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Middle School World History


at KEYS
Course Syllabus Mrs. Moore
Welcome to Ancient History
Like a jet ski bouncing over the ocean, we will be bouncing across the content of
western civilization from the dawn of civilization through the middle ages. We will
concentrate on the civilizations most directly related to our own western civilization
which sadly means bouncing completely over some of the others.
In every class, my goal is for you to have Aha! moments.
Thats where that comes from!
Thats what that word means!
Thats why we do that!
Whoa- that was a turning point!
The accessories, settings, and accoutrement might be different, but the human
heart has been astonishingly consistent through the ages. How does what we
believe affect the way we act? History is all about the answer to that question.
Class Matters
Our class sessions will consist of multi-media lectures and a
variety of activities featuring the major characters, events, and social developments
from the period under study. You may have an interest in drama, art, weaponry,
architecture, fashion, medicine, or other areas and will have many opportunities to
make presentations sharing your specialty in the period under study. We may be
studying dead people but we will be doing it in a lively fashion.

Textbooks, Readings, and Additional Resources on Class Webpage


The main texts for Ancient History at KEYS are part of the Oxford University Press
series, The World in Ancient Times, The Ancient Greek World and The Ancient
Roman World. For the middle ages, the text is The Cultural Atlas for Young People,
The Middle Ages by Mike Corbishley.
Mrs. Moore will provide copies of literature selections and other supplementary
readings contemporary with our time of study. Additional resources such as film
clips, art work, articles, etc. will often be posted on the class website, KEYS Ancient
History. The URL and password for the site will be given as soon as class lists are
finalized. Until then, I will send what you need by email. It is the responsibility of
the student to check the class web page regularly for announcements, new
additions, or assignments. Mrs. Moore will be providing you copies of any additional
books we need at no additional charge as long as the books are returned in good
condition.
A Note about Ancient Mythology
In our study of the ancients, we will encounter their gods and their stories.
According to myth, (which by the way, is not a codified canon) how did these gods
act? How were humans meant to respond to the mythological gods? How did beliefs
shape actions? My goal is to equip you to recognize the differences between false
gods and the Judeo-Christian God and how beliefs drive actions and culture. The
plot lines in the ancient myths show up over and over in western literature, old and
modern. Understanding allusions to the Greek myths in particular, is essential in
comprehending classic literature. Every time you hear chaos, Pandoras box,
atlas, panacea, ambrosia, and nectar, to name a very few, you are hearing
an allusion to a Greek myth.
Course Expectations and Requirements
Complete reading assignments by the published deadlines
Keep a chronological notebook of handouts and written and organized notes
on class discussions and readings
Complete written assignments (quizzes, tests, essays, and presentations) on
time
Supplies: To be brought to class every day.
Textbook
Three- ring binder (1-2 inch) with paper for class notes and reading notes (no
spiral notebooks)
Pen
Red pen or pencil for grading

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Supply fee: $30.00, one-time payment, payable to the teacher.
Assignments and Expectations
You will be assigned readings in preparation
for class discussions and activities. Each chapter in the texts is followed by a onepage test over the content which will count as grades in the class. The first two of
these tests will be open note to enable you to get used to the format and to decide
how best to take notes and study for the end of chapter assessments. Expect about
30-40 pages of reading per week, including supplemental readings and literature.
Bell ringers are short 5-10 minute assignments to be completed the first few
minutes in class. They will often be short reading quizzes.
If You Do Not Have Your Homework
If you do not have your homework,
you still need to turn in a paper. There is a Homework Pink Slip folder by the
homework tray for these instances. Once you realize that you do not have your
homework, take a Homework Pink Slip and fill it out completely. Put this paper in
the homework tray.
Late work: For full credit, homework must be placed in the homework tray before
10:30 am the day it is due. In fairness to the students who submit their homework
on time, I will not be judging the validity of the reasons for those who do not.
If You Are Absent
Work missed because of excused, planned absences
must be completed in advance for full credit. Please make arrangements with Mrs.
Moore.
For unplanned, excused absences, check the class website, Ancient History, for
assignments and handouts. It is your responsibility, not Mrs. Moores, to find this
work and see that it is handed in. You may submit work via email to
ldkvkmoore@live.com. You have one class day for every class day that you were
out to make up the work. (For example, if you missed Thursday, any homework due
the Thursday you missed will be due on the following Tuesday). Please make
arrangements with Mrs. Moore to make tests and quizzes up within a week of your
return. (Remember, your classmates cannot get their graded tests and
quizzes back until yours is made up). Bell Ringers and reading quizzes cannot
be made up. For an excused absence, your possible points total will be adjusted for
missed Bell Ringer and reading quiz grades. (For example if there are 100 available
points in the quarter and a student with 2 excused absences misses a 10 -point Bell
Ringer and a 5 -point quiz, her grade will be calculated from 85 available points).
Grades There will be many opportunities to earn excellent grades in Middle School
World History. Grades will be based on class preparation, participation, quizzes, and
tests. Grades will be posted on HaikuLearning.com when class lists are finalized.
Until then, I will notify you by email.
Grading Scale:
80-89
70-79
60-69

90-100
B
C
D

Class-time Procedures
How to Enter the Classroom - Calmly and quietly enter the room, put any
homework due in the designated tray and take your blue folder from the back table.
Sit in your assigned seat and put your things away. Only ancient history materials
are to be out on your desk. Immediately get to work at your desk. There will always
be a Bell Ringer assignment for you to do.
Starting Class- You start the class- not the teacher and you need to start right
away!
1. Complete the Bell Ringer that will be posted on the board. You will usually have
until 2:35 to complete the task. Bell Ringers are graded assignments.
2. Read the Objectives and Daily Agenda to see what you will be working on in class
that day.
What to Do with Your Belongings - Books, binders, and backpacks need to be kept
out of the aisles for safety reasons.
If You Are Tardy- Bell Ringers and quizzes missed because of unexcused tardies or
absences will be recorded as a 0 and there will be no adjustment to the possible
points.
Using the Restroom - Please take care of this before class. If you are going to be
sick, just GO. You do not need permission.
When Mrs. Moore Wants Your Attention - Mrs. Moore will adapt some Whole Brain
Teaching ideas for keeping us awake and functioning optimally. We will practice
these in class. Though some of the procedures may bring Captain von Trapp to
mind, the purpose is to make the most of our class time and your wonderful brain.
History is much more interesting when there is time for activities and projects.
Wasting just 5 minutes per class for 66 classes this year adds up to how many
wasted minutes in this year of ancient history?
Class Rules1. Follow directions quickly.
2. Raise your hand for permission to communicate.
3. Be constructive, not destructive.
4. Keep your dear teacher happy. (Hint: All that it takes to keep your dear teacher
happy is to contribute to a positive learning environment)
Class Discussions- All students are asked to participate in classroom discussions.
However, please make all questions and comments relevant to the current
discussion. If your question is off the topic, write it down and ask it later. Please
raise your hand to volunteer to answer or ask a question. Please refrain from
shouting out ideas without being called on.
How to Set Up a Paper Each paper must have four things in the top right-hand
corner.
1. Your first and last name
2. Ancient History
3. The assignment: (Example: Was Odysseus a Hero? )

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4. The date
End of Class Dismissal Mrs. Moore dismisses the class, not the clock. Do not start
packing up your materials in anticipation of the end of class. Class is over when I
say, Have a great day!
1. Before you leave, take a look at the floor around you. Pick up any items on
the floor (whether they belong to you or not) and throw them in the trash if
necessary.
2. Make sure to push in your chair before you leave and please take ALL of your
belongings with you.
3. Return your blue folder to Mrs. Moore.
Thank you for reading. Please sign and keep this document in your Ancient History
notebook. If you have any questions about it, please write them on a sheet of paper
and place them in the homework tray.
We are going to have a blessed year in ancient history!
In His service,
Mrs. Moore
I, __________________________, have read and understand K.E.Y.S. Welcome to
Ancient History.
______________________________________________

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