Name: Ms. Tiffany Caruthers

Ms. Caruthers' Mini Biography:

This is my third year teaching at South Davis Jr High. I graduated from Utah State University as a History Teaching Major and Geography Teaching Minor. I was pleased to be honored as the History Teaching Major Student of the Year award for the 2018-2019 school year and I am also an active member of the International Geographical Honors Society (Gamma Theta Upsilon) and National History Honor Society (Phi Alpha Theta). I am excited to be part of the Spartan Family and work in such a great school district.

Contact Information

School Telephone: 801.402.6400

Email: tcaruthers@dsdmail.net

Email Return Policy: I will do my best to respond to all emails as quickly as possible. I understand how frustrating distance learning can be when you have to wait for an answer to your question. If your email is sent Monday thru Friday, I will respond within 24 hours. If you email during the weekend (Friday after 5 pm to Monday morning), I will return those emails on Monday.

2022-2023 Schedule

A Day	B Day
1st Period: World Geography	5th Period: World Geography
2nd Period: World Geography	6th Period: World Geography
3rd Period: Prep	7th Period: World Geography
4th Period: Student Government	8th Period: Prep
Available by appointment for additional times.

World Geography

Class Description:

This class will address people, places, events, cultures and environments, by world regions. There will also be an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. We will study key elements of physical and human geography, which help us better understand our ever-changing world. We will focus on political systems and cultures. Geographers ask WHY things are WHERE they are. Tools of the geographer include maps, journals, images, graphs, charts, GPS, GIS and much more!

Materials Needed for Success in World Geography:

Lined Paper, Writing Utensil, Folder or Binder to hold unit papers, and a Charged Laptop. Students may also wish to have their own set of colored pencils if they are picky or don't like sharing.

Course Disclosure:

World Geography Syllabus

South Davis Jr High School Instructor: Ms. Caruthers

2022-2023 School Year School Phone: 801-402-6400

Room 1 2 Email: tcaruthers@dsdmail.net

Course Overview and Objectives: *adapted from the South Davis Jr High Course Description*

This class will address people, places, events, cultures and environments, by world regions. There will also be an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. We will study key elements of physical and human geography, which help us better understand our ever-changing world. We will focus on political systems and cultures. Geographers ask WHY things are WHERE they are. Tools of the geographer include maps, journals, images, graphs, charts, GPS, GIS and much more!

Class Rules/ Expectations: Students are expected to follow all class rules and procedures. All rules in my classroom revolve around one simple principle: RESPECT.

Cell Phones: Cell phones and other electronic devices will be permitted in the classroom and may be used when it will further enhance their learning. Device use will be determined by me and will be clearly communicated each day. In accordance with South Davis Jr High School (found in Student Code of Conduct), after one verbal warning the phone/device will be confiscated by me and the phone/device will go to the administration.
Late Work/Grace Period: All late work must be turned in at the end of the unit/date clearly posted on Canvas with reminder announcement.
Citizenship Policy: The basic citizenship policy will follow the school wide policy found in the student handbook.
Cheating and/or Plagiarism: This includes but is not limited to: copying another person’s work, allowing others to copy your work, turning in a paper that you did not do with your name on it or downloading from the internet. Violations will result in NO credit on the assignment and may affect Citizenship grade.
Attendance/Absent Work: It is vital that you are in class each day. Students will receive a U after 3 uncleared absences or 4 tardies. U make up opportunities will be available each term.
- If students are absent, it is their responsibility to get the work that they missed. ALL work, as well as instructions, can be found on Canvas. All absent work must be turned in by the end of the unit/date clearly posted on Canvas.
Hall Pass: Students are allowed two hall passes per term. Students will still need to ask permission to leave class. This is to ensure that it is an appropriate time to leave class. Students will also be expected to sign out and in with times and destination in the Hall Pass binder.

Priority Standards for World Geography:

Concept Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of geographic concepts and processes.
Spatial Analysis: Interpret and analyze maps and mapped data.
Data Analysis: Interpret and analyze quantitative geospatial data.
Source Analysis: Interpret and analyze qualitative geospatial data.
Application: Apply content knowledge and skills in real-world contexts-actual or theoretical.
Communication: Demonstrate effective communication through speaking, writing, and listening.
Civic Engagement: Engage in deliberative, collaborative, and civil dialogue regarding course-relevant and current issues.

Standard Based Grading Scale:

Proficiency Level	0 No Evidence	1 Minimal	2 Approaching	3 Proficient	4 Mastery
Description	I did not try to understand the concept OR I am really struggling to understand the material and need major help understanding the basic concepts.	I am struggling to grasp the basic concepts and need a lot of help to understand the material. I cannot show that I understand the material.	I can sometimes show that I understand the material, but there are a few things that I’m still learning and can improve at.	I can consistently show that I understand the material with only a few errors.	I have mastered my understanding of the material and make little to no errors every time I am asked to perform.
Traditional Grade	F/I	D-, D, D+	C-, C, C+, B-	B, B+, A-	A
GPA Comparison	0.00-.666	.667-1.666	1.667-2.999	3.000-3.666	3.667-4.000

Letter Grade	Percentage/Points	Rubric
A	93	4
A-	90	3.7
B+	87	3.3
B	83	3.0
B-	80	2.7
C+	77	2.3
C	73	2.0
C-	70	1.7
D+	67	1.3
D	63	1.0
D-	60	0.7
I	50	0

General Unit Outline: (subject to change)

Physical Geography
Human Geography
Cultural Geography
Political Geography
Economic and Urban Geography
North America
Latin America
Europe
Asia
Africa
Oceania

Course Assignments and Expectations: Each unit will have weekly Discussions, Assignments, Lectures, Readings, and Videos to watch. Students will be expected to complete each task at the day and time that is designated on Canvas. Students will submit work through Canvas unless otherwise stated. Students will be given content assessments throughout each unit and at the end of each term. Students will watch CNN 10 News in class to become familiar with current issues. Links to resources have not been vetted beyond the original page cited.

Supplies Needed: Students will need to bring to class a folder or section in a 3-ring binder to keep handouts and notes. Students may choose to keep a digital notebook, however, during in-class work laptops may not always be allowed out. Lined paper will be needed in class daily. Student will need to bring their laptop to class charged and ready to be used every day. Students will need a pen or pencil every day. Students may also wish to have their own colored pencils to complete map assignments. Classroom colored pencils are limited and will not help students at home.

This syllabus is subject change as need arises. Student and parents will be notified of any major changes on Canvas.

Thank you for your support in making this class an exciting and engaging experience for everyone. I am looking forward to working with you and your student. Please feel free to contact me at any time by email or I am also available, by appointment, for phone calls or in person meetings.

Ms. Caruthers

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