Current Issues Syllabusi

Instructor: Ms. K. Mays

Teaching Philosophy
Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall
find a way around or through it. Bruce Lee

Tutorial Hours: Monday 4:00 pm 6:00 pm

Phone: (404) 802-4700

Room: 7.181
Email: kamays@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Course Description:
This course will provide students with an opportunity to research, understand, examine and sight
differing viewpoints in relevant issues impacting governments at home and around the world.
Students will familiarize themselves with issues that are frequently posted in newspapers,
television news and popular media forms. Students will analyze various issues as well as the
causes and (possible long term) impacts, while utilizing Social Studies skills to question/examine
how decisions are made concerning these issues.
The course strives to cover one new issue per week. Topics of discussion will be categorized in
the following Units: Technology and Society; Environmental and Energy, Social Interactions,
World Conflicts and Economic Issues.
Objectives:

Students will become more aware of the major issues of the day and become more
informed citizens of the Global community
Students will form and express views and opinions on the major issues of today
Students will learn to tolerate and coexist with people possessing viewpoints and beliefs
that differ from their own
Students will become more aware of media bias and become more media literate

Required Course Materials:

3 Ring Binder with loose leaf paper

o (dividers are recommended but not required to help separate units)
Pens (blue or black ink) and pencils
There is no required text book for this course however readings will be taken from

o The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, CNN, Fox News, various

other media sources

o Some library research will be required

Classroom Expectations and Policies:

Every student is expected to attend all class meetings arriving on time and coming
prepared with materials. (3 tardies can affect your participation grade).
As per school regulation, cell phones, music players and other electronics are only
allowed with teacher permission; otherwise they are not to be used in the classroom.
Support and RESPECT your classmates!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T the classroom by not littering, damaging, ruining or defacing the class
room walls, desks, boards, computers, etc.
Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism and Cheating will NOT be accepted
Finally, if you are unsure if its okay, ask first please

Unofficial Policies

Do Not be afraid to try!

Laugh at the teachers jokes!
Believe in yourself!
Do not let someone else cause you to have a bad day!
Drop bad attitudes at the door. Or at least mute them upon entering class
If you see an excuse, dont pick it up.

Consequencesii
1) Verbal Warning
2) Name on Board
3) A check placed by name indicating a Write-up to follow
4) Call to Parent/Guardian
5) Contact Counselor or Counterpart
6) Contact Administrator
Make-up Work
It is the responsibility of the student to collect work assignments missed due to a verified
absence. Make-up assignments will only be accepted within the first THREE days upon your
return and before or after class (not during class). Failure to make up missed assignments and/or
tests within the allotted time frame may ultimately result in a ZERO

Grading and Scale

The APS Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1) was revised in October of 2014. The policy
addresses a variety of areas including, but not limited to, grading practices, grade reporting, and
students in danger of not meeting academic expectations. The revised regulation places a greater
emphasis on mastery grading, including allowing students an opportunity to re-assess when they have
not achieved content mastery. The entire policy can be found on the APS website under Board Policy
Manual.

Classroom Participation:
Classwork:
Homeworkiii
Mini Projects:
Tests:
Major Projects:
Midterm:
Final:
100 90: = A

89-80: = B

10%
10%
5%
15%
10%
20%
15%
15%
79-70: = C

69 and below: = F

i Teacher reserves the right to change any part of syllabus as determined by class needs
and scheduling.
ii Serious offences will be dealt with accordingly. Also North Atlanta High School rules for
detention, in school suspension, etc. will be followed as well.
iii Any homework assigned in this class should not take more than 30 minutes to
complete. Possible homework assignments may include completing activities not
completed in class, independent assignments, research, projects, etc.