Department: Upper School History

Course Title: 9th Grade Advanced Ancient World History

Teacher: Mr. Ramon Nicosia - Upper School History / Assistant Dean of Students
E-mail: rnicosia@nicholsschool.org

I would like to welcome you to what promises to be a spectacular year at the Nichols School. I
have the great privilege of being your instructor for Advanced Ancient World History 9, and I am very
eager to get the year started on the right footing! What follows is a general overview of course and some
of the expectations for success.

Course Description:

This course is a survey course tracing the development of civilization from the Neolithic Revolution to the
emergence of the modern world around 1500 CE. A thorough examination of the ancient civilizations of Egypt,
Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece, Rome & the medieval Mediterranean will be evident within our units of
instruction. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development of key skills such as recall, application,
analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The use of primary and secondary sources as a key to understanding
historical context will play a role throughout the course, and students will be able to make connections to
contemporary world issues.

Books for the course: Students will be provided with frequent packets/hand-outs that include a variety of
readings directly related to the subject matter of this course.

Materials Required for this course:

● *Notebook: Please have a dedicated notebook for this class. You will take hand-written notes when it
comes to notes taken during class time, as well as notes when reading is assigned for homework.

● 1 1/2” 3 Ring Binder: You will be provided with packets and various handouts throughout the year.
Please have a 3 Ring Binder to keep these organized.

● Folder: Documents from the beginning of the year are important at the end of the year. It is important
that you do not lose any documents and/or handouts. Please have a simple folder to store papers in.

● Loose-leaf Paper: Please have access to loose-leaf paper for written assignments.

● Pencils and Pens: Please have a supply of #2 pencils that are sharpened and have erasers. Pens (blue
ink or blank ink only)

● Highlighter(s): Have at least two different color highlighters for the course.

Class Engagement:
Class engagement is far more than just “talking a lot during class discussions.” It is how you carry yourself as a
member of the class community – what you say and how you say it, body language and other nonverbal
communication, the way you listen to others and consider their thoughts and observations, and the ways in
which you choose to support your colleagues in class. Engagement (participation) is a graded component of this
course.
Reading (and reading check-ins):Expect regular reading assignments. Please plan ahead, because you must
complete the reading in order to participate in this class. Note-taking is a required part of the reading
assignments. There are times when we will have written reflections or check-in quizzes based on the reading. If
you are keeping up with the reading, you’ll be in great shape!

Notebooks: Students will need to have a notebook for any/all class note taking throughout this course. All
notes must be hand-written! Unless there is documentation of a specific accommodation, or a doctor’s note
related to an impairment, class notes may NOT be typed! The notebook will be collected periodically and a
grade will be given for the maintenance of the notebook. We will be using Cornell Style Notes as the standard
for this course (more to come about that as the year gets underway).

Writing: We will be doing quite a bit of writing for this course. The nature of the written assignments will vary
throughout the grading quarters. I will be working with the class very closely on the writing process.

A Variety of Assignments: Types of assignments can include formal assessments on chapters/units of

information, quizzes, homework assignments, classwork, writing assignments, small projects, presentations,
group activities, the frequent inspection of the class notebook, and a research paper/project that will be assigned
much later.

With respect to grading, I use a simple system of simple weights (factors).

Category of Assignment Weight (Factor)

Homework
Classwork
Notebook checks/inspections
Reflections X1
Reading checks
Class Participation
X2
Quizzes

Formal Assessments (Tests) X3

Projects / Research / Papers TBD w/ rubric

Absence: If an absence from class should occur, please communicate with me as soon as possible.
Students are responsible to make-up any/all missed work for absences from school that have been
excused.

Academic dishonesty: Students are to refer to the Student Code of Conduct, if academic dishonesty is
suspected. Academic dishonesty has the potential to carry both a disciplinary and an academic penalty.

Home Learning: This will be posted on the My School App. I will collect/checkl homework at the
start of class to make sure that it is complete and completed with care for the quality of what has been
submitted and accuracy of the work.

Technology: Even though we will be using traditional notebooks to capture our ideas, there will be
plenty of times when students are required to work with their laptops or smart tablets during class.
Please have your device close by and fully charged for daily use. Technology such as laptops, and smart
tablets are a compliment to the learning process and must be used appropriately. This means no gaming,
no watching of videos during class time, or social media access, is permitted. Please be respectful.
 The minimum expectations of the classroom/norms:

1. Please arrive at class on time, and with a positive mental attitude. Come to each class fully
prepared and ready to work!

2. Cell phone use is NOT permitted within the classroom. As per the directive of the school’s
administration, students using their phones within the classroom may have their cell phone
collected. Please keep your cell phones muted (or turned off), and out of sight during class time!

3. While the consumption of food is not permitted within the classroom, students are encouraged to
bring spill proof water bottles for purposes of staying hydrated.

4. Raise your hand before speaking, as this affords everyone the opportunity to participate and
share in the process of learning.

5. Always keep an open mind! Part of learning is the growth that comes from exploring new
avenues of thought. Whether the assignment is independent or collaborative in nature, an
attitude of partnership and cooperation with classmates is a must!

6. “The Golden Rule” – Always display kindness and respect towards the members of the
classroom. Above all, be kind and respectful to yourself.
 9th Advanced Ancient World History
Nichols School

We have read through the course syllabus and expectations on the opening days of school, and I have
read and understand the expectations written in Mr. Nicosia’s Course Syllabus for the 2021-2022
Academic Year at the Nichols School.

Student’s Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ________

(Print Name)

Student’s Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: _______

(Sign Name)

9th Grade