About this course

Course Title: Comparative World Governments   Teacher: Ms. Kirsten Song

Phone:(626) 919-2000        E-mail: ksong@michaelt293.sg-host.com

Course Overview

Comparative World Governments represents an academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. Schools will register for conferences all around the world and are organized by universities and high schools. Once a school has registered for a conference, it receives a country to represent and each student on the team will represent that country in a different committee with different topics. The purpose is to further understanding about the United Nations while also educating participants about world issues and promoting peace through corporations and diplomacy.

*Note: This class meets every other day for the entirety of the year

Assessment

We will have in-class assessments that relate to the research of the country we are assigned to for the conference. Assessments will include weekly/bi-weekly quizzes, informal debates, discussions and in-person conferences.

Required materials 

Spiral notebook with lined paper (must be college ruled) / Pencil / Pen / Laptop

Textbooks and Resources

Encyclopedia Britannica database / CIA World Factbook / BBC Country Profiles Database/ etc.

Databases are all available online.

Grading/Assessment:

Approximate expectations for assignments and assessments: 

Grading consists of quizzes, classwork, bell ringers/exit tickets, discussions, and a minimum of two conferences. No homework (unless needed) will be given.

Class Time will be primarily used either for research or informal debates. This is to prepare for the in-person conferences. Quizzes will be given to test the students’ knowledge of their country and how much they researched. Quizzes will never be multiple choice. Everything that requires an explanation must be in complete sentences. Incomplete sentences will not be graded. 

Students will be required to attend two conferences. If possible, we will try to attend more. Conference one will be sometime towards the end of 2022 and will be local. Conference two will be in the Spring and will be cross-country. The conferences will be graded so it is essential that students attend. 

Classwork will be turned in on the same day and will be used to improve on the material we are going over that day or week. Any papers turned in must be neat and not crumpled. Any unneat papers will not be accepted. Anything that is graded will be provided with a rubric that will be uploaded into google classroom.

Parent Notification: 

All assignments and quizzes/test grades will be available on ALMA. Parents can also email ksong@michaelt293.sg-host.com for any questions regarding students’ performance in class.

Late Work/Redo’s: 

No late assignments will be accepted. Late work will only be accepted in the case of an excused absence which must be made ahead of the day. Students will have as many days as they were absent to make up the work. It is the job of the student to find out what work they have missed, either through email or in person. 

Re-test policy:  Students must prove that steps have been taken to prepare, improve and grow from the experience that will allow an opportunity to re-do the test.  Students must ask permission from the teacher to retake a test and it will be upon the discretion of the teacher to grant the request.  

Attendance/Tardiness: 

All classes at South Hills Academy follow student handbook policies and guidelines. 

Student Behavior Expectations:

All students are expected to help create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning for all participants. Behavior that disrupts teaching and learning is unacceptable; accordingly, all face-to-face or online interaction should be civilized, respectful, and relevant to the topic.

Academic Integrity: 

Honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process.  Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals in accordance with South Hill Academy.

Cell Phone Expectations: 

No cell phones allowed.