Grade 8 MYP Humanities
2009-2010
Ms. Shannon Moore
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to a new school year! I am delighted to be teaching at the Middle School and
I anticipate a challenging and exciting year of learning! As a community of inquisitive
learners, we will strive to achieve our personal best and academic excellence.
At any time throughout the year, please feel free to contact me via email at
[email protected] or schedule a meeting with me through the MS receptionist.
Academic Goals
The study of Humanities at ISB includes an integrated approach of History, Geography
and Civics through which students learn how to better understand their own and other
people’s past and traditions. Students will explore how local/regional changes may
affect humankind globally. They will consider different points of view, participate in
the decision-making process, as well as, develop analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Adopting one of the MYP’s fundamental concepts, Intercultural Awareness, students
will have the opportunity to celebrate cultural differences, respect values of other
nations, and build a higher level of responsibility towards the environment and
community.
Course Outline
1. Create-a-Country Project
Theme: Structure
Guiding Question: What factors contribute to create a country?
2. Mongol Empire and the Legacy of Mongols
Theme: Change
Guiding Question: What are the main forces of change?
3. Religion –Christianity
Theme: Change
Guiding Question: In what ways are societies influenced by religion?
4. Religion - Rise of Islam
Theme: Change
Guiding Question: How do religious beliefs influence Art, Architecture and
Science?
5. Byzantine Empire
Theme: Change
Guiding Question: What are the main forces of change?
6. Early Middle Ages
Theme: Ecosystems
Guiding Question: In what ways did society change during the “Dark Ages”?
7. Late Middle Ages
Theme: Ecosystems
Guiding Question: How did the High Middle Ages build a framework for
modern nation-states?
8. Renaissance in Italy and Northern Europe
Theme: Ecosystems
Guiding Question: Why was a city-state a favorable setting for a “cultural
rebirth”?
MYP Grading Procedure
Students are assessed through the variety of formative and summative methods that
includes one or more MYP Humanities Assessment Criteria. On-going assessment of
the learning process throughout the year will incorporate different written assignments,
conversation exercises, homework, class participation, and portfolios. Students will
receive formative feedback through end of unit tests, projects (individual and group),
oral presentations, and extended writing assignments. Students will be provided with
rubrics for all tasks.
MYP Humanities Criteria
Knowledge and Understanding - /10
Understanding and Application of Concepts - /10
Application of Skills - /10
Organization and Presentation - /8