Social Science Syllabus 2016/2017

Mr. Manankichian, Room 105

Email at tmanankichian@arteshs.org
Website: mrmanankichian.weebly.com
Office/Tutoring hours: Monday 3:30-4:30 PM and Wednesday during lunch
Course Title:
Mexican American History

Department Philosophy:
The Social Sciences Department ensures that all students will analyze and discuss
primary and secondary source documents throughout their study of history at
ArTES. Students will become skillful critical readers and articulate writers and
speakers of historical phenomena through a rigorous program. The Social Science
Department fosters students to become a proactive student-citizen-artist.

Course Philosophy:
To attain a better understanding of the political, economic, social, and cultural
aspects of modern America, students must analyze the historical domestic and
foreign turning points that shaped our modern world. Studying history encourages
students to learn from analyze and evaluate information, recognize historical
patterns, embrace multiple perspectives, and learn from the mistakes of the past.

Course Description, Prerequisites, Major Skills Taught

There are no prerequisite courses for Mexican American History. This is an elective
course. This semester we will focus on Mexican Americans History through the lense
of primary texts, poems, videos, and art. The course will begin with a unit on the
importance of identity and Ethnic Studies. Unit 2 will focus on the events leading up
to the creation of a Mexican American identity during the 16 th-18th centuries. Unit 3
will focus on the creation of the Chicano/a identity. Lastly, unit 4 will focus on
twentieth and twenty first century Mexican American voices.
An emphasis will be placed on essay writing, analysis of historical documents,
mastering of content information, critical and evaluative cognitive skills, and
aptitude in multiple-choice exams. Both chronological and thematic approaches are
used to discuss and analyze the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of
history.

Interdisciplinary and Cross-disciplinary Learning

Common Social Studies themes will be presented in history, and prevalent in World
History, Government, and Economic courses. There will also be projects and
assignments that require the student to incorporate English Language, Math,
Science, and Art skills.

Content and/or Professional Standards/ Common Core State

Standards:
ArTES curriculum and instruction are aligned to the Common Core State Standards
(CCSS) to ensure that students graduate from ArTES with the skills and knowledge
they need to succeed in college, career, and life. These standards help students
build the strong foundations needed to apply their learning both inside and outside
the classroom. One of the key skills in the Common Core is writing. Students can
expect to write in EVERY ArTES class. Class curriculum will also draw on the
California State Standards for Social Science.

Standards-Based Grading:
Student grades are based upon mastery of the CCSS and content-specific standards.
Teachers establish student learning goals and students are assessed on their level
of skill and knowledge. As a student, you will focus on your progress, not on the
number of points you have in a course.
Late Work Policy
Standards Based Grading provides multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery
of the standards. Therefore, students are expected to submit all assignments on time. Late
work will not be assessed. If the student has extenuating circumstances which prevent
meeting a deadline, the student must communicate with their teacher as soon as possible to
discuss possible solutions.
For every excused absence, students have one additional school day to submit their
assignments.

Student Portfolios:
Electronic portfolios will help you keep track of your progress and show your level of
mastery in all classes. At ArTES, you are responsible for representing yourself as a
Student, Citizen, and an Artist; your portfolio will provide a place to demonstrate
your accomplishments in all three areas.

Formative Assessments (15% of gradebook)

Formative Assessments given throughout the course to monitor student learning
include, but are not limited to homework, class-work, document annotations, class
discussions, projects, debate or mock/moot trials, quizzes, blogs, attendance, and
web activities.

Summative Assessments (85% of grade)

Summative assessments given at the end of each unit will include: Humanitas
essays, long response essays, document based question essays, short-response
answers, debates, projects, and multiple choice exams.
Grading Scale:

Grading Weight:

85-100% = 4 (A)
76-89% = 3 (B)
55-75% = 2 (C)
Under 55% = 0-1 (F) You are on academic
probation. Advisory, coaches, and parents are
notified regarding tutoring. You will not
receive credit towards high school
graduation. You will not meet A-G
requirements for four-year universities.

Summative (85% total):

Essays (including Humanitas Essay)
Unit Exams
Projects/Accelerated/Debate/Mock or
Moot Trial
Formative (15% total):
HW/Class
work/Attendance/Debate/Quizzes

Homework/After-Hours Expectations
Students are expected to plan for two to three hours of homework per week for this
course. Students may choose to attend the office hours of any Social Studies
teacher for additional help. Students who receive failing marks in Social Studies will
be required to attend mandatory tutoring hours in order to comply with the
academic probation contract.