The document provides course descriptions and syllabi for various social studies courses, including economics, psychology, American history, world history, geography, citizenship, sociology, and life skills. All courses share similar classroom expectations, participation grading policies, exam formats, late work policies, reading requirements, and grading rubrics. Students are expected to be respectful, follow directions, attend class daily, and complete readings and assignments on time. Grades are based on exams, daily work like quizzes and notes, class participation, and projects.

1. Economics
http://mchsocstudies.blogspot.com/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course is designed to help students understand how people, businesses,
and governments choose to use resources. The following topics are addressed:
consumer decision-making, supply and demand, market organization, economic
measurements, financial structures, unemployment and inflation, monetary and
fiscal policies, and globalization.
Course of Study
1. Introduction into Economics
2. Practical Economics: How Theory Works for You
3. Microeconomics: Markets, Prices, and Business Competition
4. Microeconomics: American Business in Action
5. Macroeconomics: The Nations Economy
6. The International Scene
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.

2. Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.
Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

3. Psychology
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior
and mental processes. This purpose will be to provide students with a broad
background to help understand and assess the behavior and motivation of
themselves, as well as, others.
Course of Study
1. Approaches to Psychology
2. The Life Span
3. Learning and Cognitive Processes
4. Personality and Individuality
5. Adjustment and Breakdown
6. Social Psychology
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.

4. Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.
Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

5. American History
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Our study of American History begins with a look at The Civil War to the present.
Emphasis is placed on significant eras or periods in American History, including:
the Civil War, "Western Movement," the 1920's, The Great Depression, World
Wars, and Cold War era. The students are encouraged to inquire as to what
happened, how it happened, and why it happened. This course will help the
students to better understand their own lifetime. The complicated problems
facing people today are more readily understood with a working knowledge of
what has been before.
Course of Study
1. The Crisis of Union
2. The Birth of Modern America
3. Imperialism and Progressivism
4. Boom and Bust
5. Global Struggles
6. A Time of Upheaval
7. A Changing Society
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.

6. Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.
Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.
Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

7. World History
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Course Description
This course is a survey of activities by men and women, triumphs and dark
moments, as well as basic patterns of living from the very earliest form of social
organization to today’s complex and independent world. We’ll explore concepts
such as nationalism, industrialism, and technology; political, social, and
economic thought; and effect of geography
Course of Study
•The Early Modern World
•European Imperialism
•The Crisis of the Twentieth Century
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
• Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.
Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.

8. Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.
Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

9. Geography
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Course Description
Through the study of geography, students will explore and discover processes
that shape the earth, the relationships between people and environments, and
the links between people and places. Geography will help students build a global
perspective and understand the connections between global and local events.
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.
Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.

10. Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

11. Citizenship
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Course Description
Students will learn the basic structure of the United States government, including
the need of government in the world, the rights and responsibilities of citizens,
and a brief introduction to Economics.
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.
Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.

12. Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

13. Sociology
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Course Description
Through the study of sociology, students acquire an understanding of group interaction
and its impact on individuals in order that they may have a greater awareness of the
beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of others. In an increasingly interdependent world,
students need to recognize how group behavior affects both the individual and society.
The content will include, but not be limited to the following:
• Methods of study employed by sociologists
• Social institutions and norms
• Social classes
• Relationships between the sexes
• Racial and ethnic groups
• Group behavior
• Socialization process
• Social deviation
• Social conflict
• Social stratification
• Role of social organizations
• Marriage and family issues
Classroom Expectations
•Be respectful
•Follow directions
•Do your work
• Each student will be expected to be present,
attentive, and enthusiastic each day. Please take
care of your personal needs before class begins.
Participation Grades
Students earn participation points each day in class. Each day is worth three
points. You get your points by showing up for class. Points can be deducted for
tardiness, talking, classroom disruptions and violations of school and classroom
rules. In the event of an absence, you will receive your points when you present
your excuse.
Absences
The student will be required to check with the teacher before or after class for
missed assignments due to absence.

14. Exams
All students are required to take exams. Most exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, matching, and T/F. However, some exams will include essay.
Students will be informed of any essay elements in advance and may be given
possible essay questions for the chapter.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. Get your work in on time.
Readings
Each student will be expected to read the assignments given from the text and
any additional materials given in class.
Grading
Grades will be based on a composite of exams, daily work, and projects. Daily
work consists of quizzes, written work (including notes), and class participation.
Quizzes may not always be announced. Extra credit quizzes will be given
throughout the year. The extra credit quiz questions will come from your
readings.

15. Life Skills Syllabus
Mr. Lenz
Lenzjaso@mndcty.k12.mo.us
Web Page: http://mchsocstudies.blogspot.com/
Overview
This one-semester elective course will focus heavily on the events of today. The intent
of the course is to provide you with the basic background and foundational information to
help you understand the world that we live in today. It will examine various social,
political, economic, religious, and cultural events in different countries and regions in
order to better comprehend multiple perspectives on the world today. There will be a
major focus on studying current events (their origins and causes) and trying to come up
with solutions or predicting outcomes to those events.
Classroom Policies
· Bring your journal, notebook, and pen/pencil to class each day
· Respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher
· Keep the area around the desks clean
· Speak your mind, yet keep it open enough to accept new ideas and others
perspectives
· Do not engage in any behavior that disrupts any other member of the class, or
creates an atmosphere not conducive to learning
· No headphones, video games, or calculator games…don’t even bring them in my
room. If I see them, they are mine and you can get them back from Mr. Sharp
· No sleeping!!!!
· Class time will be devoted solely to Current Events. Unless specifically given
permission to do so, other homework will not be done in this class.
Tests, Quizzes, and Study Guides
All tests will be announced at least 3 days in advance. All tests will range in point value
from 50-125 points.

16. Projects
There will be several projects throughout the semester. Each project will be worth
50-100 points. The project will involve research and could be a presentation, a paper, a
role-playing situation, etc. I will provide a more exact description at a later date.
Make-Up Work
It is YOUR responsibility to arrange for all make-up work. All make-up work will be done
after school unless prior arrangements are made. You will be given the number of days
missed to make up any missing work. Failure to make up the work in this time frame will
result in a zero on the work. CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS!!!!
PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR WORK!!!!
Please be considerate and put your name and class period on everything that you turn in
for a grade. When I grade your work and there is no name, there will be a 3-point
deduction, or the student may decide to take a zero.
Student Honor System
A student must maintain an honest relationship with the teacher. The student should
always do his/her own work. For the first case of ACADEMIC CHEATING, the student
will receive a zero for the assignment. For a second case of ACADEMIC CHEATING,
the student will be referred to the office.
Tardies
The student is considered to be tardy unless he/she is inside the door when the bell
BEGINS to ring. Students are expected to remain in their seats until dismissed by the
teacher.
Individual Help Sessions
A student can schedule a help session at any time. My prep period is 2nd period and I
am also available after school on most days. Just let me know when you need some
help. I will always make every effort to be accessible to you.
Extra Credit
To be discussed later