World Geography / Consumer Education

Course Syllabus

2009-2010

-  Course Description

    Geography literally means “description of the Earth”.  Geographic knowledge is needed to understand the important national and international events that dominate the daily news.  A geographic perspective is also needed to analyze conditions in our hometown or neighborhood.  To be geographically illiterate is to deny oneself not only the ability to comprehend world problems, but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their solutions.  Throughout this year, our efforts to appreciate the world around us will be directed by the state guidelines listed below.   

-  Instructor Information

      Mr. Rutter                            E-mail:    kwrutter@cps.edu

                                                                                  Website:     www.mrrutter.com

                                                                Homework Hotline:    773 534-3679

-  Text, Readings, Materials

        World Geography Today.  Helgren & Sager.   New York:  Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 2003.

-  Course Outline

-  Course Objectives

     Special emphasis will be placed on improving the following skill sets:  organization, communication (reading, writing, speaking), creativity, confidence, and self respect. 

      - Portfolios

     An essential part of this course is the maintenance of an academic portfolio.  A one inch, three ring binder will be provided to each student and will contain ALL class work.  The materials within the portfolio will be evaluated every five weeks.  This assessment will be based on the completion, organization and proper labeling of all assignments.

- Illinois Learning Standards Addressed

    State Goal 15   Understand economic systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

             (ILS A-E)

    State Goal 17  Understand world geography and the effects of geography on society,            with an emphasis on the United States  (ILS A –D_

COURSE POLICIES*                 

-  Attendance

       Nine (9) absences in a ten-week marking period will result in a “F” for the quarter/eighteen absences in a twenty week marking period will result in a “F” for the semester.  Please note, each tardy accumulated counts as 1/3 of an absence. 

-  Tardiness

      Punctuality is a trait necessary for success in school, on the job and in life.  Frequent tardiness reflects both a lack of maturity and the unwillingness and/or inability to act responsibly. 

      A student is considered tardy when the bell rings and they have not crossed the threshold of Room 218. 

      Consequences for tardiness:  1.) grade reduction    2.)  absence accumulation, each tardy to class counts as 1/3 of an absence   3.) blocked from attending class, students with excessive tardiness 5+ will be blocked from attending class until a parent accompanies the student for a conference in Room 110.

- Missed Exams or Assignments

     The responsibility to make up work from excused absences is SOLELY that of the student.  Assignments/exams not made up in a timely fashion will be marked as a “0”.  Work missed from unexcused absences cannot be made up.

-  Academic Dishonesty

     In this course YOU ARE EXPECTED TO THINK, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO DO YOUR OWN WORK, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO CITE OTHER’S WORK, AND YOU ARE EXPECTED TO SAVE ALL YOUR DRAFTS AND NOTES.  You may not claim, as your work, someone else’s ideas, information, language or writing without citation.  This is a serious academic offense and will it will not be tolerated.  All students must be able to show the evolution of their work, i.e. all typed work must be accompanied by rough drafts, notes, listing of sources, etc.

- Grading

     Students will be assessed in these categories:  Classwork/Homework 45%  Tests/Quizzes 45%  Midterm/Final 10%

    The following scale will be utilized in this course:  A = 90-100  B = 80-89  C = 70- 79  D = 60-69  F = 59 and below.

   Extra Credit assignments will be available, on a very limited basis, to only those students who have completed their regular credit assignments.

  - Support Services

    Academy of Finance (AoF) teachers are the some of the most dedicated, hard-working people at Carl Schurz High School.  We are here to promote your future lives and will always make ourselves available when needed.  Please take advantage of these resources. 

*  all course policies are in accordance with the Carl Schurz High School Student Handbook.