WELCOME TO MR. G’s SOCIAL SCIENCE CLASS Our goal is to learn, to learn how to learn, and to help others to learn. This course is an exciting opportunity to learn how the past has shaped the present, and how what we do today will shape the future. By making connections, by understanding the cause and effect of even ancient events, we can understand what is happening today.

Expectations Expect me to: Do everything in my power to help your student succeed Be available before school, at lunch and after school Be available by phone 7 days a week until 9:00 pm. Phone: 541-857-1061 Answer phone calls and emails in a timely manner chris.geankoplis@medford.k12.or.us

I expect your student to: Be ready to learn each day Be well rested Be fed Have homework done Bring necessary materials to school Be accountable for homework and assignments All homework must be done All non-passing work and tests must be corrected and re-learned and tests retaken and passed Corrections may be done at home, during APP, or at after school help sessions. If not done at home or during APP then your student must attend after school help sessions (I can provide more help at these after school sessions.)

What I ask you to do: Help your student find success Encourage your student to seek help if needed Check PAL frequently. If you do not have access to a computer, have your student check PAL in the Media Center and print out a copy for you on a regular schedule. If your student has missing work or work that is not passing, then you will need to see that they do it in a timely manner. If your student is unable to do the work at home, then have them call me. By following this process, no student will ever get less than a “proficient” in this class. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call.

History of early Western Civilization Ancient Greece to the Age of Discovery

GEOGRAPHY & MAPS Students will learn how to understand the physical features of the world, and how these can influence the culture and history of a region, country, or continent.

ANCIENT GREECE We take a look at the geography, culture and origins of ancient Greece. Then we learn how this small area in Europe had a profound impact on the values, politics and history of so much of the modern world. POSSIBLE PROJECTS: Plays, Coin making, Stories (Real Artifacts)

ANCIENT INDIA How India and Greece influenced each other after Alexander the Great. The achievements in math, science and literature of the Gupta and Maurya Empires. PROJECTS: Stories, Models, Maps

ANCIENT ROME How Rome rose from obscurity to dominate the known world for almost 500 years is examined. We see how our own government is based on the organization of ancient Rome. We also examine what eventually led to Rome’s decline and fall. PROJECTS: Stories, Models, Maps (Real Artifacts)

RISE OF CHRISTIANITY AND BYZANTIUM Students explore the history of Christianity, its early organization and influences on the Roman Empire. We also see how the Roman Empire influenced Christianity. We trace how the Christian Roman Empire became the Byzantine Empire and its impact on history. (Real Artifacts)

RISE OF ISLAM The history of Islam - its origins, influences and its rapid spread through Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe are studied. We will also look for the historical context and connections with current events.

FEUDAL SOCIETY We will examine why feudalism developed in western Europe and what life was like for the people during this period. We will examine the spread of ideas from the Far East and the Crusades and how they led to the initiation of the Renaissance. PROJECTS: Models, Stories, Maps (Real Artifacts)

AFRICAN EMPIRES AND TRADE ROUTES The history of the fabled city of Timbuktu and the ancient Malian empires and salt trade across the Sahara Desert.

THE RENAISSANCE Students will study how the Renaissance began and flourished in the Italian city-states. They will learn the impact and influence of the Italian Renaissance on France, Spain and England, focusing on Art, Society & Religion PROJECTS: Stories and Plays (Real Artifacts)

THE REFORMATION Students will study Martin Luther in historical context and learn what beliefs brought him into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. We will examine the impact on the Catholic Church by the rise of Protestantism and the consequences of the division of the one church into two and eventually hundreds.

THE AGE OF DISCOVERY The motivation for Europeans to search for a way to the East is explored , as well as the personalities and countries involved. We will also examine the consequences of these explorations and European expansion and its impact on all the societies involved. PROJECTS: Maps, Models, Stories (Real Artifacts)

With your support and help your child can expect to end the year understanding : How to LEARN Study techniques Actively reading text for understanding and retention How to help others to LEARN How today is influenced by early Civilizations Ω We become empowered citizens by the ability to view and a evaluate the present through the lens of the past.