Social Studies Survey

Syllabus 2007- 2008

Teacher:                 Edward Lynch

Phone:                    (707) 824- 2367 classroom               

Please call me after 1 PM (usually until after 4PM)

E-mail                     elynch@analy.org                              

Students will learn about many cultures around the world. The class will include many hands on projects as well as assignments meant to build skills needed in high school and throughout life. As the first in four years of Social Studies requirements, the class is meant to prepare students for the more difficult concepts and language of the history classes.

Parents are encouraged to engage their child in conversation about the countries, topics and issues discussed in class. Understanding grows though time and discussion.

Grading Policy              

Grading policy A point system is used.  Everything counts and points are dropped if assignment is late. 50% for a late assignment handed in within the week that it is due. There is no penalty for assignments handed in late when a student is ill or on gone for a school recognized emergency.  In that case student must attend the next available tutorial to pick up assignments.  Homework and class assignments are also always posted on my wiki site. Http://sssurveyatanaly.pbwiki.com 
 Averages are updated weekly and reported to students. Parents will have updates if needed. I will be happy to communicate 
via e-mail (elynch@analy.org) . Student grades will be based on performance in a variety of categories: Maps,  Readings,  Question Sheet , Homework, Quizzes, Participation , Projects and Essays. I use a point system worked out in percentages on a standard A to F scale. F =below 60%

Check my website for grades: http://staff.analyhighschool.org/elynch/LynchHome.html

Enter last name, first name and student number as password (Last name comma space first name, i.e. Lynch, Edward with a password the four digit student number.)

Fall 2007

Unit 1: Ways to identify societies (an overview)

A look a t several different societies and look for ways to compare them.

An overview of the meanings of geography and understanding the five themes.

Via Google-earth a understanding a various land forms and their impact on human settlement.

Unit 2: Middle East: Southwest Asia and Cultural Conflict

History of the Middle East, Focus on the Arab – Israeli conflict, the Muslim Religion,  Natural Resources as sources of conflict and historical factors leading to the war in Iraq. A special focus on document analysis.

Unit 3: South Asia

The Indian subcontinent, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Religions and Philosophies: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. The Caste system, imperialism and independence. Strategies for reading and understanding secondary source material.

Spring 2008

Unit 4: Far East (East Asia and Southeast Asia)

Economic systems and societies- a special focus on the economies and social systems of China and Japan. Philosophy: The Three Schools of Thought and Buddhism.  Writing Skills: Students will learn to respond to a prompt with a strong thesis sentence.

Unit 5: Imperialism and Independence in Africa

Government and Politics, Environmental factors and Economic development. East Africa, Southern Africa, Central and West Africa.

Unit 6: Latin America: Exploration, exploitation and economic development.  The Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Also a special focus on the music from this part of the world. 

Unit 7: Europe and Russia: A look at the shifting economic and political power in Europe and Russia and its effect on the American economy. A opportunity for students to plan a vicarious vacation to the country of their choice. Students with share their experiences with fellow students.