CWCP Syllabus

Mr. Christer Sonheim

Description
Contemporary World Cultures and Problems is designed to prepare students for citizenship in the 21st century and provide a deeper understanding of humanity. Will examine todays current issues using geography, history, economics, sociology, and other tools of inquiry. The impact of Christians in the world will also be examined from several perspectives to help facilitate a sense of our roles as individuals and as part of a united Body.

Expectations
As a Christian educator I hold myself and each of you to very high expectations. This class will be fun, but not easy. Be prepared with the appropriate materials and for the exciting undertaking of active learning every day. You will also be expected to honor and participate in decisions about course content, activities, assessments, and due dates.

Assessment and Grading

Learning is assessed using a combination of methods including classroom participation, projects, writing, group activities, and tests. Homework assignments are an important component of this class, but will be limited in number. The emphasis of this class is on student improvement and learning rather than evaluation by points or letters. Studies have consistently shown that extrinsic motivators such as grades obstruct longterm learning and intrinsic motivation. Because of this, grades are not the focus of this course. Assignments are considered either complete (X) or incomplete (I). In the event of an incomplete you must resubmit within an appropriate time we are both agreed upon. Late work is worth 50%. Incomplete assignments are worth 0%. Letter grades will be given in compliance with Seattle Lutherans policy based on the averages of completed assignments. Grades are not intended to be mysterious, they are simply not the primary concern in my class.

Units
1. Culture 2. Worldviews 3. Globalization 4. Politics 5. Poverty & Hunger 6. Conict & Terrorism 7. Corporations 8. Environment 9. Human Rights 10. Hot Topics

www.mrchrister.com - csonheim@seattlelutheran.org - 1.707.456.7859