John Marshall High School

Course Syllabus:

World Affairs

 
 

Instructor

Dave Stutz

E-mail: dastutz@rochester.k12.mn.us
Class webpage: http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz

Prerequisite

None

Minnesota Graduation Standard

Issue Analysis

Course Description

Students in World Affairs gain an understanding that the world is composed of interrelated economic, political, religious, cultural, and ecological systems. They will explore how people’s beliefs, actions, and worldviews are shaped by those perspectives and recognize how diversity of cultures and opinions are needed to foster a democratic society for the world. The Internet and current news sources will be utilized in this course. Units are shaped by events in current news and have included topics such as:
  • Current events
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Global politics
  • Poverty
  • Religion
  • Terrorism
  • The United Nations
  • Weapons of mass destruction

Materials

  • JM Student Planner
  • A three ring binder, loose-leaf paper, and pen/pencil daily
  • 2 floppy discs (PC formatted) and a plastic disc protector
  • Additional resources and readings as supplied in class

Extra help opportunities

Mr. Stutz is always in the school until at least 4PM. This is the single best time to meet with him and get extra help. Make arrangements and stick around for a bit - during the school day it is virtually impossible to meet for extra help.

General Information about homework and other assignments

Grades in the class are not weighted. That means that points are worth the same ‘value,’ whether earned on a test, quiz, homework, or in-class assignment.


As a general rule:

    • In-class assignment 5-10 points
    • Reading/Question set 10-20 points
    • Test/Quiz 25-50 points
    • Presentation/PowerPoint 25-50 points


    It is very important that all assignments are completed, as those points do add up. No student that has turned in all assignments has ever failed. This is not because of a mercy policy; it is because just doing all the work puts you into the best possible situation to do well.

    Extra credit is generally not given out, although some (unannounced) assignments may be graded as extra credit. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all work is turned in- it is of great benefit to your grade to do so!

Attendance

  • Every tardy will result in a 1% reduction in the quarter grade. 
  • Every unexcused absence will result in a 2% reduction in the quarter grade.  

Make up procedures

  • Students who have an excused absence will have 2 days for each day missed to turn work in ‘on time.’ Thereafter, the assignment will be not be accepted.
  • Late work is not accepted.
  • It is the student's responsibility to check the class web page or approach Mr. Stutz to determine what work is missing and make arrangements to redo such assignments.
  • Make up tests take place ONLY before or after school. Do not ask to do them during class hours.

Grading scale

  • 90 – 100% A
  • 80 – 89% B
  • 70 – 79% C
  • 60 – 69% D

Classroom Procedures and Rules

You are juniors and seniors. You don’t need a list of petty rules to follow. I have several pet peeves that translate into firm classroom expectations of conduct:
  1. Arrive in class on time with paper, binder, writing utensil, and any previously designated materials
  2. Remain in your seat until Mr. Stutz has dismissed the class
  3. Do NOT bring cell phones, beepers, or CD/tape players into the room. If I see them, I will take them and a parent or guardian will have to retrieve them.
  4. Swearing and derogatory remarks have no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated
  5. Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable and will result in an automatic "0" on the assignment.
  6. Show those who are speaking (including teachers and students) the respect, courtesy, and quiet they deserve