American International School of Jeddah 2014-2015

Welcome to Grade 7! During this year we will explore and learn about many concepts and topics that cover from the legacy of the Roman Empire, to the rise and spread of Islam, up through the age of the Renaissance. We will look to understand how the events from these time periods affected the lives of those in the past and how they have significance on our lives today. Social studies is not just about history- it is also about the interactions between people of similar and different cultures and the geography that shaped those cultures. It is important to understand how events in the past and present affect us as citizens in our ever-changing world. The course will features a variety of learning activities such as reading and watching the news, group projects and short research papers. I believe that you will come away from this course a more enlightened and critical thinker. Let’s have a great school year!#

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�1https://sites.google.com/a/aisj.edu.sa/mulvihill7

Units of Study

• Europe During Medieval Times

• The Arabian Peninsula and the Spread of Islam

• Cultures and Kingdoms of West Africa

• Cultural Influence and Power in East Asia

• Europe’s Renaissance and Scientific Revolution

Materials for Class

• iPad with battery charged. Your textbook, History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, will be accessed using your iPad

• Pencil

• Plastic envelope folder

• Earbuds will occasionally be used with your iPad

Office Hours

• Mondays from 3-4pm in Rm 821 or by appointment

SOCIAL STUDIES 7 Mrs. Amy Mulvihill | Rm 821 |amulvihill@aisj.edu.sa

American International School of Jeddah 2014-2015

Grading Policy!Students are assessed on their mastery of the AERO social studies standards. Grades should communicate student progress.#

Participation (10%) is expected of students during class activities. Students must conduct themselves with respect for others and the learning space. Students must also demonstrate Habits of Mind, such as persistence, self-management, and communicating clearly.#

Formative assessment (10%) is intended to help students develop understanding and mastery of the material. Classwork, homework, group assignments qualify as formative. #

Summative assignments (80%) are intended for students to demonstrate mastery of the material. They include tests, projects, and essays. If a student scores less than 70% on a summative assessment he or she will be required to attend after school office hours. Truly motivated students may have additional opportunities to improve their summative scores.

�2https://sites.google.com/a/aisj.edu.sa/mulvihill7

Office Hours

• Mondays from 3-4pm

AERO Standards

In recognition of the widely varying environments of American/international schools, the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) social studies standards and benchmarks have been written to give schools a high level of flexibility in developing curriculum. They focus on key ideas and principles in social studies without specifying the content that should be learned by students to they can gain understanding of the key ideas. At the same time, the AERO team also recognizes the value of providing content suggestions to guide teachers and curriculum coordinators as they develop units that will bring students to accomplishment of the standards ad benchmarks (www.projectaero.org)