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Global Studies is intended to provide you with an enhanced grasp of current world affairs. We will be looking at every region of the world in an attempt to understand how connected and interdependent the global community truly is. We will explore the geography, culture, and history of various regions in order to gain a better awareness of current political, economic, and social conditions around the globe.
 * WELCOME TO GLOBAL STUDIES!**
 * Course Content**-

This course focuses on the following essential questions:


 * How are social, political, and economic events interconnected at the global level?
 * What role should the United States play in world affairs?
 * What nations are emerging world powers?
 * How are 21st century media technologies impacting world affairs?
 * What are the most pressing concerns facing the global community today?

and has the following objectives:


 * To use current events to examine relevant themes in the global community.
 * To create global citizens with an awareness and understanding of different cultures.
 * To practice intellectual and technical skills students will need to be successful in college and the workplace.

We will be using current events to explore key issues in various global regions. Our primary areas of focus will be Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; however, we will be exploring the global issues and themes that connect these regions with Europe and the Americas. Themes to be discussed include; ethnic and religious conflict, human rights, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate and health, globalization, and geopolitics. Each unit will also focus on the development and demonstration of particular writing, cognitive, and technology-based skills.
 * Learning Activities**-

As seniors, students should be able to demonstrate responsibility for their own learning. Global studies will focus on inquiry driven learning, a method that:


 * Allows for significant learning about issues that interest individual students.
 * Develops students’ question-asking, problem-solving, and thinking skills.
 * Improves students’ skills in finding information and examining its worth and reliability.
 * Practicing skills in taking notes, organizing information and one’s thoughts, and communicating these thoughts logically and effectively to others.
 * Promotes further curiosity & learning and encourages students to make inquiry a lifelong pursuit.

(A. Shapiro. “The Purpose of Inquiry Driven Learning.” __Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility.)__

Similar to a college environment, students will have two marking period exams that review instructional content and current events covered during that marking period. Senior exemption applies to the final semester exam, not the marking period exams.

You will need a three ring binder specifically for this course. It should be at least 1-inch thick. I recommend you use only loose-leaf paper as it helps keep your notebook cleaner and more organized. You will need sections for each of our themes, current events & political cartoon analysis, and “Maps on Mondays”. I will periodically collect notebooks for a grade so it will be to your ultimate benefit to maintain an organized notebook.
 * Materials**-

Preparation for and participation in class activities and discussion is imperative to the success of the class and to your success as a student within the course. Plus, it’s much more fun to be plugged in and aware of what’s going on around you!
 * Preparation & Participation**-

As preparation and participation are essential to a current events based course, homework is expected to be completed on time. Homework is also an easy way for you to earn points. I keep homework folders in a clear “Yaffa” block next to the windows. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to pick up what you missed. Assignments are expected to be turned in the day they are due, which means before or during class; however, I will accept homework for half credit for the duration of each unit. This does not apply to projects/papers/presentations! These are 10% daily deductions. Late means not ready at the start of class. Do not ask if you can hand it in by the end of the day. Extended, __excused__ illnesses are the only reason to not have all work turned in in a timely manner. All assignments given or collected on unexcused absence days receive a score of “0” per district policy, so get your notes in and show them to me!
 * Homework and Late Assignments**-

As a high school and college student athlete, I understand that several of you are involved in sports and other activities that will cause you to miss class occasionally and put extra demands upon your time. This is fine with me, but having been in that position myself I know I worked extremely hard to keep up with my academics and I will expect the same effort from you. Extracurriculars are an opportunity to learn valuable time management skills as well as responsibility, they are not an excuse for being late with homework or long term assignments.

Global Studies wikispace - Students join the class wik where they will be able to access class materials, access and discuss unit material, and share and evaluate student work. The course wikipage is http://fusglobalstudies.wikispaces.com. Most written assignments must also be posted to turnitin.com. Your course, //Honors Global Fall 14//, is course #8423192 and the password is "global".
 * Online Assignments-**

Student grades are accessible online. I use a cumulative points total, with major projects and assignments worth more points. I have found this system to be the most accurate reflection of a student’s participation in and understanding of the course. I will stress that you must put in good, independent effort and complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability if you wish to be successful. Please note, extra credit always shows up as 0% because assignments are out of 0 points; however, the points are calculated in the student’s total points column.
 * Grading Policy**-

**Rules and Regs-** My expectations focus on RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, COMMUNITY, and COMMON SENSE! Learning is an ongoing, interactive process that I expect you to engage in when in the classroom. Action will be taken if the learning process is disrupted. I expect you to be prepared, to be respectful and polite, to be mature, to be tidy, to be responsible, and to be here. Remember, you must pass Global Studies in order to graduate. Show up, do your work, and this will not be a problem!

**Hall Pass Policy-** It is a very simple policy. If you are not physically in class, you are not getting your money’s worth! Students can have one “out” a week, be it locker, bathroom, drink, etc. You are required to sign in and out at the door and take your assignment book with you! This is a school-wide policy. Only one person is allowed out of the room at a time, and you must have the teacher’s permission to leave the room.

I firmly believe in open lines of communication between home and school. I encourage you to seek the assistance of your classmates, your parents, and your teacher (me) when you encounter a problem and I will stress the sooner you do so the better! As my AP English teacher once told me, “Failure to adequately prepare on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” The quickest, easiest, and most sure way to contact me (if you’re outside the building) is by email! Best of luck and I look forward to learning with you this semester!
 * Contact Information-**

Voicemail: 233-6030 x 2679 Email: ashley_fusarelli @ sdst.org Online: http://fusglobalstudies.wikispaces.com/