General Class Information

Saint Augustine once said "the world is like a novel, and if you don’t travel you are reading only one chapter". As a social studies teacher I’ve always believed that to truly teach this subject you need to live it. This is why I have dedicated much of my life to experiencing firsthand and understanding many of the places, peoples, and cultures we will examine in this class.

During the past fifteen years I have spent a considerable amount of time overseas studying, teaching, working, and traveling. I have been to several countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, North Africa, South America, and North America. These experiences, combined with my knowledge, creative teaching style, and my passion for world cultures and geography, will hopefully inspire you to better understand the past and present of the world in which we live.

For my part I will guide you and give you everything thing you need to know about world cultures and geography. For your part I need you follow the general classroom procedures listed below and for you to use your critical thinking and problem solving skills. If you do this, I promise you will learn more about the world than you ever thought possible – and you just might have fun too!

1) Always be on time

2) Always come prepared – which means bring something to write with, your notebook, textbook, and an open mind

3) Always respect me (your teacher), fellow students, and yourself

4) Always do your assignments

5) Always do your own work since most of your assignments, quizzes, tests, and research papers are based on critical thinking and problem solving – not memorization

6) Always ask a fellow student for notes, assignments, etc.,, if you miss class

7) Always ask questions and contribute to classroom discussion

8) Always ask permission if you need to leave the classroom

9) Always raise your hand and please do not talk while other people are asking questions and making comments (especially when I am taking)

10) Always do your best

Generally speaking, grades are determined as follows:

25% classroom participation

25% tests and quizzes

25% assignments

25% essays, research papers, group projects, etc…

Note: Students will be given extra credit opportunities, and all students are responsible for scheduling make-up or missed assignments, tests, quizzes, and papers.