WELCOME TO MAC'S DMS SOCIAL STUDIES WEBSITE!
Here, you can read assignment descriptions, access class notes, brush up on your student skills, and find incredible research resources.
This year's journey takes us from Australopithecus to Aristotle, across the fertile plains of Mesopotamia and the Nile river valley, across scorching deserts in the footsteps of the ancient Hebrews, in search of freedom and stability in ancient India and China, and finally to the theatres and temples of ancient Greece.
As we travel, we'll tune in to the stories, beliefs, and philosophies of the ancients, from Hammurabi and Solomon to Confucius and Socrates.
"What's the point of studying things that happened hundreds or thousands of years ago?"
Well, here are some great reasons:
• You see where many of your cultural traditions (like holidays, manners, political systems, music, etc.) come from.
• You understand modern issues because you are knowledgeable about their historical background.
• By studying all kinds of people and civilizations, you can learn to be more tolerant and compassionate, and to consider multiple perspectives on an issue.
• You can learn about effective leadership by studying great leaders of the past.
• You can face life challenges with courage and creativity, drawing on the wisdom of great people of the past.
In order to succeed in Mac's class, you must demonstrate your mastery of the following skills:
Personal Skills
- I listen actively when someone is speaking or when information is being presented
- I clean up after myself
- I am honest
- I put forth my best effort
- I treat others as I would wish to be treated
Academic Skills
- I can gather reliable information from academically appropriate sources, as well as identify and understand the information that is important to me
- I can read and comprehend a variety of primary and secondary sources
- I can record and preserve class notes and other relevant information in a legible and organized fashion
- I can follow written and verbal instructions
- I can engage in civil and informed discussions on historical topics, and work cooperatively in groups
- I can draw my own conclusions and form ideas and opinions based on historical information
- I can support historical theses and my own ideas clearly in writing.
- My written work is well organized and thoroughly proofread; I follow the MLA format and correctly cite all sources.
Search This Site:
Useful Links
- Three Year Curriculum Guide
- See fabulous photos at our Tableau Blog
- Discover how our text, TCI's History Alive! The Ancient World, corresponds to the California state standards.
- Find out about Mac's favorite hands-on activities
Visit past websites:
Rome Medieval Renaissance 2008 - 2009
