ASIAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES

Mrs. Bates
Lindsey.Johnson@merrimack.k12.nh.us
Telephone: 424-6204 Ext. 3564
I. Course Description
This course is a survey of African and Asian history. Students will be introduced to major
events in the political, economic and cultural development of Africa and Asia from
ancient to modern times. Topics will include early civilizations and cultures, religious
traditions, the impact of European colonization, Twentieth Century nationalism and
modern-day challenges.
II. Basic Course Outline
A.
Past and Present Civilizations in India
Ancient World
Hinduism and Buddhism
Imperialism
Globalization
B.
Past and Present Civilizations in China
Ancient World
Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism
Imperialism
Global Affairs
C.
The Muslim World
Rise and Spread of Islam
Islamic Empire
Modern Middle East
D.
African History
Ancient Kingdoms
Exploration and Diaspora
Cultural Traditions
The Global Age and Revolution
III. General Student Objectives
A. Describe the basic culture of a traditional family unit.
B. Identify the dominant physical features.
C. Analyze the influence of physical geography on the economic subsistence of the
traditional family unit.
D. Identify the current political geography of all of Africa and Asia.
E. Compare and contrast the primary tenets of: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,
Islam, and compare Western and Eastern traditions.
F. Identify the cause and effect relationship of major political events in 20th century.
G. Analyze the impact of change in the 20th Century.
H. Demonstrate serious personal reflection on any of the above objectives through
project/presentations.
IV. Competencies:
All social studies courses are framed around the skill-based competencies of research,
comprehension, analysis, and evaluation. Research is the foundation of life-long
learning. Students will demonstrate the ability to locate content specific information
utilizing varied sources. Comprehension refers to the basic understanding of content
knowledge throughout the continuum of the course. Students will be expected to apply
their knowledge to the higher order thinking skills of analysis and evaluation. Analysis is
the ability to make connections, recognize relationships, and relate content knowledge to
larger concepts and themes. Evaluation enables students to become independent

thinkers. Students will develop informed opinions, make predictions, form conclusions,
and generate inquiry for further reflection.
V. Methods/Strategies
A. Assigned readings
B. Full class and small group discussions: teacher led and student led
C. Individual and group outside readings and research projects
D. Multimedia presentations

Classroom Policies
Building a Classroom Community
In order to create a comfortable classroom environment we must treat everyone
with respect. What does this mean? Respect is: being a good listener, practicing
tolerance, and accepting everyones self-worth. Throughout the school year, you
will be expected to work with different groups and partners. If you are unable to
respect other students and adults in the classroom -- you will be asked to leave.

Assignments:

You are responsible for knowing when work is due. For every day your assignment is
late your grade will go down by 20%. After five school days (not class days) the
assignment no longer has point value.

Sometimes things outside of class might get in the way of you completing your work
(i.e. family issues, health, etc.). If this is the case you must talk to me well before the
due date to discuss a possible change in the deadline. Do not wait until the day
before or on the day of the deadline.

Major assessments (i.e. projects, essays, posters etc.) are to be handed in on the day
of the deadline. Major assignments are not to be worked on or printed out in class. If
you do not have the assignment because of outside circumstances at home, your
parent or guardian must contact me in advance to discuss your progress on the
assignment.

You will use your own words on written assignments. We will discuss the definition of
plagiarism further in class. Without proper citation, copying text from a website and
slightly changing the words IS plagiarism. On major assignments (i.e. essays,
projects, etc.) you must write I have abided by MHS policy and sign your name. By
doing this you recognize that you have not plagiarized.

All work must be completed individually unless stated otherwise by the teacher.

Attendance and Punctuality:

Arrive on time before the bell. Arrive after the bell with a teacher pass.

If you come into class tardy more than once you will be asked to stay after school
with me. If you fail to meet with me your name will be reported to the office.

Sign out to leave the classroom. Record your name, where you are going, and the
time. If you must use the restroom during a quiz or test, leave your cellphone on the
desk. Otherwise, you will not be able to revisit the test questions you already
answered or left blank.

Productivity:

During class time you are expected to be prepared, alert, and active. Throughout the
semester I will be keeping track of your productivity and class participation.

Grading:

Your grade is based on the average of total points earned on all assignments and
tests. Unless otherwise stated, homework assignments are generally worth 5 - 10
points, quizzes are worth 20 points, and tests are worth 50 to 100 points. The Final
Grade is based on 40% for each quarter and 20% on the final exam. The National
History Day project will count for 50% of the final exam grade.

Cell Phones and iPods

Nowadays, digital devices have become a necessary part of our daily routine. I bring
my cellphone into school every day. There are times that I need to use it during lunch
or between class periods. But when Im working, its out of sight out of mind. There
will be times in class that I ask you to use your phone to look up information, locate
maps, or use a calculator. However, for most of our time together, you will be asked
to discuss, listen, and think. Your cell phone disrupts the learning process.

Please refrain from the

duckface selfie