6th Grade, Ancient Civilizations Instructor: Ms. PearigenE-Mail: pearigen@es-la.com

OverviewThis course will study the origins of human history by looking at some of its earliest civilizations from around the globe. In the first trimester, we will focus on Africa and the Middle East, while in the second we will consider the ancient cultures of the Americas and Asia. In the final trimester, we will study European civilizations such as ancient Greece and Rome. Throughout the year, we will be focusing on the materials left behind by the different cultures, considering what they originally meant and what they mean today.

Course GoalsMy hope for this year is that students will begin to consider fundamental questions such as What is history? and Why is history an important subject to study?, even as they develop their understanding of chronological thinking. Students should also learn the difference between primary and secondary sources as they begin to gather evidence to support an argument.

Expectations students will complete homework and assignments on time teacher will grade and return work in a timely manner students will arrive at class on time and prepared teacher will end class on time everyone will remain respectful of each other, whether listening or

speaking

AssessmentStudent performance in the class will be assessed in the following way:

Unit Tests (60%) Projects and Essays (30%) Quizzes and Homework (10%)

Late PolicyNightly homework will be a completion grade; no late work will be considered. After three incomplete homework assignments, the student’s parents will be contacted. If a student anticipates the need for an extension for a larger assignment, it must be requested in advance. If a major assignment is late, an email will be sent to his/her parents, the student must meet with the teacher to arrange a second deadline, and the highest possible grade will be a B+. If the student misses a second deadline, the process may be repeated, but the highest possible grade will be a C+.

Note TakingIn the first trimester, students will be using a pen or pencil and paper when taking notes. In the second trimester, students will use their iPads to take notes. We will then evaluate the two methods before the third trimester.

TextsThe course will use a variety of texts and sources, all of which will be provided by the teacher. Although there are no required textbooks, there will be required reading.

Key Dates and AssignmentsSeptember 25: Human Origins TestOctober 19: Egyptian Afterlife ProjectOctober 23: Ancient Egypt TestNovember 16: Ancient Middle East TestDecember 7: Native American Group Presentations, section ADecember 9: Native American Group Presentations, section BDecember 17: Native American Test

Michaelmas Term OutlineAugust 31-September 25: Introduction to the Course and Human Origins in AfricaSeptember 28-October 23: Ancient EgyptOctober 26-Novemember 16: Ancient Middle East

Epiphany Term OutlineNovember 18-December 17: Native North American TribesJanuary 3-January 27: MayansJanuary 28-March 1: Ancient Asian Cultures

Easter Term OutlineMarch 3-April 15: Ancient GreeceApril 18-May 4: Ancient RomeMay 5-31: Medieval Europe

6th Grade, Ancient Civilizations 1