Global Studies I: Ancient World History

Byrnes Freshman Academy

Mr. E. Taus, Room A-12

E-mail: eric.taus@spart5.net
Web Address: http://mysterytaus.ning.com

Course Description:
Global Studies I is a chronological study of the world from the development of civilization through
Enlightenment. The course focuses on the history of early civilizations, empires of the ancient
world and classical civilizations, and changes and developments in civilizations around the world to
c. 1800. Geography skills and connections to the present are strong components of the course,
with relevant economic, political, cultural and geographical content interwoven in the curriculum.

A Note on Course Content:

As we study ancient world history, we will also study world religions. Our purpose in doing so is to
explore how these religions have played a part in shaping the history of our world. All religions are
afforded equal respect in the classroom.
Other controversial topics may be discussed without the promotion of one idea over another.

Text:
World History (Glencoe)

Other literature will be assigned throughout the year.

Supplies:
3” Three-ring binder No. 2 Pencils White, college-ruled notebook paper
Blue or black ink pens Highlighters
5 Tabbed Notebook Dividers

All students are required to have their agenda and above items with them every day.

Academy Rules:
1. Follow directions.
2. Come to class prepared.
3. Be in your seat and working when the bell rings.
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
5. No harassment, name-calling, or put-downs.

The discipline code will be utilized for all school policies as it appears in the James F.
Byrnes Freshman Academy Student Handbook.

Instructor’s Policies:

Tardiness:
Students who are not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings are classified as tardy.
Consequences will be issued for tardiness as stated in the BFA Student Handbook
Restroom Use:
1. Students should use the restroom before or after class during the class change time period.
2. If there is a real emergency, you must have the hall pass sheet in your agenda completed
with the location of the restroom and the time you are leaving class before having me to
initial it.

Assignments: Tests: 50% - Quizzes: 25% - Exams: 20% - Class Participation: 5%

1. Tests & Projects:
a. You can expect chapter tests throughout each unit of study.
b. Cumulative Review Tests will be given at the end of each unit of study in preparation
for exams.
c. Tests will be announced in class.
d. Projects will be assigned when relevant. These assignments may require some
preparation outside of the classroom.
2. Quizzes:
a. Quizzes may or may not be announced ahead of time.
3. Homework:
a. Homework assignments are used to help the student summarize the content and
concepts gained in class.
b. Homework may be assigned nightly and will be collected by the teacher.
4. Notebooks:
a. Students are expected to keep all class materials for each unit neatly organized in a
binder.
b. Students are to divide their notebooks into the following sections: Handouts,
Homework, Maps, Notes, Quizzes, Current Project.
5. Late Work:
a. Assignments are due on the due date.
b. Assignments turned in after class are considered late. You will not be allowed to
leave class to go to your locker to get your assignment.
c. There will be a 15 point deduction for each day past the due date. (one day =
highest grade of 85, two days = highest grade of 70, etc.)
d. If you fail to complete all required work, you will receive an incomplete on your
progress reports and report cards.
6. Makeup Work:
a. All makeup work must be done within 5 school days from the absence. After 5
school days, you will receive an incomplete for any work not made up.
b. You are responsible for scheduling a time to makeup work.

Exams:
Students will have a cumulative exam at the mid-term and a final exam at the end of the year
which will address all units and standards presented up to that point.
Grading:
Grades will be based on a point system. You will be given a bi-weekly progress report which will
reflect all grades earned, so you should always be aware of your average in this class.
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A = 93 – 100 D = 70 - 76
B = 85 – 92 F = 69 and below
C = 77 – 84
 Global Studies I: Ancient World History
Projected Course Outline

The following South Carolina Social Standards will be addressed in this course:
GS-1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of life in the classical civilizations and the
contributions that these civilizations have made to the modern world.

GS-2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the social, political, geographic, and
economic changes that took place in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas from the time of the
Byzantine Empire through the Middle Ages.

GS-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the influence of the Western world in the
spread of new ideas that took place from the Renaissance through the eighteenth century.

The following units will be taught in this course:

Unit 1: The First Civilizations, Prehistory – AD 500

Chapter 1: The First Humans, Prehistory-3500 BC
Chapter 2: Western Asia & Egypt, 3500 – 500 BC

Unit 2: Asia, 3000 BC – AD 1800

Chapter 3: India and China, 3000 BC – AD 500
Chapter 8: The Asian World, AD 400 – 1500

Unit 3: Africa, 2000 BC – AD 1500

Chapter 7: Early African Civilizations, 2000 BC – AD 1500

Unit 4: Ancient Empires, 1900 BC – AD 500

Chapter 4: Ancient Greece, 1900 – 133 BC
Chapter 5: Rome and the Rise of Christianity, 600 BC – AD 500

Unit 5: New Patterns of Civilization, AD 400 – 1800

Chapter 9: Emerging Europe and the Byzantine Empire, AD 400 – 1300
Chapter 10: Europe in the Middle Ages, AD 1000 – 1500
Chapter 6: The World of Islam, AD 600 – 1500

Unit 6: The Early Modern World, AD 400 – 1800

Chapter 11: The Americas, AD 400 – 1500
Chapter 13: The Age of Exploration, AD 1500 - 1800
Chapter 12: Renaissance and Reformation, AD 1350 – 1600
Chapter 14: Crisis and Absolutism in Europe, AD 1550 - 1715
Chapter 17: Revolution and Enlightenment, 1550 – 1800
 Parents/Guardians and Student Agreement for Mr. Taus’ Global Studies I Class

Please read and sign the following agreement and return by Monday, August 14, 2006:

Parents/Guardians:
I have read my student’s course syllabus for Mr. Taus’ Global Studies I class. I understand that I
am responsible for maintaining the supplies needed by my student for Mr. Taus’ class. I also
understand the instructor’s policies regarding tardiness, restroom use, grading and assignments. I
will encourage my student to maintain a copy of this syllabus in his/her notebook for future
reference.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________________

Print Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Contact information:
Phone Number(s): Daytime: ______________________________________
Evening: ______________________________________
Best time to reach you: __________________________
Email address: _____________________________________________
Can I communicate with you through email? YES NO

Student:
I have read my course syllabus for Mr. Taus’ Global Studies I class. I understand that I am
responsible for telling my parents/guardians when I need supplies for class. I also understand Mr.
Taus’ policies regarding tardies, restroom use, grading and assignments. I understand that Mr.
Taus does not give full credit for late work and that I am responsible for scheduling a time for
makeup work within 5 days of my absence from class. I also understand that if I fail to complete
required coarse work, then I will receive Incomplete on my grade reports. I will maintain a copy of
this syllabus in my notebook for future reference.

Student Signature: ________________________________________________________