8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus United States History and Geography: Growth and Conflict

mrbess.com Course Description Students examine the cultural, social, and political history of the United States from Exploration to the beginning of World War I. Content is presented chronologically but will focus on the following six themes: 1) People on the Move; 2) Ideas and Beliefs; 3) Social, Cultural, and Political Interactions; 4) Conflict and Compromise; 5) Expansion; 6) Trade, Industry, and Technology. Students will also develop the key skills, historical understandings, and habits of mind they will need in order to be successful in high school social studies courses. Course Outline The dates for each unit are only approximate and are subject to change. First Trimester I. Introduction: (Aug 20 Aug 24) Historiography Major Themes, Eras, and Turning Points of US History II. Colonization and Settlement, 1492 1763: (Aug 27 Sept 14) The Great Convergence The First English Settlements The Origins of Slavery The 13 English Colonies III. The American Revolution, 1754 1783: (Sept 17 Oct 5) The Road to Revolution The War for Independence The War's Aftermath IV. The New Nation, 1783 1815: (Oct 8 Nov 9) Creating a New Government The Early Republic Second Trimester V. Expansion and Reform, 1801 1860 (Nov 13 Jan 11) America's Expanding Boarders The Expansion of Slavery The First Age of Reform Moving Westward The Age of Jackson Sectionalism VI. The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861 1877 (Jan 14 Mar 1) The Failure of Compromise The American Civil War African-Americans and Emancipation Reconstruction Third Trimester VII. The Rise of Industrial America, 1870 1890 (Mar 4 April 26) The Transformation of America Developing the West Immigration and Migration Social Discontent The Gilded Age Empire Building VIII. The Emergence of Modern America, 1890 1917 (April 29 May 31)

Jim Crow and the Great Migration The Politics of Reform The Dawning of the American Century

Grading Policy Grading Categories Assessments Includes quizzes, unit tests, projects, term papers, and a final exam Classwork/Homework Includes journal entries, reflections, mini-essays, history binder, and other day-to-day assignments Leadership Weekly points awarded for exhibiting leadership qualities % Overall Grade Letter Grade A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CF Percentage 97.5 100 92.5 97.4 89.5 92.4 87.5 89.4 82.5 97.4 79.5 82.4 77.5 79.4 72.5 77.4 69.5 72.4 <69.5

50.00%

45.00%

5.00%

Assignment Expectations 100% complete and turned in on time All directions have been correctly followed Handwriting is legible and paper is neat (not torn, crinkled, etc.) Name and date in upper left corner (unless otherwise specified) Late Work Except in cases of an excused absence or prearranged agreement, any work not turned in on the assigned due date and at the assigned time will be considered late. Late work will be accepted for half credit if it is received within 24 hours of the original due date. Tests/quizzes missed due to an unexcused absence or tardy will be treated as late work and administered for half credit on the day the student returns to class. Make-Up Work Students have one week to make up any work missed due to an excused absence. All make-up work must be turned in before or after school. Tests/quizzes can only be made up before or after school by appointment It is the student's responsibility to find out what was missed while absent/tardy. The information can be found by asking me before or after school, by asking classmates, by checking the classroom bulletin board and handout folders, and by checking the class website. I will not seek out an absent student to make sure he or she knows exactly what was missed.

Classroom Rules: I. Always act like a leader II. Always follow classroom procedures and school rules III. Always put away all outside materials (books, electronics, etc.) and finish or dispose of any food or drinks before entering class (water is okay) Classroom Expectations: I expect you to... Be curious Be open-minded Question everything Think for yourself Study hard Take pride in your work Get to class on time...everyday Discipline Procedure: 1. Loss of leadership points 2. Contact parents 3. Detention 4. Referral History Binders In addition to the middle school wide supply list, every student will be required to have a specific history binder. Students will need a three-ring binder (1 1.5 inch rings), a package of dividers, and a stack of loose leaf, college rule binder paper.

Classroom Procedures: As you enter the class: Sit in your assigned seat Take out your history binder, a pen or pencil, and any assignments that are due. Quietly begin working During class: Always listen for my instructions and follow them immediately. Unless otherwise instructed, raise your hand before addressing me or the class. When others are speaking to the class (whether that is me, another student, or a guest speaker), give them your undivided attention. Before leaving class: Write down any homework. Clean up any materials you've used and put them away in their proper location. Throw away any trash you've created. Make sure your group's desks are in their proper location. Sit quietly and wait to be dismissed. Using the Restroom: Ask permission before leaving the room Only one student may leave at a time Except in cases of emergency, you may not use the restroom during the first and last five minutes of class