WISE

WALTER PANAS HIGH SCHOOL / LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL

Course Description 2004-2005

 

COURSE TITLE

044 & P-159 Social Studies (W.I.S.E. Program)

2 Credits          40 Weeks (2 periods)

Grade 12          Satisfies the Grade 12 Requirement for Economics, Politics and English

Instructor:  Matthew Evangelista / Ronni Witkin

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This twelfth grade option provides seniors at Lakeland and Walter Panas High Schools with English and social studies credit for the second semester of their senior year.  Students have the option of selecting an internship in a career interest or special interest project.  The program requires each student to have a school-based mentor and a work- based sponsor (site supervisor).  Students are required to attend weekly seminars, record daily journal entries, and perform work-based site activities during the second semester of senior year in lieu of attending English and social studies classes.  Final student assessment is based on a research paper, journal writings, and an exhibition of their project (presentation).

 

COURSE GOALS

Students are expected to understand the basics of the field of economics.

Students are expected to understand the basics of our political system.

Students are expected to have a basic understanding of the stock market.

Students are expected to have an experience in the field of their choice.

Students will be expected to learn how to, and be able to give, presentations.

Students will be required to pass a final exam.

 

MAJOR TEXTS

Economics: A Multimedia Program: Choices and Challenges, (McDougal Littell 1995)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES

Current events articles from many daily and weekly publications.


CONTENT OUTLINE

This class loosely follows the New York State Economics/Economics curriculum and standards.

 

  1. The Economic Way of Thinking
  2. Why People Choose
  3. American Enterprise and the World Economy
  4. Supply and Demand
  5. Applying Supply and Demand
  6. The Role of Business
  7. Personal Economics
  8. Stock Market Unit
  9. Politics will be mixed in intermittently

 

 

 

CLASS PREPARATION

Students should have a current computer usage contract on file.

Students should have all of the learning materials required by the instructor at the beginning of the course.

 

HOMEWORK POLICY

Will be assigned on a regular basis.  No credit will be awarded for the late submission of homework.  The teacher will not accept any daily assignment after the day they are due unless there is a legal absence.  

 

EXTRA HELP POLICY

Will be available each day upon request and arranged at the mutual convenience of students and teacher.  Usually this will occur 9th period.  Students experiencing continuing difficulties with the course are encouraged to make use of the fully staffed Learning Center.  Students and parents are free to contact the teacher via e-mail: mevangelista@lakelandschools.org or by phone at school (914) 739-2823. 

 

GRADING POLICY

Attendance will be component of the course grade, both in school and at the student’s site.  A variety of assessment modalities will be used in calculating student grades.  These will include homework, tests, quizzes, attendance and participation, writing assignments, worksheets, and projects.  Generally each unit will conclude with an examination.  The teacher will present and discuss the grading policy at the commencement of the course and will make hard copies available. 

 

Homework                                           35%

Tests & Quizzes                                   40%

Projects                                                20%

Participation                                         5%

 

CLASSROOM AND SITE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to comply with and follow the behavior standards specified in the Student Handbook both while in school and at their site.

 

Specific behavior expectations for this class will be presented at the beginning of the course.  Dress should be appropriate, and students will be required to dress at the same level as the regular employees at their site.

 

Students are particularly warned about the school/district policy on plagiarism.  The new attendance policy will be adhered to.  Students’ presence in class and at their site will be integral to their ability to succeed in this program and pass the course.