INTRODUCTION This course surveys the history of the continent of

							COURSE SYLLABUS AFRICAN HISTORY Instructor: Ms. Smith porsmith@dadeschools.net

INTRODUCTION: This course surveys the history of the continent of Africa from the first peopling of the continent until today. Students must be able to meet Dade’s competency requirements. Therefore, this syllabus and course outline follows the Miami-Dade’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC’s), which correlates to the Florida Sunshine State Standards. WHY STUDY AFRICAN HISTORY? In the 19th century, unexplored Africa was called “the dark continent” by Europeans. Today the media tends to portray Africa as a continent in crisis: overpopulation, poverty, AIDS, Ebola virus, political strife, and civil war. The achievements of past and present African societies are understated. This course has been designed so as to provide students with a well rounded understanding of several African cultures, their history, traditions, and current developments. African history has been told from a limited and bias point of view. It is time to learn the truth. In African History, you will explore the definition of human beings to the birth of African kingdoms to European colonialism and ending with modern African history. GUIDING PRACTICES Identifying and challenging the myths about Africa in Film and Literature by analyzing movies and reading text.
Exploring African culture: the makeup of society, art, dance, and music. Also, investigating how African culture helped form African American culture.

MATERIALS The following materials are required in class each day: reading material, 3 ring binder (1 or 1.5 inch is best), 2 dividers, paper, colored pencils, pen and pencil. The binder should be kept in chronological order. GRADING Grading scale based on the set scale of Miami Dade County Schools. Grades for this class will include exams, quizzes, unit tests, homework assignments, class participation, essays, notebook checks, projects and class assignments. Test will be worth 2 grades and notebook checks will be worth 3 grades. There will be at least one major project every nine weeks. Students will receive a participation grade each nine weeks. Participation grades are calculated based on reading during reading time, tardies, active participation in lectures and discussions, taking notes, being on task, bringing one’s textbook and class behavior.

Projects Test/Essays Classwork/Homework Notebook Participation

25% 20% 20% 25% 10%

CLASS PROCEDURES
TARDIES
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Being on time means being in your seat when the bell rings (not running through the door as it rings!) Door will shut after the bell rings. If you come after the door is shut come in without causing a disruption. Your tardy will be noted. After three tardies you will receive a detention (primarily homeroom).

ABSENTEES
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If you know in advance that you will be gone talk to me to get your assignments before you go. As long as you have an excused absence you get to make up work you missed while you were gone for full credit. It is your job to see me before class begins or during your own personal time. You have two days to make up the work you missed, after that it is recorded as a zero. Tests may be made up only if you have an excused absence. You must make up your missed test the very next class.

HALL PASSES
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Every student has 4 hall passes per each nine weeks. Passes do not transfer over through the nine weeks and cannot be sold, or transferred between students. To be exempt from the hall pass minimum a student must provide an appropriate note. IF a student goes beyond the 4 passes, this will be reflected in their participation grade. If a student uses none of the 4 passes, they receive an extra credit A.

BEHAVIOR
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Use polite speech and body language. Do your own work. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the student who shares his work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies it will suffer the same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it. During a test I will just let you finish the test, and you will find the F given later.

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Sub.: If there is a sub, I expect for you to be on your best behavior. Any work will be collected and graded. SUB WORK IS A DOUBLE GRADE!

ASSIGNMENTS
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When you come into class 9 times out of 10 an assignment will be written for students to see and begin doing. Assignments that are one class period late will be marked down 1 letter grades. Assignments more than one class period late will not be accepted.

CONSEQUENCES
The classroom rules will be enforced using verbal reminders, teacher-student conferences, telephone calls, seat changes, and /or detentions. A student will be referred to a vice principal’s office for any extreme disruption or persistent inability to follow the classroom rules. 1st Nine Weeks • Misconceptions • Geography • Cultures • Ancient Civilizations • Slavery (different forms) 2nd Nine Weeks • Racism & Imperialism • Genocide • Conflict diamonds • Child soldiers • AIDS