Welcome to my class home page!
Mr. Malone
Social Science 10-12
World History-The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand their connections to the development of civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of the global community. We will survey the social, political, intellectual, cultural, and economic forces that operated in past civilizations and determine how they contributed to our present world. Emphasis will be placed on exploring the historical narrative, analyzing primary sources, examining the influence of geography on history and developing the tools of historical scholarship. While content will remain important, it will be secondary to the development of skills. We will focus on literacy though history throughout the course.
Pyschology- Students will aquire an understanding of and appreciation for human behavior, behavior interaction and the progressive development of individuals. This will better prepare them to understand their own behavior and the behavior of others. Content will include: 1. Major theories and orientations of Psychology. 2. Psychological methodology. 3. Memory and Cognition. 4. Human growth and development. 5. Personality. 6. Abnormal behavior. 7.Psychological Therapies.8. Stress/Coping strategies. 9. Mental Health.
Sociology- Through the study of sociology, students acquire an understanding of group interaction and its impact on individuals in order that they may have a greater awareness of the beliefs, values and behavior patterns of others. In an increasingly interdependent world, students need to recognize how group behavior affects both the individual and society.
After successfully completing this course, the student will:
1. Recognize that the study of sociology provides a way of understanding human behavior and that scientific procedures are used to improve our understanding of human relationships and the problems of society.
2. Understand the characteristics of social groups, their interrelationships, interdependence and differences.
3. Define social structure and explain its significance.
4. Recognize how social needs may be met in social institutions.
5. Understand the interrelationship between values, norms and institutions, and their effects on society.
6. Identify ways people acquire beliefs, values and behavior patterns.
7. Recognize the existence of situations or conditions that are social problems and propose ways to address them.
8. Apply research, study, critical-thinking and decision-making skills and demonstrate the use of new and emerging technology in problem solving.
American Government-For some of you, even those of you going to college, this course may be the only formal education on American government and politics you will ever have. Studies indicate college students have little interest in political issues and politicians, and polls indicate a continuing decline. Therefore, what you learn here and the value and attitudes that you attain could very well last your entire life. Critics of the political system claim that there is little to no public discourse on the public issues, which confront our society. When debate does take place it is nasty, uncompromising and often vindictive. Throughout the course we will examine and try to evaluate our institutions of government, those who run these institutions, the public policies made by these
institutions, and the influences of the electorate on policies. Some say that democracy is a dream, an unattainable ideal which has led us to a government now incapable of action, run by unseen and unheard forces out of the public limelight, and responsible to no one. Others say politics is a con game, with leaders continually manipulating the people, which, in turn, has “turned-off” the electorate causing the United States to have one of the lowest voter turnouts of any industrial democracy in the world. Still others say there is too much political corruption in the system. By the completion of the course I hope you will have an interest in public issues, can intelligently and civilly discuss the issues, have a reasonable understanding of what is right and wrong, and appreciate your responsibilities to the system to ensure you and your children continue to enjoy our traditions of freedom and liberty. Course Outline: 1. Significant historical
events and philosophies derived from western heritage have influenced the origins and foundations of American Government. 2. The unique foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution have created a living document, combining an enduring stability with the flexibility to adapt to the modern world. 3. Voter participation in the electoral process is a significant expression of public opinion, and is heavily influenced by the political party system. 4. The governmental decision-making process is influenced by public opinion, mass media and interest groups. 5. The Legislative Branch represents citizens in setting public policy and making laws. 6. The Executive Branch provides the leadership role in enforcing all governmental policies, domestic and foreign.). 7. The Judicial Branch, comprised of the federal court system, interprets all government processes, ensuring the protection of civil liberties. 8. The structure and function of Florida’s state and local governments derives
its power from the federal constitution and citizens of Florida.
Economics-This course will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Areas of study will include supply and demand, international and domestic trade, the calculation of national income and price-level determination, and international economics. The course will also introduce the concept of the business cycle, an overview of economic fluctuations and the dynamics of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Course Objectives: 1. The students will demonstrate…
Knowledge of the workings of a domestic and international economy at the macro and micro level. 2. The ability to graphically illustrate the affects that changes in supply and demand have on the market. 3. Knowledge of the various economic systems and explain how resources are allocated.
Classroom Texts:
Pentice Hall "World History-Connections to Today"-2005.
Glencoe "Understanding Psychology"-2003.
Glencoe "Sociology and You"-2004
Prentice Hall "Magrauder's American Government"-
2004.
"Economics: Principles in Action"-2004
Daily Class Requirements:
1. Class Notebook- three ring binder with pockets, or folder with clips in center to hold hole punched worksheets and pockets. Students will receive a notebook grade.
2. Pen and Pencil
3. Paper for notes there will be notes almost everyday and other assignments which require paper. Bring your Tools to Work!
Things students will need but not everyday:
1. Colored Pencils
2. Calculator
Dear Class,
We have already discussed what we will be covering in the course this year. It is also important that we address how we will create the environment in which to accomplish our academic goals.
There is one constant in this classroom: You can and will succeed. We need to work together as teacher and student so that we can all do our very best. As such, the following rules must be kept in mind:
- Tardy Policy: Being late is a disruption to the class to me and your classmates. You must be in my room by the time the bell rings and on your way to your seat. If you choose to ignore this policy appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with school policy. For quick reference: 1st tardy = warning; 2nd tardy = warning and phone call home; 3rd tardy = referral to dean; 4th tardy = referral to dean.
- Be Prepared for Class: It is exceptionally difficult to have an orderly and meaningful class if everyone is not well prepared. You need to bring your notebook, paper and black pen with you everyday. Sometimes people forget things. I understand that this happens, but appropriate actions will be taken in cases of those who are habitually unprepared.
- Homework: This is a compound word. The first word is “home.” This tells you where it should be done. The second word is “work.” This tells you that it takes effort and will be held to a standard. Keep this in mind. It is due when I collect it. Late homework will not be accepted. Read the previous sentence again.
- Makeup Work: If you are absent it is solely your responsibility to find out what you missed. Asking me for this information during class time is never acceptable. Please come before or after class. School policy states that you only have two days to make up work for every one day you are absent. This includes tests and quizzes. Absences on due dates of long term projects will not change the due date of the project. All makeup tests must be done before or after school.
- Headings: You MUST head your papers with name, period and assignment title. Failure to do so will result in a ten point penalty on the assignment. Illegible work will be graded as a zero. Please write legibly.
- Talking: No talking during notes, lectures, or movies…even if it is about the subject. No talking when I’m talking….I do not enjoy explaining stuff repeatedly! Also all speech in class will be respectful and free of profanity. No potty mouths!!!
- Cheating: This is simple. Do not cheat. If it is questionable, it is probably cheating. ALL work that I assign is to be completed individually. Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero for the assignment and their work will be heavily scrutinized for the remainder of the course. I have no tolerance for cheaters.
I do not believe that these rules are unreasonable in any way, nor do I find them particularly difficult to follow. If you choose to test me, however, these are the consequences:
- First Offense: A verbal warning or stern look will hopefully be enough at this point for minor class disruptions such as talking. Cut it out.
- Second Offense: If the behavior is more serious you and I will have a conversation about the issue and will hopefully come to an understanding of how and why the behavior is unacceptable. I will also call home and speak to a parent/guardian about the matter.
- Third Offense: Detention and a second phone call home. I would rather not spend my time in detention, but if you are unresponsive to the other consequences, I am prepared to give them. I would also rather call your parents and tell them what a great student you were, but at this point I feel it necessary to let them know about the problem as well.
- Fourth Offense: Removed from class. This is not something that I like to do, but you will be in the dean’s hands at this point. Please also note that extreme violations of the student code could proceed directly to this step (physical violence, vandalism, theft, etc.).
It is important that you also understand that this is a two-way street. I cannot expect you to abide by these rules and then not agree to any for myself. I, too, will come to class on time and prepared. I will try to make the class as interesting and fulfilling for each of you. I will treat each of you with respect and dignity. Most importantly, I am prepared to do whatever it takes to see you succeed in this class. If you are willing to put in extra effort, I will be with you every step of the way. If you need help before or after school I will do my best to provide whatever additional assistance to you that I can.
This is our contract for the school year. I have signed it and you and your parents need to sign it as well. This document should be kept in the front page of your notebook as a reminder of the rules in our classroom.
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Mr. Malone, teacher
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Student Signature
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Student Name (Printed)
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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