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FR EXCLUSIVE: Class Syllabus of Bush-bashing Colorado Geography Teacher Jay Bennish
Cherry Creek Schools | 3-2-2006 | Jay Bennish

Posted on 03/02/2006 11:57:54 AM PST by doug from upland

ACCELERATED WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Instructor: Mr. Jay Bennish
Office: 1001A
Room: 111A
Phone: 720-747-3780
Office Hours: 2nd & 7th
Email: jbennish@mail.ccsd.k12.co.us

Course Description

This is an exciting time to be studying global and regional geography! In this course you will take a penetrating look into the geographical - or spatial - relationships between human societies and cultures, the natural environment, and historical changes that have shaped the contemporary world. More than answering the question "what is where," this course adopts a conceptual approach to understanding and explaining the dynamic human and natural features of the earth’s surface. Particular geographic themes will e emphasized and applied largely to the regions of South, East, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East (North Africa & South West Asia), Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Russia, and Australia. Important themes include: population, religion, human rights, notions of development and underdevelopment, impact of colonialism historically and currently, sustainability, impacts of modernization on developing countries, globalization of economy and culture, political and international conflict, cultural diversity, and global environmental concerns. To that end, a deeper understanding of current events from a historical and geographical perspective is imperative. Thus, timely issues and events in the news will be tied into the overall framework of the course.

Because of the emphasis on the relationships between social, cultural, political, and environmental components of human societies and regions, world geography combines various aspects of the social sciences. Further, it addresses four essential skills: critical and creative thinking, critical reading, spatial reasoning, and effective writing. Such skills will be derived from a combination of questions sets for reading assignments, mapping exercises, seminar (class discussion), films, lectures, group projects, and essays that synthesize your understanding of concepts and theories related to the themes presented in class.

Course Goals

1. Critical and creative thinking
2. Critical reading
3. Spatial Reasoning
4. Effective writing

Course Objectives

1. Students know how to use and construct maps, globes, and other geographic tools to locate and derive information about people, places, and environments
2. Students know the physical and human characteristics of places, and use this knowledge to define and study regions and their patterns of change
3. Students understand how physical processes shape Earth’s surface patterns and systems
4. Students understand how economic, political, cultural, and social processes interact to shape patterns of human populations, interdependence, cooperation, and conflict
5. Students understand the effects of interactions between human and physical systems and the changes in meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources
6. Students apply knowledge of people, places, and environments to understand thepast and present and to plan for the future

Course Structure

The course is comprise of lecture, readings, films, seminars, map exercises, group projects, participation in the global fair, and writing assignments. Your grade will be calculated from five areas: tests/quizzes, writing assignments, seminar, group work/projects/maps, and homework. Sharing your knowledge, opinions, information, and experiences is a requirement. The format of the course is intended to reinforce learning on the course topics. It is critical that you attend each and every class, keep up with your reading assignments, have questions or problems ready for discussion, and take concise notes from ALL sources of information.

The following materials are required for every class meeting

1. 3-ring binder/fold for handouts and readings
2. Lined paper for notes and class work
3. Pencil and pen
4. Textbook and/or readings

Suggested Materials

1. Colored pencils and black fine point pen
2. Goode’s World Atlas (20th edition or later)
3. Ruler

Grading Policy

Your grade each semester will be determined by total points accumulated from the five areas listed above.
Grading Scale A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
*** All written assignments except impromptu essays or tests are on a portfolio grading system, which means they may be re-written as many times as desired for additional points. This is done in the interest of improving writing skills, as well as, generosity.

Make up/Late Work

· Notes should be acquired from a fellow student
· Any assignments given during an excused absence must be turned in within two school days following your return from the absence for full credit
· To get make up work just see me during my office period or pick it up in the classroom
· It is students responsibility to stay up-to-date on assignments, late/make-up work, tests, activities, and notes
· Any assignments given prior to an absence are due the say the student returns
· Unexcused absences – assignments due on the date of an unexcused absence will not be accepted. I reserve the right to refuse collection of work related to an unexcused absence

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be obtained from a variety of sources dealing with current, historical, or geographic events. Students must submit a written/typed paper that includes a brief summary, a connection to course material, and an opinion. Extra credit may not increase your standing more than one letter grade. Sources for extra credit include, but are not limited to:

· NPR (National Public Radio) 1340 AM · The New York Times
· The Wall Street Journal
· The News Hour (PBS) channel 6
· The BBC News (PBS) channel 12
· www.npr.org
· www.pbs.org
· www.guerrillanews.com
· www.tompain.org
· www.cato.org
· www.heritage.org
· www.indymedia.org
· www.freespeech.org
· www.newamericancentury.org
· www.brook.edu
· www.zman.org

Classroom Rules>

· Respect must be shown to myself and fellow peers at all times
· Tolerance for differences, remain open minded
· Turn in all assignments at appropriate time
· Complete all readings and arrive to class attentive, prepared, and willing to participate
· Disregard for these rules will not be tolerated

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Parents/Student,

As your history teacher, it is necessary to inform both of you as to the nature and make up of my class. Two of the primary tenets of my class are respect and tolerance. The classroom must be a safe learning environment. As such, all students are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. Students will not be permitted to insult or belittle others in the class, respect is paramount, tolerance is also extremely important. Students will be treated as adults, as long as they demonstrate mature, responsible behavior. Since discussions and participation are a significant part of my class, all students must feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Listening skills are essential, interruptions and/or disruptions are inappropriate.

Students will be given weekly syllabi to help organize and manage their time. Students are expected to be prepared, with necessary materials and/or assignments completed. I expect students to be attentive and active participants in their own education; the following is a brief list of classroom rules that are very important:

· Respect must be show to myself and fellow peers at all times
· Tolerance for differences, remain open-minded
· Turn in all assignments at appropriate time
· Complete all readings and arrive to class attentive and prepared

Disregard for these rules will not be tolerated. Students who fail to adhere to these rules will not be permitted to attend class. If the infraction is serious, parents and administrators may be contacted. The main objective of my class is to help students to think for themselves, and to become independent, responsible, upright young adults. This entails showing respect, consideration, and tolerance to all people and ideas in an academic context.

Students’ individual incentives for achievement are personal respect and satisfaction. Grades may, to some extent, determine one’s future opportunities; however, grades should not be the primary motivating factor in education. Students need to learn for themselves, in the end, this make their education more meaningful and relevant.

All students are expected to follow school policy regarding attendance. Make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is excused. Studetns must complete make-up work within two days of the date of the absence.

Parents will only be contacted in extenuating circumstances, and/or if requested. The lines of communication are always open, students and parents are encouraged to inquire or arrange conferences or meetings. Please read the class syllabi, then sing and print your name at the bottom of this page. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Jay Bennish

Parent ______________________________ Student ____________________________


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: jaybennish
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To: doug from upland
· NPR (National Public Radio) 1340 AM · The New York Times · The Wall Street Journal · The News Hour (PBS) channel 6 · The BBC News (PBS) channel 12 · www.npr.org · www.pbs.org · www.guerrillanews.com · www.tompain.org · www.cato.org · www.heritage.org · www.indymedia.org · www.freespeech.org · www.newamericancentury.org · www.brook.edu · www.zman.org

My, that's an interesting source list...

61 posted on 03/02/2006 1:07:09 PM PST by mewzilla (Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist. John Adams)
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To: doug from upland

Principal Jana Frieler ~ jfrieler@cherrycreekschools.org

Asst. Principal Brent Graham ~ bgraham5@cherrycreekschools.org

Asst. Principal Ron Hogan ~ rhogan2@cherrycreekschools.org

Asst. Principal Pam Smiley ~ psmiley@cherrycreekschools.org


62 posted on 03/02/2006 1:08:36 PM PST by Beckwith (The liberal press has picked sides ... and they have sided with the Islamofascists)
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To: doug from upland

Hmm, syllabus seems OK. Even mentions extra credit for reading stuff from CATO and Heritage.

What did the guy do that was so bad exactly?


63 posted on 03/02/2006 1:10:30 PM PST by zbigreddogz
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To: doug from upland

ping


64 posted on 03/02/2006 1:11:24 PM PST by GoforBroke
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To: zbigreddogz
CLICK HERE AND MAKE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT
65 posted on 03/02/2006 1:16:14 PM PST by doug from upland (A dead body means a chance for Democrats to have another funeral-op)
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To: doug from upland

You know, you'd almost (almost) be able to cough up some sympathy for these kooks if they included a link to something like FR. Even with a qualified endorsement of 'this is where the kooks hang out'.

But, no.


66 posted on 03/02/2006 1:23:56 PM PST by IncPen (Torture should be safe, legal, and rare.)
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To: IncPen

I sent the teacher his mocking parody song and suggested that he join us here. No sign of him yet.


67 posted on 03/02/2006 1:29:30 PM PST by doug from upland (A dead body means a chance for Democrats to have another funeral-op)
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To: doug from upland

Luv the "Extra Credit" sources.....theres a 'manifesto' missing though....LOL...


68 posted on 03/02/2006 1:36:14 PM PST by litehaus
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To: neodad
Just more proof parents need to be more involved in their
children's education.
I am hoping some good will come from this fiasco. Parents will be asking their children what is going on in the school they attend.
69 posted on 03/02/2006 1:36:57 PM PST by buck61 (luv6060)
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Comment #70 Removed by Moderator

To: doug from upland

BTTT


71 posted on 03/02/2006 2:02:55 PM PST by hattend (Keep Drinking Until Nagin Makes Sense)
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To: Javelina

The the bald guy gave Hitler credit for inventing public speaking to several people. He noted that only JB could speak to large groups of people.


72 posted on 03/02/2006 2:35:48 PM PST by Domangart (editor and publisher)
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To: RexBeach

"This course is designed to turn students in creative, and self-actualizing citizens of the world,"

This course is designed to indoctrinate students into being leftist citizens of the world who realize that it takes a village!

:)


73 posted on 03/02/2006 2:55:33 PM PST by adam_az (It's the border, stupid!)
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To: ozzymandus

Caught it on Hannity on the drive home.

I would love to see Attorney General Gonzalez submit that tape to a federal grand jury. I give it at least 50/50 odds they'd come back with an indictment under Title 18 of the United States Code:

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00002381----000-.html

If we indict enough of these idiots, the ACLU will be so busy defending them that they won't have the time or resources to stir up any of their usual mischeif.

BTW this punk is (according to the student who taped him) being represented by Ward Churchill's ACLU mouthpiece.


74 posted on 03/02/2006 2:57:44 PM PST by Ostlandr ( CONUS SITREP is foxtrot uniform bravo alfa romeo)
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To: doug from upland

Jay Bennish.

75 posted on 03/02/2006 2:58:42 PM PST by Fred Nerks (Read the bio THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD free! Click Fred Nerks for link to my Page.)
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To: Spanaway Lori
My geography class was pretty cool. It was taught by a former Marine DI, who had lived in pretty much every continent (except Antartica)...

His primary tool for teach geography was using historical battle grounds, and why the terrain played a strategic/tactical point in the battles.

Fun and fascinating.
76 posted on 03/02/2006 3:02:01 PM PST by birbear (You know what? This is crap. We're going to stop this.)
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To: Fred Nerks; potlatch; doug from upland; ntnychik; PhilDragoo


Her voice matches her perfectly


77 posted on 03/02/2006 3:27:14 PM PST by devolve (<-- (refresh-now-updated-graphix - accts Photobucket & Imagecave)
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To: doug from upland

Hey Doug have you found any place that has a full transcript of this git?


78 posted on 03/02/2006 3:33:45 PM PST by mware (A real teacher of geography NOT propaganda)
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To: mware

michellemalkin.com


79 posted on 03/02/2006 3:43:55 PM PST by doug from upland (A dead body means a chance for Democrats to have another funeral-op)
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To: doug from upland

The best of the links on this Bennish character's syllabus:

http://www.newamericancentury.org

He may unwittingly be undermining his own propaganda, if enough open-minded students can understand that the PNAC agenda makes more sense than global socialism. That's a big if, for sure. We can only hope...


80 posted on 03/02/2006 3:45:02 PM PST by rfp1234 (I've had it up to my keyster with these leaks!!! - - - Ronald Reagan)
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