World Cultures

2006-2007

Mr. Kridler – brian.kridler@charlottecountryday.org 365-2915 (h) 943-4594 (w)

kridler@carolina.rr.com

 Text

A Reader will be distributed to each student at the beginning of the year.

 Course Description

The World Cultures course combines the traditional elements of history, geography, politics and economic development with an emphasis on the fundamental ideas and impact of the people and events covered. The topics addressed this year will be the legacy of Socrates, Gandhi, Mao, Colonialism in Africa and the Middle East Conflict.  By examining these topics students will engage in the process of discovery and analysis of history and human thought and interaction. In the process they may gain a richer appreciation for the many ideas that inform contemporary discourse.

Formal Assignments

Each student will engage in independent research of a topic related to a region under study and will prepare a web-based electronic essay with graphics and text. In addition, students will present their findings to the class through a formal oral presentation. These will be due in late November, early December. The exact dates will be posted on the course web page. The ability to do historical research, analytical writing and speak with confidence will establish a strong foundation for each student’s further course of study at Country Day. Students will also write journals approximately every two weeks that respond to current events in the region currently under study. These will enable the students to develop summary and analysis skills.

Course Expectations

General expectations of students are fairly straightforward. Students should come to each class prepared to participate in discussion, having completed the assigned work. Each student should have a notebook suitable for taking notes or doing a written exercise. All tests will be posted on the web and will be announced at least a week in advance. Quizzes may be unannounced or written into the syllabus. Each student should take care to consult the syllabus on a daily basis to ensure preparedness. Students who may miss a class should inform the teacher ahead of time. Late assignments will normally be penalized one letter grade per day. Extended absences will be easier to handle if students plan ahead and keep the teacher informed of the circumstances.

It is also important that students treat each other with respect, listen to the various perspectives offered in discussion and engage heartily in discussion. Everyone’s experience in the course will be much better if each practices patience, discipline and sensitivity.

Honor Policy

        In accordance with Upper School policy the Honor Code will be enforced in this class. Central to this policy is a good faith effort by students to present material under their name which represents their own efforts and ideas. All material must be submitted accompanied by the Honor Pledge in recognition of this fact. Violations of the policy will be submitted to the Honor Council for adjudication. Students should always consult the teacher should they have any uncertainty regarding the policy or its application.