Comparative Civilizations 12 Introduction

Course Structure This is very much a web-based course. We also use plenty of text-based material from the Library, my bookshelves and whatever else you can access. I’ll assign a text a little further into the course.

Course Structure Expect me to give shortish presentations then you will usually have much of the class to work on research and presentation of your findings. Use this time well!

Course Structure Because you may be working in one of many locations, I need to keep track of you in case of emergency. must When not in the classroom you must indicate on the sign-out sheet where you will be. If you change locations, you must return to the class and change the information on the sign-out sheet. Failure to do so will result in your losing sign-out privileges for a time.

Attendance What you miss cannot easily be replicated, so do not miss classes unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If you do miss, check the posted plan and catch up.

Extra Help Official tutorial times are Monday and Friday from 2:55 to 3:15. I am generally available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including lunch break – as long as I am at school and not at a meeting.

Marks. The breakdown of marks is as follows: 85% class work – including your notebook, tests, oral presentations and bonus opportunities. 15% Final Exam.

Marks I do not use bins or weighted categories for in-class marks. Therefore, what you see is what you get in terms of marks during the year. This makes it easy for you to keep track of your marks.

Marks Marks are posted at the left front of the room, above the microwave. Check them regularly. I don’t want any mistake on my part to affect your grades.

Notebook This may be presented as answers to the problems posed on the assigned packages or it may be presented in book form (this is more difficult and time consuming) – you choose. You could even present it in PowerPoint or use interactive pdf formats if you wish – this would allow integrating video or flash (however, this would also take more time).

Notebook Since exams are open-notebook (except for image identification), a good notebook ensures a good mark.

Bonus Opportunities - Cultural Outings - Once in each term, you may write up a cultural outing that you undertake. (A concert, exhibit, performance etc.) Each write-up is worth 10 marks, which will be added as a bonus to an exam score.

Unit Tests These will consist of several parts: Image Identification – where you note the name of the object and the creator or period of creation (closed notes). Multiple Choice – and, perhaps, matching (open notebook). Subjective answers – paragraphs or essay responses (open notebook).

Oral Presentation In the 2 nd term we will have oral presentations. These are valued at 80 marks and may be done individually or in groups. Topics are wide- ranging and are self- chosen.

Final Exam This will take place in the two final classes of the term (not in the exam schedule, so as not to interfere with your preparation for provincial exams). It is open-notebook, except for the image identification section. It is worth 15% of your total mark.

Global Goals We have 3 main objectives in this course: Gain knowledge. Acquire skills. Get ideas for that big trip (or trips) you want to make one day.

Responsibilities Expect me to select and present material and give you leads to great stuff to make this possible. You must look after your own learning. Only you can do so.

Your Responsibilities For us to meet these goals you must take personal responsibility: Be responsible. Act maturely. Try to learn.

Your Responsibilities. Prepare for class ahead of time: - Bring needed material: Books Planners Pens Other tools

Your Responsibilities Attend class regularly. Get to class on time. If you are late, enter at a convenient moment when you won’t disturb others. If you are away, check the blogsite to know what is going on in class. Keep up, if at all possible.

Your Responsibilities Do all assignments to the best of your ability. Put in the necessary time – but also set reasonable limits. Its easy to get carried away in this course! Get help if you don’t understand something.

Your Responsibilities Ensure your work comes in on time. Packages are due by 4:30 p.m. on due dates. Unless an extension is granted, late deductions will be applied to assignments submitted late. No reduction will be applied that reduces a mark below 50%, so it is always worth handing work in.

Final Words I hope that this is the most enjoyable course you take in high school. It is certainly the most enjoyable to teach. This course may not lead to a job (though it can), but it does much more – it helps you enjoy life. See it as step one in preparing for your grand tour.

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