World Cultures                                                          Brunswick School     

2007-2008                                                                   Mr. Taylor

 

WORLD CULTURES COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

In this course, students will study the components that make up culture and how it has evolved in Japan, Africa and the Middle East.  Students will examine what is common to all societies: creation theories; history; governments; religious beliefs; family and marriage; and economic systems.  As a result, students will discover the behavior, values, institutions, arts, customs, morals and communication methods of these worlds and compare and contrast this knowledge with our own culture. The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding and respect for different cultures, and encourage future study and appreciation of the world outside our communities.

 

Reading Materials

 

Achebe, Chinua                       Things Fall Apart (summer)

Angelino, Elvio ed.                 Anthropology (07/08)

Rampolla, Mary Lynn              A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, fourth edition

Regional Studies Series:         Japan and Korea,

Africa,

The Middle East and North Africa

 

Other readings and projects will be handed out in class or will be available on www.wicknet.org/history/rtaylor.

 

Grading Policy

 

The final grade for each quarter will be composed of the following:

 

Tests, major writing assignments, and projects:          60%

Homework and quizzes:                                              20%

Class participation:                                                     20%

 

In this course, students will have a variety of ways to demonstrate understanding of the material and advance their writing, reading, presentation, and teamwork skills. There will be tests, writing assignments, presentations, class discussions and surprise quizzes.  However, students will be able to use their reading or class notes (but not computers) to take them. 

 

 

Note: At the end of each semester there will be a major research project due.

 

 

Expectations

 

Students are expected to take full responsibility for their work in this class. The best way to manage this work load is to stay as organized as possible. Students should check their emails frequently (on FirstClass conference only!)  for assignments, announcements and other class news. A three ring binder for your notes is recommended.  

 

If a student misses a class, he or she should obtain class notes and assignments from another student.  If a student is absent for reasons beyond his or her control and misses a deadline for an assignment, he or she may have a grace period equal to the number of days missed before the work is considered late.  For example, if absent for two days a student will have two days to turn in any missed work.  Any work turned in late will be assessed a 5% grade penalty for each day late.   If a student needs an extension it should be requested at least two days before the assignment is due.

 

Students should treat this class as their own.  They should come to class having done the homework, and prepared to contribute and ask questions in a thoughtful and mature way.  They should respect the views of others and be open to challenging their own.   

 

Finally, if a student needs help, has a question about an assignment, or needs to discuss upcoming work he or she should call me at home until 9 pm at 203-625-6331.  You may send an email to me as well at rtaylor@brunswickschool.org.  I try to answer emails as quickly as possible.

 

As Henry Ward Beecher said:

 

That is true culture which helps us to work for the social betterment of all.