Issaquah Connect



Mrs. Lozada________________________________________________7th Grade Social StudiesContact Information:Email: lozadam@issaquah.wednet.eduClassroom telephone:425-837-5951Purpose of the class:The goal of 7th grade social studies is to provide students with a broad understanding of geography, history, politics, religion, and culture of various world regions. The focus is twofold; Content acquisition and critical thinking. To this end, we will strive to understand current issues by using our understanding of history to inform our analysis.In trimester 1, we will focus on the medieval period in Europe and the Middle East. As part of this unit, we will learn about the main monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will also examine Imperial China and spiritual philosophies of the region, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Hinduism. Trimester 2 will start with a study of Japan during the Middle Ages. Then we will move into the culture and kingdoms of Africa, and the civilizations of the Americas.Our third trimester is dedicated to Washington State history, from native populations through European settlers and up into modern times.Textbooks:History Alive: The Medieval World and Beyond Teacher’s Curriculum Institute. 2011The Washington Journey Gibbs & Smith. 2010Students will have access to physical textbooks when in the classroom. When at home, students can access the online textbooks. Class Expectations:I anticipate we will have a lot of fun in class, with some awesome discussions. In order for everyone to have a good time and maximize everyone’s ability to learn, we must all follow certain guidelines. Each person in the classroom is valuable and important. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.All class materials and equipment will be handled appropriately so that nothing gets damaged.Each student is to do his/her part in creating a positive classroom atmosphere in which all peers feel safe and able to learn.Follow all school rules as listed in your PCMS plannerThe teacher is in charge of the classroom. Please follow instructions given by the teacher. Student Responsibilities:Be mindful of where you are at and why you are here. We are at school to learn. Please enter the classroom each day ready to participate fully in all activities. Be actively engaged in plete all assignments.Turn in all work. Make sure your name is on all work!Late work will receive a grade reduction. No late work will be accepted after a unit test.If you do not understand something, please ask for clarification. Use your planner to keep track of any homework and due dates. It is your responsibility to do the work that is required and to turn it in on timeSometimes other aspects of life gets in the way of school. That’s ok. Please let me know if there is a conflict or difficulty. I am happy to work with you to accommodate special circumstances.Grades:Grades fall in one of two categories: Either “Process” grades – things such as class assignments, participation, and homework – all things that are involved in the PROCESS of learning; and “Content” grades – tests, quizzes, and large projects that demonstrate student mastery of the content taught in class.Since the Issaquah School District is moving toward a standards-based grading system, content will be a huge part of the grade. In my class, “Content” makes up 80% of the grade total. Process work is the remaining 20%. Mastery is built one step at a time. You cannot master all of a unit’s material the night before a test! The best way to achieve mastery of the subject matter is to cultivate good study habits: Pay attention in class, do all classwork and homework, keep current with reading assignments, and ask lots of questions.As is true for all 7th Grade Social Studies classes, there is NO EXTRA CREDIT.This is a tough grading policy. Please check Family Access to track your progress, and talk to me if you have concerns. Late Work Policy:Work is to be turned in on the due date. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED AFTER THE UNIT TEST.*504/IEP accommodations take precedence over this policy. If you have an accommodation allowing extra time, that will of course be honored.** I am aware that sometimes things happen which prevent students from being able to do homework in a timely fashion. Please let me know and I am happy to work out a more reasonable timeframe for you. These exceptions are infrequent. Make-Up Policy:I will allow students who earn a 75% (C) or less to re-take a test or a quiz one time. They will receive whichever score was the highest. Academic Integrity:Cheating, plagiarism, and other types of academic dishonesty are unacceptable and will result in consequences. Please see your PCMS Planner for more information about the school’s policy on this matter.Current Events:One of the goals of social studies is to be able to use history to help us understand the roots and nuances of current issues. To that end, we will be watching CNN 10 as often as we can fit it in with other N 10 used to be called “CNN Student News”. It is a 10 minute overview of some of the most important news stories of the day. It is specifically created for middle and high school students – so content will appropriate to students’ grade level and presented in easily understood terms.Objectivity and Balance:Social studies includes the study of different regions’ politics and religions. These can be “hot-button” issues. We teachers are careful to present the material in an objective, non-judgmental manner. The intent is to inform students about a variety of religious and spiritual philosophies that different people around the world practice. There is no intent to shame or glorify any particular religion, or to convert or de-convert. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, all of which are valued and respected.The same is true for politics. Current events will examine different policies with objectivity and balance. Viewpoints from all sides (Democrat, Republican, etc.) will be discussed with neutrality and open-mindedness. Students are encouraged to form their own political opinions based on facts and data, family values, and their own life experiences.I will not share my own political or religious views with students. All students will be honored regardless of their political and religious beliefs.Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns. Cell Pones and iPads:The policy at PCMS is “Phones Away for the Day”. However, the Issaquah School District does embraces a “BYOD” policy (Bring Your Own Device) WHEN TECHNOLOGY IS NEEDED IN CLASS.Students are NOT required to have a personal device. I have iPads, Laptops, and desktop computers available for students to use when a class assignment does require technology. If your student chooses to bring a cell phone, they must follow specific guidelines, and complete the separate PCMS cell phone user agreement form.Cell-phone/devices are put away during passing time, lunch time, and in classes when technology is not being used.Cell phones are only allowed AT THE TEACHER’S DISCRETION. That is, it is up to the teacher to determine when it is appropriate for students to access their devices in class.All cell phone/device use requires teachers permission (so important I said it twice )Students are NOT permitted to take photos, or to record (neither video nor audio recordings).Phones are to be placed on the desk when a student leaves the classroom (i.e. for a restroom break)Students will only use their cell phone/devices as directed by the teacherGo to the sites that the teacher has specifiedDo not go onto any inappropriate sitesDo not communicate with peers via text messaging, SnapChat, Instagram, etc.Follow all district policies regarding the use of personal devicesAdditional information about PCMS’ electronic user policy can be found in your plannerNeither the teacher, the school, nor the district is responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones and devices. STUDENTS BRING PERSONAL ELECTRONICS TO SCHOOL AT THEIR OWN RISKCell phone use is a privilege. Misuse of a privilege by violating the above guidelines will result in loss of the privilege. In Class Films:Through the school year, video clips, documentaries, and movies will be used to supplement the textbook and lectures. These are used to enhance and solidify students’ understanding of the curriculum. Specifically, the following videos may be shown in class. Other similar videos with educational value may be substituted or added.Going Medieval By Mike Loades. 2014. DVDThis is a film from the History Channel about medieval Europe. It includes information on food, weapons, technology, hygiene, and other aspects of medieval lifeThe Crusades – The Crescent and the Cross. The History Channel. 2005. DVDThis is a detailed documentary telling the story of the religious wars fought between Christians (Richard the Lionhearted) and Muslims (Saladin) in the Holy Land. The Message Moustapha Akkad. 1976. DVD.A full-length movie about the life of Muhammad and the origins of Islam (Added 9/16/2018)Inside Mecca National Geographic. 2009. DVDThis is a National Geographic special about the Hajj: A pilgrimage to MeccaChina: Engineering an Empire. History Channel. 2014. DVDA film about the incredible accomplishments of ancient China, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta SoldiersBecoming American: The Chinese Experience PBS. 2003. DVDAn examination of the history of Chinese Immigration to the United StatesMulan Walt Disney Pictures. 2004. DVDThis is a full-length animated Disney film that incorporates Chinese philosophies and cultural practices. It also allows us to reflect upon stereotyping and cultural inconsistencies.Hanford OPB. 2013. WebA documentary about the people who worked at the Hanford Plant in WWIIKubo and the Two Strings Laika Entertainment. 2016. DVDA feature-length film set in Imperil Japan that highlights some of the cultural concepts we will be studyingI will honor any parent/guardian’s request to opt their child out of watching any movie they do not wish their child to see. If permission is not granted, an alternative assignment will be given to that student with no consequences.Please sign the form below and return to the teacher by MONDAY September 10, 20186031991345180I give my student permission to watch all films in class5975351854200I give my student permission to watch ONLY the films listed below:left698038Student name (printed) ________________________________Student Class Period: ____________________________Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________Date ____________________________0Student name (printed) ________________________________Student Class Period: ____________________________Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________Date __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone and Other Personal Device Policy:Signature page:Parents/Guardians:Please read through the entire syllabus, including the information about videos used in class and the cell phone/personal device policy. Please call or email me if you have any questions or concerns Sign below to indicate you understand and agree to the policies discussed in the syllabusStudents:Please read through the entire syllabus, including the information about videos used in class and the cell phone/personal device policy. Please talk to me if you have any questions or concerns Sign below to indicate you understand and agree to the policies discussed in the syllabusleft6985Student name (printed) ________________________________Student Class Period: ____________________________Student Signature _____________________________Date ____________________________Parent/Guardian name (printed) ________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________Date ____________________________0Student name (printed) ________________________________Student Class Period: ____________________________Student Signature _____________________________Date ____________________________Parent/Guardian name (printed) ________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________Date ____________________________Please return to the teacher by MONDAY September 9, 2019 (This sheet AND the video permission form) ................
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