Course Description

The course will be spent studying the cultural, political, economic, and religious aspects of the nations of Latin America; the Far East countries of China, Japan, and India; the nations of the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. There will be an overview of the problems facing and the contributions made by these countries to civilization, traditional and modern. An integral part of this study will include geography, situations, problems, and the future impact on themselves and the world. Outside speakers and information will be utilized as much as possible to increase the multi-cultural awareness of our globe.

Resources

§ World Cultures: A Global Mosaic textbook

§ Films

§ Maps

§ Globes

§ Atlases

§ Individual discovery

§ Group discovery

§ Guest Speakers

Main Topics

Introduction to geography
South America
Canada
China
Korea
Japan
Africa
India
Middle East
United Nations

Learning Strategies

Group discussions
Group projects
Group presentations
Individual presentations
Individual projects
Lecture
Textbook
Quizzes
Tests

Assessment

There is no set number of points at which we will arrive at by the end of the quarter or semester. Grades can be determined by dividing the number of points possible by the number of points accumulated. The Nouvel grading scale is the scale for this class.

Point totals for assignments are at the discretion of the instructor and will be announced at the time the assignment is given.

Class Rules and Requirements

You MUST come PREPARED. You need to have your notebook, textbook, writing utensils and anything else you need to class EVERYDAY.
If you are in the building you are expected to be in class. If another faculty/staff would like to see you during our class time, check with me first.
It is YOUR responsibility to find out missed assignments and notes from being absent. The assignments are posted on the board.
If you have an assignment due, and are on the school campus at some point during the school day, the assignment is due that day. Any work missed from an unexcused absence will not be given any credit for the day that is unexcused.
If you are in class when I make the announcement we will have a test on such and such a date…you will be held responsible to take that test even if your weren’t here the day before, etc.
Special projects will be given to you at least a month in advance. The due date is firm. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE TAKEN AFTER THE DUE DATE.
Appropriate grammar, spelling, formats, and use of proper English style is expected and required.
Class starts when the bell rings.
You are expected to participate in class discussions in an appropriate manner. There will be NO DEROGATORY REMARKS AGAINST ANYONE, PRESENT OR NOT!! Each member of class is entitled to his/her opinion. We may or may not believe in one position or another, however you do not have to attack someone that doesn’t take the same position as what you do. Any derogatory remarks of any kind WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!
Any student caught cheating or suspected cheating (or trying to cheat) will receive a ZERO for the assignment as will the person they are cheating from (if there is another party involved).
Proper documentation for any research is required and expected.
The cleanliness of the room is the responsibility of all of us. NO EATING OR DRINKING OF ANYTHING OTHER THAN WATER WILL BE ALLOWED.

Credit for Work

You will receive the full credit for work handed in on time. Any late assignment loses 25% of its original value for the first day late, 50% for the second day, and will receive no credit thereafter (but will be completed by the student). Daily homework is due at the beginning of the class hour.