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8TH GRADE – UNITED STATES AND MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC LIFE (129/130)
Grade 8: Standard and Advanced
(Year) 1.5 credits
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 the successful completion of a 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 (184/131)
Grades 8-9: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credit
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.
CULTURE & SOCIETY through eSPORTS
Grades 8-9 (164): Level 2
Grades 10-12 (199): Level 2(Semester) .50 credit
Competitive gaming (eSports) has grown to become a billion dollar industry which has created the possibility of lucrative careers for players and scholarships to play eSports at the collegiate level. The class will explore the history of gaming and serve as an introduction to the world of eSports. Students will focus on self-management, goal setting and decision making skills, as well as encouraging strong group collaboration, communication and problem solving. Students will have the opportunity to explore career options in the emerging field of esports, in addition to exploring media coverage and financial aspects of the industry. Play will focus on the games approved by the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association ( MSAA) eSports program: League of Legends, SMITE and Rocket League. Students will have the opportunity to join the DYRHS eSports team and compete against other schools throughout Massachusetts.
TELEVISION, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY
Grades 8-9: Level 2 (Semester) .50 credit
This course introduces students to a wide range of news and media sources and provides them with the skills to evaluate each critically. Course content includes theories of communication, characteristics of media, uses of media in different societies and the rapidly changing nature of media. Students examine the ways in which media affects society and the individual. Movies, television shows, documentaries, advertisements, magazines, radio, and web and blog sites will all be analyzed for their cultural meaning. Specifically, students learn the complexities and subtleties of message preparation and reception. 57 Discussion and analysis of the media through newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the emerging multi-media networks constitute the essence of this course. Using the computer to explore Internet or other "communications highways," students learn new techniques of information gathering. Learning activities and class discussion are supplemented by selected readings. Students develop a variety of critical assessment skills and the ability to apply and demonstrate these skills in classroom activities. Course materials include selected supplementary readings, a broad spectrum of newspapers and magazines and a variety of non-print media. Instructional methods include class discussion, guest speakers, experiments and inquiry and analysis of the news through a variety of sources. Students are expected to maintain an active interest in world affairs through reading and viewing sophisticated news reporting.
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