Course Syllabus
Current World Problems
Ms. Antoine

Course Description: Current World Problems (CWP) is the final course in the Social Studies sequence and is a graduation requirement for all seniors. This course examines current event issues, civics, economic issues, and possible solutions to world problems. The main goal is for students to develop an awareness and understanding of world issues. CWP is a two-semester course and media, geography, and the global world will be a focus. Preparation for senior boards is an integrated part of the class along with the newly required Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) in civics as part of their graduation requirement. These project requirements include a world map proficiency exam, research papers, and a community action project.

Curriculum Mapping:

1st Semester: Human Rights and Environmental Issues
• The Federal Government
• Constitutional Debates
• Immigration
• Society and Discrimination
• Democracy and Foreign Aid
• The Economy
• Science and Technology
• Work and Poverty
• Defense
• Environment and Energy

2nd Semester: Globalization and the Economy, and Civic Action Responsibility

• International Trade
• Africa
• Asia
• Europe and Russia
• Latin America
• The Middle East
• The Federal Budget
• Crime and Drugs
• Education
• Health Care

I. What am I expected to bring to class each day? Class Materials: Students are required to come to class prepared every day. Students will not be allowed out of the class to retrieve these items. Materials needed in class daily are:
Class Notebook (this is a three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper and divided into four sections with tabs) Students are responsible for having this syllabus all notes, handouts, and graded work in their notebook.
Course textbook
Pen and pencil
Completed assignments and/or make up work
A positive attitude

II. What are the expectations for behavior in this class?

Students are required to follow all school policies, as listed in the Student Handbook. Our classroom is truly a learning community. In order to maximize learning, students will respect the following guidelines:

• Be sitting quietly in your seat when bell rings.
• Have necessary materials readily available. (pen or pencil, paper, textbook)
• Work towards completion of assigned tasks.
• Follow the Three R’s – Respect, Rights and Responsibility
• Headsets, MP3, CD players, or phones are NOT allowed in the classroom.
• Obey all school rules
• Come to class with an open mind and a positive attitude!

Students are highly encouraged to take notes during class, as I will expand on topics covered in the textbook. All information from the lecture and class discussion may appear on a quiz, test, or assessment.

III. How will I be graded in this class?

Grades are not given; they are earned. Your entire body of work includes all work completed and how well you are prepared daily (completed readings and class participation). This class will be challenging, but I am confident that you can meet the demands and in the process learn how to read and write better and think more critically.

Assessments/Evaluation: Assessments will include written daily tasks, participation in discussion of main concepts, written responses to questions related to reading, study guides, critical thinking activities, emphasis on written responses to primary sources, essays, research projects pertaining to themes or major events in CWP, and tests. Evaluation is based on both completion and quality. Grades are calculated on a point system. To calculate your grade, simply add up all points earned and divide by the total possible points.

Late Work: Daily assignments are generally due the day after they are assigned unless designated otherwise. Late work is only accepted without penalty for students with absences. In an absence, you have one day for each day you were absent. It is your responsibility to ask for make-up work the first returning day. Work handed in late one day after the due date receives a 60%. After the second day, it will not be accepted.

**If you are concerned about your grade, please come and talk to me to discuss what can be done to improve it. Please do not wait until the end of the quarter to think about your grade**