Teacher: Mrs. Linda Bryant-Butler
School Phone: 770-740-7090
E-mail: Butlerl@fulton.k12.ga.us
Textbook: The Georgia Studies Book, The University of Georgia, 1999
Replacement Cost $28.50
Course Description: Students trace the history of Georgia in the context of the development of the entire U.S. nation. A chronological focus includes the foundations of Georgia in the 18 th century through the state’s development in the 20 th century. Students also examine the characteristics of state government, public issues, and citizen rights and responsibilities. In addition, they explore contemporary and historical comparisons of state and national political institutions.
Course Outline: First Semester
Unit 1 Geography of Georgia
Unit 2 Prehistoric Georgia
Unit 3 Early Georgia
Unit 4 The American Revolution and Statehood
Unit 5 Foundations of Georgia Government
Unit 6 Westward Expansion
Second Semester
Unit 7 Georgia Government
Unit 8 Civil War and Reconstruction
Unit 9 The Rise of Modern Georgia
Unit 10 Civil Rights
Unit 11 Modern Georgia
Grading: Tests 25%
Projects 25%
HW/Classwork 20%
Quizzes 15%
Midterm/Final 15%
FultonCountyAcademic Grading Scale:
A 90 and above
B 80-89
C 70-79
F 69 and below*
*By state rule any grade below 70 is failing.
Special Projects: Various long-term projects are assigned throughout the year. Sample project topics include Native American Comparison, Debate, Legislative simulation, and 20 th Century Decades. Students will receive a detailed handout describing each project as it is assigned. Students are expected to work on these projects outside of class, as well as in class.
Homework: Brief homework assignments are given approximately 3-4 times a week. Homework is graded based on completion of the assignment, and students are expected to have their homework the day that it is due. Late homework will not be accepted. In addition to written assignments, students need to study for upcoming tests.
Provision for Improving Grades: Students who have low (below 75) or failing cumulative grades may ask the teacher for opportunities to improve their grade when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated as legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Extra Credit: Ten hours of documented community service will earn three points on the final average. The student can earn 10 point coupons that may be used to improve an individual grade by reading novels and reporting to me during homeroom to take a novel quiz.
(10 per semester) Ten point coupons may also be earned by attending road trips and writing a brief report.
Help Sessions: Help sessions are available most mornings from 8:00 – 8:30 AM by making an appointment with the teacher at least 24 hours in advance.
Communication: Parents may contact me at school by calling or by using e-mail. Messages are returned within 24 hours. In addition face to face conferences may be requested to discuss a students progress or behavior.
Absence/Make-up Procedure: FCBOE Policy JBD – Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teachers to request make-up work within the time specified by the teacher. At TaylorRoadMiddle School, the student will be given the same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. The student will receive the actual grade on the make up work if the absence was “excused”. Make up work for “unexcused” absences may be reduced by ten points. Make up work submitted late will receive a grade of zero.
Classroom Procedures: There are four basic expectations in this class:
Discipline: To ensure the proper learning environment in the classroom, all students are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning. If discipline problems arise, detentions will be issued and the parents will be contacted.
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