World Geography

Disclosure Statement

Mr. Griffiths

Course Statement 

An increasingly interdependent world requires that citizens become more world minded. 

The study of other cultures is essential if you are to gain a valid perspective of one's own society.

Such a perceptive begins with the realization that we have a view of the world that is not universally shared.

Our well-being depends, in part, on cross cultural awareness, communication, cooperation, and respect.

By better understanding our world, students will have a deeper awareness of America's vital role and 

responsibilities in global affairs. Special attention will be paid to helping students gain an understanding of different cultures, 

governments, social issues, and current problems throughout the world. Students can expect to cover a wide range of 

topics with an emphasis placed on the development of reading and writing skills.

Class Objectives

1.To extend the students' awareness of the world to include the current problems of those people 

who are entering more and more into our lives.

2. To provide, by presentation of contrasting ways of life, some insight into the nature of culture itself.

3. To extend the students' awareness of forces that threatens the freedoms of individuals and nations.

4. To foster an appreciation for the American Constitution and the responsibilities that Americans have on 

the community, nation, and world.? Close attention will be paid to the evolution of democratic principles.

5.An emphasis will be placed on helping students make connections to issues or problems occurring 

throughout the world. Students will also be required to frequently express their reactions and opinions 

relating to different topics they interact with. 

Grading Policy

Scholastic Students will be graded on homework, class assignments, term projects, tests and quizzes. 

Points will be awarded and the term total will be used on the following percentage scale:

100-93=A      84-81=B     71-67=C     57-54=D

 92-89=A-     80-77=B-    66-62=C-   53-50=D-

 88-85=B+    76-72=C+   61-58=D+  49=F

Scores for each assignment will be recorded in a timely manner. Students and parents can check 

scores and overall grades on the OJH website. The majority of assignments will be graded using a 10 point scale. 

Tests and projects will be worth more points.

Citizenship - This grade will be determined by the student's behavior in class. 

Every time the behavior is not appropriate or acceptable, the student will be given the 

consequences and a mark against their citizenship grade. Students are expected to follow 

school rules and policies. Failure to do so will reflect upon their overall citizenship grade. 

The Granite School District policy relating to tardies and absences will also be followed. 

Cheating will not be tolerated. If it is discovered that a students has cheated they will 

receive a zero on the assignment/test and they will receive an automatic zero for their 

citizenship grade.

Behavior Expectations 

In order to have a positive learning atmosphere all students are expected to be respectful 

and courteous to each other. I expect all students to know what types of behavior are 

acceptable or not in a school setting. Students need to be respectful towards teachers, 

other students, and themselves. Students are here to learn and grow. Appropriate 

consequences will be given to students who do not follow class and/or school rules. 

Text Book 

Each class will have access to a classroom set of books that will be located in my classroom. 

Any damage that occurs to these books will result in a fine. In addition to the classroom set of 

books, each student will be given a text book to take home. I advise students to leave this book 

at home in order to complete homework assignments when they are assigned. It is the student?s 

responsibility to keep track of this book and turn it in at the end of the year. 

Materials 

A student can not be successful in the classroom if they are not prepared to learn and participate.

The following supplies need to be brought to class on a daily basis. If students are not prepared their 

citizenship will be lowered.

Pen/Pencil     Colored Pencils     Paper     Assignments

Homework/Make-up Work 

Most assignments will be completed in class. However, if a student is not able to complete

 an assignment in class they will need to complete the assignment on their own time. 

It is the student's responsibility to complete the work assigned and turn it in on the date it is due. 

Assignments must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit for the work. 

When a student is absent they need to meet with me before or after class to discuss what 

they need to do to in order to make up any missing assignments.? Additional time will be given 

for these assignments to be made up; if you miss one day they will have an additional day to 

turn in their assignment. A student has one week to make arrangements to collect missing work, 

if they do not do so they will not be allowed to make up the missing work. 

Late Work 

Any assignment that is not turned in on the due date will be considered late. A student has one 

day after an assignment's original due date to turn in their late work. If a student turns in an 

assignment at this time they will receive half credit for the assignment. After one day, no late work 

will be accepted and the students will receive a zero for the assignment.

Extra Credit 

Student should not count on extra credit as a way to gain quick points to help them bring

 up a low grade. Each student is allowed a total of 20 points of extra credit per term. 

These assignments tend to be writing based and are somewhat difficult to complete.

Extra credit will not be accepted from any student who has more than one missing assignment.

Extra credit options will be offered at various times throughout each term. All extra credit assignment 

will be graded the last day of each term regardless of when they were turned in. 

Additional Help 

As a teacher it is my job to help ensure that all students have an opportunity

 to learn, therefore I am always willing to spend extra time with any student who needs

 additional help. I usually arrive at school by 7:00 a.m. and stay until 4:00 p.m.

Students are welcome to come and get help from me during this time. 

In Conclusion

As we progress throughout the year, it may be necessary to make changes to my

 classroom policies and procedures. In that event, the students will be notified. 

If you need to contact me for any reason you can reach me by calling the

 school directly or by emailing me at cgriffiths@graniteschools.org? 

(there is a link found on the OJH website).