Contemporary Issues Syllabus
Dr. Frasier
308 Alexander Hall
[email protected]
Course Description: Students will use inquiry skills to examine the issues that impact the
contemporary world. Included in the course will be analysis of the historical, cultural,
economic, and geographic factors that have raised certain issues to levels of concern in our
nation and around the globe. Students will engage in research and problem solving in order
to better understand and assess significant current issues.
Required Materials – Paper, pencil or pen, one subject notebook for warm-ups, binder or folder
to hold papers
Course Procedures and Expectations:
1. Arrive to class on time. Students are considered tardy if they are not in the classroom when
the bell rings. A tardy pass will be required to enter class after the bell.
2. Upon arriving to class, sit down and take out necessary materials. Students should bring
ALL materials to class on a daily basis. Constantly borrowing materials from classmates is
disruptive and interferes with class instruction. When the bell rings, you are expected to be in
your seat and ready to work.
3. Actively participate in all class activities. This includes taking notes, responding to
questions/asking questions, and contributing to group and class discussions. If you are working
on material from another class, you will receive a verbal warning to put the materials away. If
this becomes habitual, the work will be confiscated and turned in to the appropriate teacher.
Parents will also be notified. If you finish an assignment early, you may read silently or work on
an alternative assignment with permission.
4. If you need to use the restroom, wait for an appropriate time to ask. Do not interrupt
instruction to ask. Do not abuse the privilege or you will lose it. Students are not allowed to use
the restroom during direct instruction or assessments. You will receive two bathroom passes per
quarter.
5. If you are absent, CANVAS or send an email asking for missed work. See the Make-up
Policy Section for additional information.
6. At the end of the period, put away all materials and textbooks. You should remain in your
seat until you are dismissed.
7. Put forth maximum effort. Your success depends upon the effort you put into the class. If
you are having difficulty, or do not understand a concept, you are encouraged to ask questions or
seek assistance from Dr. Frasier.
8. All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. This includes
being respectful of others, using appropriate language, and refraining from disruptive behavior.
Assignments - Throughout this course, you will be given assignments that require you to think
critically and analyze both assorted texts and visual information. Sometimes topics covered in
the assigned readings are not covered in depth during class. Please be aware that all topics,
whether covered in class or assigned readings, may be included on unit assessments. In order to
encourage careful reading of all material, including the syllabus, Dr. Frasier will grant extra
credit to students who e-mail a funny animal picture to the address at the top of this syllabus.
This must be completed by the first Friday of class. If you are reading this, do not tell your
classmates.
Extra Credit – A few select opportunities will be available throughout the semester. See the
weekly schedule of Canvas for information and due dates. Extra credit will be offered to all
students, not on an individual basis. For more information, see “assignments” above.
Code of Conduct - Be aware of all of the policies and procedures in the University School Code
of Conduct.
Cheating and Plagiarism – Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing material will
receive a zero for the assignment and a disciplinary referral. Cheating and plagiarism can occur
in numerous ways. Examples include:
Using or paraphrasing someone else’s work and ideas without giving credit. You must include
the source and properly cite it. Changing a word or two is not acceptable. This applies to
research projects and class assignments involving the textbook.
Copying assignments in class, at home, or in the hallway before school starts
Providing test information or answers
Make-Up Policy - If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain assignments. Make-up
work is due based on the length of your absence. If you miss two days, you will have two days to
complete and turn in the assignment. If an assignment was due on the day you were absent, you
are expected to turn it in the day you return. Should you require an extra day, the maximum you
may receive is a 70%. No assignments will be accepted after the 2nd day.
Test and Quiz dates will be announced in class and posted on CANVAS. All students are
expected to take assessments on the assigned date. If a student is absent on the day of the test,
they are expected to take it during study period in the testing lab.
Students are encouraged to email Dr. Frasier or request make up work via the office. This will
help you stay on track with your school work and not fall behind.
Grading System - Grading will be done on a total point system. The total number of points may
vary depending on the number of assignments given throughout the quarter. Grades will be
updated weekly, but projects and other lengthy assignments will require additional time.
Electronic Devices - Occasionally we will utilize electronic devices for class projects and
activities. These items are only allowed when permission has been given by the teacher. Students
who abuse the policy will have their device confiscated and turned in to the office.
Food and Water – Food is not allowed in the classroom. Repeat offenders will be referred to
administration. Water is allowed in the classroom as long as it is in a bottle or other clear
container.
Online Learning - We will be utilizing Canvas for this course when online learning is
necessary. Attendance and Late Work policies will still apply when the course is shifted online.
