at the beginning of the period—it is considered late after homework has been checked. If the assignment was missed because of a legitimate absence, you may make up the work for full credit. You have as many days as you were absent by which to complete the assignment(s). If you know AHEAD OF TIME that you are going to be gone, you need to make every effort to get assignments early and to take tests and/or quizzes prior to your absence. (Students who do not complete class work or homework assignments will be in danger of failing the course). Check my website which can be found at http://www.losal.org/Domain/298

Please refer to the LAHS Academic Honesty Code for specifics on what constitutes cheating, plagiarism, unoriginal work.

* Extra Credit: Extra credit will only be offered to those students who have turned in ALL of their regular assignments. Even if you turn something in 2 or more days late (within 2 weeks of the original due date), you will have turned it in and will eventually be eligible for extra credit should it be offered.

Grading Policy and Course Breakdown

Unit Packets (class assignments & homework), tests/assessments, and papers/projects will be graded on the following scale:

89.5 – 100% = A 79.5 – 89.4% = B Unit Packets - 30% 69.5 – 79.4% = C Papers & Projects - 30% 59.5 – 69.4% = D Tests/Assessments - 25% BELOW = F Participation - 15%

Communication

If you do not understand a concept, assignment, expectation, procedure, etc, please ASK! This goes for parents as well – please feel free to contact me with any questions and/or concerns. Communication is a must to maximize the learning experience. The worst problem is one that is not discussed so please contact me via email or phone (email is the preferred method of contact as I can respond in a more timely manner). I would encourage you to access my website for updated information and assignments.

In addition to the LAHS website, I will also be using google classroom to assign and collect assignments. On certain activities, www.turnitin.com will be used to verify authenticity. Finally, I’ll be using the app Classroom Dojo to keep track of student participation.

In order to keep the lines of communication open, please fill out the information sheet on the next page. Looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Joni Bigley Social Science Department Los Alamitos High School Please print, sign, and History of the Future return completed form. 2016-2017

Mrs. Bigley,

I have read and understand the course syllabus and expectations of this class. I also give permission for my student to view video-related materials for this class described in the syllabus. I realize that my son/daughter may at his/her discretion choose an alternative assignment instead of the video.

Print Student’s Name Student’s Signature

Parent’s Signature

PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION (Please print clearly)

Name: Telephone Number ( )

Email: Student Email: (opt)

Additional Comments: