Social Studies 8
Course Outline 2009-2010
Mr. J. Ferguson (403) 749-3838
OVERVIEW
In Grade 8 social studies, you will explore worldviews which have impacts on where we come from, how we manage our way of life, where we are going, why the world is the way it is and what is true and what is false. This year, you will explore the seven elements that can be used to explore worldviews through three topics: 1. Renaissance Europe 2. Worldviews in Conflict: Aztecs and Spain 3. Japan: From Isolation to Adaptation
Timeline
Unit 1: Renaissance Europe Chapter 1: Times of Change Chapter 2: The Expansion of Trade Chapter 3: The Humanist Approach Chapter 4: The Exchange of Ideas Chapter 5: The Age of Exploration Chapter 6: “O Brave New World” Unit 2: Worldviews in Conflict Chapter 7: The People of the Sun Chapter 8: For the Good of the People Chapter 9: Spain Looks Westward Chapter 10: A Deadly Meeting Chapter 11: Worldviews in Conflict Unit 3: Japan: From Isolation to Adaptation Chapter 12: Shaping a Unique Worldview Chapter 13: Japan under the Shogun Chapter 14: Edo Japan: A Closed Society Chapter 15: Contact and Change in Meiji Japan Chapter 16: Return to Roots
Resources Authorized resources) 1. 2. 3.
textbooks and other resources (eg. Print material, videos, audios, human Worldviews: Contact and Change, Pearson Worldviews: Contact and Change Teachers Resource Manual, Pearson Learn Alberta Critical Challenges
Course Expectations Materials Students are expected to be in class on time with the materials necessary for a successful and productive session. These include; pencil or pen, binder, textbook, agenda and any assigned homework.
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Homework Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. For the most part this will include individual assignments, reading, review and study. Students who are experiencing difficulty with their homework are urged to talk to me. It is expected that students will list and keep track of their homework and other important dates in their agendas. Late Assignments Late assignments will not receive a penalty but must be completed during an agreed upon time (before school, lunch or afterschool). Evaluation Each Term will contain a variety of summative activities and the breakdown of marks will be: Classwork 80% Chapter Tasks, Projects, Worksheets, Quizzes, Debates, Tests, Research Projects Final Exam 20% Students with an average exceeding 80% in their coursework will be exempted from the final exam.
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