7th Grade: Social Studies: Medieval History 2018-2019
Mrs. Kemp
Welcome! I am truly excited to return to another great area of interest and teaching experience of mine: History and Social Studies. Before teaching History here at DMCS my first two years, I was a teacher, trainer and curriculum developer of History and Social Studies in San Luis Obispo. My classes are always taught with an emphasis on the commonalities of the human experience and centered around these six themes that shape the rise and fall of civilizations:
Helping students become confident, responsible and respectful is an important part of my classes. Middle School is a particularly effective time to hold students accountable for their actions and this is an area of growth for most! Communication between student, parent and teachers is vital for student success. Towards that end, student planners and internet access to assignments and grades will be used.
Course Components:
Assignments will be both individual and group. Working cooperatively and solving problems involving communication and the shared production of results is an important life skill that will be worked on all year. Assessment will be both multiple choice quizzes and formal writing. Every student will be required to participate actively. An Interactive Notebook (composition book) will be used for notes and many hand written/drawn assignments. These will be the core of information for assessments and projects. They will be kept at school in each student's mailbox and will be graded occasionally. The overall grade will be based on 50% Process of learning (classwork, homework, rough drafts, etc) and 50% Product of learning (tests, final drafts, presentations, etc).
We will do a variety of activities and assignments that will require students to use the skills they have mastered, as well as pushing them to learn new ones. They will be encouraged to think beyond the obvious in order to begin forming their own questions to seek the answers to. At least one PBL (Problem/Project Based Learning) project that will involve writing, successful problem solving, time management and presentations will be required for each trimester. Students will be coached and assessed on successful learning habits (such as management of materials, resources and time) and group dynamics as part of these projects.
Class Requirements:
□ Bring your pen/pencil, highlighter, planner and independent reading book with you to class every day.
□ All assignments not done in the Interactive Notebook must be titled on the first line and have the proper headings (name, date, subject in upper left corner).
□ It helps to have a list of classmates’ phone numbers and e-mail addresses so you can find out the details of assignments that you might be unclear about or might have missed due to being absent or tardy. But, it is up to you, the student, to take responsibility to get the information you need to complete assignments outside of school and to communicate with me for any missed or confusing assignments.
Class Expectations
Dixon Montessori Charter School strongly believes in encouraging academic honesty and independence through each student’s experience in the classroom. The specifics and illegality of plagiarism will be taught and penalties for this will be no credit for the assignment and the parent will be notified. Further infractions may result in failing the class.
Respect, responsibility and safety are important foundations for this class and our school community. All students will treat each other and all adults they meet as a part of this class with respect for their individuality, authority, belongings and wellbeing. Students will act responsibly by following directions and working towards completing assigned tasks. To promote these positive behaviors Kickboard points are awarded for and converted into MERIT money monthly. Students may participate in monthly events or purchase goods at “flash sales” with the MERIT money earned. However, if I believe that a student is struggling to fulfill these basic requirements, I will begin by conferencing with the student. Negative Kickboard points may be given. If the lack of respect, responsibility or safety continues or is of a higher level, discipline in the form of detention, parent notification and/or referral to the Dean of Students may occur.
I feel fortunate to share another year of learning and growth with you here at DMCS. I will be helping students learn the academic and life skills necessary to succeed in our complex world. I feel extremely lucky to be a learning coach and am looking forward to having a very successful year. Please feel free to contact me at any time in order to discuss this syllabus or to address any other questions or concerns that you may have.
7th Grade Social Studies: The Medieval World
Scope and Sequence 2018-19
Mrs. Kemp
[email protected]
Trimester 1:
August 9-14
Norms and Procedures for Class and Middle School
August 15-October 5
Unit 1: Europe During Medieval Times
The Legacy of the Roman Empire
The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe
The Roman Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
Life in Medieval Towns
The Decline of Feudalism
The Byzantine Empire
Writing Assessment
October 8-November 1
Unit 2: Islam in Medieval Times
World Religion Origins and Principles: Islam
Muslim Innovations and Adaptations
From The Crusades to New Muslim Empires
Trimester 2:
November 5-Nov 30
Unit 3: The Culture and Kingdoms of West Africa
Early Societies in West Africa
Ghana: A West African Trading Empire
The Influence of Islam on West Africa
The Cultural Legacy of West Africa
December 3-December 19
Unit 4: Imperial China
The Political Development of Imperial China
Chinese Discoveries and Inventions
China’s Contacts with the Outside World
January 15-February 1
Unit 5: Japan During Medieval Times
The Influence of Neighboring Cultures on Japan
Heian-kyo: The Heart of Japan’s Golden Age
The Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan
February 4-February 21
Unit 6: Civilization of the Americas Part 1
The Mayas
The Aztecs, Daily Life in Tenochtitlan
The Incas
Trimester 3:
February 25-March 5
Unit 6: Civilization of the Americas Part 2
Achievements of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas
March 11 -April 19
Unit 7: Europe’s Renaissance and Reformation
The Renaissance
Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance
Leading Figures of the Renaissance
World Religion Origins and Principles: Protestant Reformation
Writing Assessment
April 22-May 24
Unit 8: Europe Enters the Modern Age
Age of Exploration
The Scientific Revolution
The Enlightenment
May 28-June 5
Culminating Activities
Mrs. Kemp
Welcome! I am truly excited to return to another great area of interest and teaching experience of mine: History and Social Studies. Before teaching History here at DMCS my first two years, I was a teacher, trainer and curriculum developer of History and Social Studies in San Luis Obispo. My classes are always taught with an emphasis on the commonalities of the human experience and centered around these six themes that shape the rise and fall of civilizations:
- Conflict and Conquest
- Resources and Trade
- Political and Economic Structures
- Religion and Philosophy
- Technology
- Literary and Fine Arts
Helping students become confident, responsible and respectful is an important part of my classes. Middle School is a particularly effective time to hold students accountable for their actions and this is an area of growth for most! Communication between student, parent and teachers is vital for student success. Towards that end, student planners and internet access to assignments and grades will be used.
Course Components:
Assignments will be both individual and group. Working cooperatively and solving problems involving communication and the shared production of results is an important life skill that will be worked on all year. Assessment will be both multiple choice quizzes and formal writing. Every student will be required to participate actively. An Interactive Notebook (composition book) will be used for notes and many hand written/drawn assignments. These will be the core of information for assessments and projects. They will be kept at school in each student's mailbox and will be graded occasionally. The overall grade will be based on 50% Process of learning (classwork, homework, rough drafts, etc) and 50% Product of learning (tests, final drafts, presentations, etc).
We will do a variety of activities and assignments that will require students to use the skills they have mastered, as well as pushing them to learn new ones. They will be encouraged to think beyond the obvious in order to begin forming their own questions to seek the answers to. At least one PBL (Problem/Project Based Learning) project that will involve writing, successful problem solving, time management and presentations will be required for each trimester. Students will be coached and assessed on successful learning habits (such as management of materials, resources and time) and group dynamics as part of these projects.
Class Requirements:
□ Bring your pen/pencil, highlighter, planner and independent reading book with you to class every day.
□ All assignments not done in the Interactive Notebook must be titled on the first line and have the proper headings (name, date, subject in upper left corner).
□ It helps to have a list of classmates’ phone numbers and e-mail addresses so you can find out the details of assignments that you might be unclear about or might have missed due to being absent or tardy. But, it is up to you, the student, to take responsibility to get the information you need to complete assignments outside of school and to communicate with me for any missed or confusing assignments.
Class Expectations
Dixon Montessori Charter School strongly believes in encouraging academic honesty and independence through each student’s experience in the classroom. The specifics and illegality of plagiarism will be taught and penalties for this will be no credit for the assignment and the parent will be notified. Further infractions may result in failing the class.
Respect, responsibility and safety are important foundations for this class and our school community. All students will treat each other and all adults they meet as a part of this class with respect for their individuality, authority, belongings and wellbeing. Students will act responsibly by following directions and working towards completing assigned tasks. To promote these positive behaviors Kickboard points are awarded for and converted into MERIT money monthly. Students may participate in monthly events or purchase goods at “flash sales” with the MERIT money earned. However, if I believe that a student is struggling to fulfill these basic requirements, I will begin by conferencing with the student. Negative Kickboard points may be given. If the lack of respect, responsibility or safety continues or is of a higher level, discipline in the form of detention, parent notification and/or referral to the Dean of Students may occur.
I feel fortunate to share another year of learning and growth with you here at DMCS. I will be helping students learn the academic and life skills necessary to succeed in our complex world. I feel extremely lucky to be a learning coach and am looking forward to having a very successful year. Please feel free to contact me at any time in order to discuss this syllabus or to address any other questions or concerns that you may have.
7th Grade Social Studies: The Medieval World
Scope and Sequence 2018-19
Mrs. Kemp
[email protected]
Trimester 1:
August 9-14
Norms and Procedures for Class and Middle School
August 15-October 5
Unit 1: Europe During Medieval Times
The Legacy of the Roman Empire
The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe
The Roman Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
Life in Medieval Towns
The Decline of Feudalism
The Byzantine Empire
Writing Assessment
October 8-November 1
Unit 2: Islam in Medieval Times
World Religion Origins and Principles: Islam
Muslim Innovations and Adaptations
From The Crusades to New Muslim Empires
Trimester 2:
November 5-Nov 30
Unit 3: The Culture and Kingdoms of West Africa
Early Societies in West Africa
Ghana: A West African Trading Empire
The Influence of Islam on West Africa
The Cultural Legacy of West Africa
December 3-December 19
Unit 4: Imperial China
The Political Development of Imperial China
Chinese Discoveries and Inventions
China’s Contacts with the Outside World
January 15-February 1
Unit 5: Japan During Medieval Times
The Influence of Neighboring Cultures on Japan
Heian-kyo: The Heart of Japan’s Golden Age
The Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan
February 4-February 21
Unit 6: Civilization of the Americas Part 1
The Mayas
The Aztecs, Daily Life in Tenochtitlan
The Incas
Trimester 3:
February 25-March 5
Unit 6: Civilization of the Americas Part 2
Achievements of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas
March 11 -April 19
Unit 7: Europe’s Renaissance and Reformation
The Renaissance
Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance
Leading Figures of the Renaissance
World Religion Origins and Principles: Protestant Reformation
Writing Assessment
April 22-May 24
Unit 8: Europe Enters the Modern Age
Age of Exploration
The Scientific Revolution
The Enlightenment
May 28-June 5
Culminating Activities