Grade 9 – Global I

I: Dawn of Civilization

Find out why humans were able to settle down, what they accomplished, and how scholars study the past before written history.

II: Early Civilizations

Early societies begin to flourish in river valleys. Discover the first known groups in the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, and the Chinese River Valleys.

III: Classical Civilizations

Compare and contrast Greece and Rome as well as their contributions to societies around the globe.

IV: World Religions

Learn more about world religions and the spread of ideas and spheres of influence associate with each belief system.

V: Gupta, Tang & Song

Other early empires ruled across the great area of Asia. Discover how they were similar and different form other world empires.

VI: The Byzantine Empire

One of the greatest civilizations to ever exist, the Byzantine Empire's contributions to future societies is explored in this unit.

VII: Rise of Islam

Discover fact vs. fiction in regards to the spread and power of early Islamic nations.

VIII: Medieval Europe

Lasting from the 5th century to the 15th century this era covers the end of the Byzantine Empire until the Age of Discovery.

IX: The Crusades

Holy war after holy war... was it all just for a piece of land?

X: Feudal Japan

Learn about feudal systems and the Samurai

XI: Mongolia

Genghis Khan's empire was one of the largest to ever exist. Discover how he united people amid the vast lands of Asia.

XII: The Reformation

Martin Luther began his own crusade against the corruption of churches and forever changed religion in Europe.

XIII: Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa was once home to some of the world's greatest kingdoms. Discover the architecture, trade, art, and civilizations of the Sub-Saharan region.

XIV: Mesoamerica

Take a closer look at the early civilizations of Mesoamerica and their artistic and engineering contributions and achievements.

XV: The Ming Dynasty

Learn more about the beginning of the end of feudalism in China and the tradition of hereditary rule. 

XVI: Age of Exploration

Looking for the new world had its consequences. Find out what countries made the push forward and what the outcomes were for natives and Europeans.

SYLLABUS (Click here to download)

Mr. Shinski
Email: CShinski@gmail.com
Class website: Ilovesocialtudies.com
Global Studies I – NYS Regents

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”
-Robert Kennedy

Overview:
Welcome to 9th grade Global Studies part II of the New York State Regents’ course! Throughout this year we will continue to explore cultures and history throughout the globe. We will examine the way historians and scientists study history before written records and discover the ways societies developed all over the world. Thousands of years and nearly every continent will be analyzed this year! Major units will include the Fertile Crescent, Ancient China, the development of Religion, Classical Civilizations, and the Renaissance. Along the way it is my goal to help all students develop a critical mind that receives history with a conscious awareness of global citizenship. More simply put, I want each of you to study history as if you were living in the moment and to form your own opinions of the events and people that helped shape it. We will be following the NYS Standards, Common Core Standards (ELA), and the NYS Common Core ELA Shifts.

Target Skills to Develop:
Writing – Expository writing, creating claims, justifying statements with factual evidence from texts.
Reading – Critical analysis, text coding and annotating.
Social studies literacy elements – Maps, tables, charts, graphs, diagrams
Character – The mental and moral qualities of an individual. Tolerance and empathy will be developed through out study of human history including tragedies and great acts of kinds and sacrifice.

Methods of Instruction:
Throughout this year we will be exploring social studies through many forms. Social studies is a multi-media experience and I intend to utilize a vast array of literature, video, and audio on multiple platforms including but not limited to online tools, SMART lessons, and good old fashioned books! I do my best to keep the class entertaining and lively and hope you will all be active participants in the classroom! Collaboration is key!

Key Classroom Policies:
1) Be respectful of everyone in the classroom (peers, aides, substitutes, guests, administrators, myself, and yourself as well)
2) Come prepared.
3) Go to the restroom between periods. You may sign out but if data shows you’re leaving “often” I will be forced to investigate the issue further.
4) Don’t cheat! It’s just not worth it. If you’re honestly struggling, let me know, we will get through it together!

Attendance and Make Up Work:
Students that are absent should do their best to contact me using the class website, email, or phone (call the school!) in effort to find out what assignments they are missing and where they can find the course materials. To begin the year, overdue work will be accepted with no penalties until the fifth late assignment is turned in. After the fifth assignment, overdue work will receive point deductions and ultimately result in phone calls home. This policy is under my discretion and extenuating circumstances are considered as they occur. While homework and content may be completed outside of class I believe the majority of learning comes from in class participation and group activities.
-Chronic absenteeism will be reflected by the school’s policy

Course Requirements:
The grading system used will follow the same schedule as noted in your student handbook as determined by the district.
The class will be graded on a 0-100 scale and assignments are weighted as shown below:
Exams: 25%
Papers: 25%
Projects: 20%
Homework: 20%
Participation*: 10%
*Participation is shown by completing bell ringers, exit slips, and participating in discussions.

Academic Integrity:
Any plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance to the school handbook.
Please see me if you have any questions about academic dishonesty including plagiarism.

Course Resources:
Several supplemental resources for students can be found on the class website, ilovesocialstudies.com, to help improve literacy skills and organizational skills.

Required and Recommended Materials:
-2.5” binder, D-Ring
-Binder dividers with labels
-Loose leaf paper (college or wide ruled)
-Black/Blue pens
-Pencils (#2 and colored)
-2 Pocket folder

Final Thoughts:
Social studies is way more than just remembering names, facts, and events. History is a cumulative story and it is important to remember some voices get lost. Hopefully we are able to find the lost perspectives and explore them while contributing to our own piece of the puzzle. Consider the following:

-How do inventions and new technology affect the world today?
-How have ideas changed over time?
-What trends have existed and do people continue to go down the same paths?
-What does history reveal about social interactions between individuals and groups?
-Why do humans have such a difficult time co-existing?
-How are people connected to the past?
-Is history accurate or has it been modified by writers, historians, and the victors of wars?
-What legacy should today’s humans leave for the future?
-How have people strived for and achieved social justice and change?
-Can an individual maintain their identity and story through the recording of history?
-How do perspectives of historical events differ between individuals, groups, re