History - Eighth

8TH GRADE – UNITED STATES AND MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC LIFE (129/130)

Grade 8: Standard and Advanced

(Year) 

In this class, students will study the roots and foundations of U.S. democracy while also learning the skills to practice their involvement in government and civic life.  Students study how democracy has evolved over time through analyzing primary documents, such as the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions; how and why government institutions developed; how government evolves through legislation and court decisions; and how individuals exercise their rights and civic responsibilities to maintain a healthy democracy in the nation and the Commonwealth.

Students will read about, debate, analyze and practice the following topics; the development of U.S. and State government, the three branches of government and related institutions, citizen rights and responsibilities, the Constitution in practice, Supreme Court precedents, state and local government practice and issues, freedom of the press and media literacy.  They will be prepared to discuss complex and controversial issues and ideas with people of different views and practice speaking and writing with clarity and respectfulness. Students will learn to analyze social and news media sources while evaluating factual content, bias and point of view. This class will develop and practice the skills and habits of citizen civic engagement and learn the institutions, history and power structure needed to understand and be an active participant in democratic society and government. 

A major part of this course is participation in the Civics Action Project. This project is non-partisan, student-led and based on action civics—a process of applying civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions to mobilize change leading to systems impact.  To complete the project, students will 1-examine themselves and civic identity, 2-identify a pressing issue within their community,3- research and investigate the issue, 4-developing an action plan to achieve system impact, 5-take action, and finally 6-reflect on and showcase their project.

CURRENT EVENTS 

Grade 8 (184)

(Quarter)

Grades 9-12:  Level 2 (131)

(Semester)   .5 credits

This course examines social, political and economic issues and conflicts in the contemporary world. The issues chosen for consideration in this course vary from year to year and require students to explain the conditions and motivations which contribute to conflict and cooperation between and among societies and nations.  Students describe and analyze the effects of technology on the global community and study the causes, consequences and possible solutions to persisting contemporary issues such as human rights, health, national security, resource allocation, economic development and environmental quality.  They also explore the historical background of these issues to develop an understanding of the relationship and tensions between national sovereignty and regional/global interests. Integral to this process is an examination of the role and function of regional, international, and multinational organizations.

Current Events provides an understanding of the historical roots of today's complex and ambiguous world power system.  Interdependence, political control, command and market economies, revolution and technological change are the fundamental concepts emphasized.

Course materials include various texts, cartoons and readings from selected journals and newspapers from many countries.  Computer access to world information sources is available.  Skill development emphasizes research, oral presentation and critical thinking.  Students are required to demonstrate their comprehension of course information and concepts through participation in a variety of class activities such as a model peace conference.

Instructional methods include class discussion, inquiry, guest speakers, and issues interpretation using print and television sources.  Analysis, synthesis and evaluation of world affairs are furthered through evidence from many international sources.  Written work consists primarily of critical analyses of news articles and editorials.

LEGENDS AND MYTHS (116)

Grade:  8

(Quarter) 

What stories define humanity? Throughout history, every civilization has had its own extraordinary heroes. Tales told around the fire or in the marketplace were passed down from generation to generation, becoming legend. From King Arthur to Sinbad the Sailor, Gilgamesh to Odysseus, Mulan to Sleeping Beauty, these stories explore what it means to be human, and continue to influence the imagination today. Every semester, the students and the teacher will focus on one particular legend or myth from the past. We will examine the original texts, historical context, and later reinterpretations of the stories up to the present day. Art, novels, movies, political movements–these and more have been inspired by traditional legends and myths of a culture. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project, and a final exam. The idea behind Legends and Myths is to introduce students to the stories that shaped civilizations and continue to inspire people around the world today. The students will make connections between the stories and cultures of the past and the modern world.