South Carolina History Course Syllabus

SOCIAL STUDIES 8

SOUTH CAROLINA & UNITED STATES HISTORY

23203500

Teacher Name: Sherry C. Helms

Teacher Contact Information

• Email: shelms@greenvilleschools.us

• Phone: (864)355-2142

• Website

Course Description

Eighth grade social studies focuses on the story of the history of South Carolina and the role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation. Through inquiry, students will analyze primary and secondary sources and apply historical thinking to interpret the past.

Learning Objectives

Students will develop an understanding of South Carolina history and its relationship to the development of the United States. Throughout the course, students will:

• Analyze significant people, events, ideas, and developments in South Carolina history and explain their impact on the state and nation.

• Examine cause-and-effect relationships and patterns of continuity and change over time.

• Compare historical events, perspectives, cultures, and developments.

• Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources to gather evidence and draw conclusions about the past.

• Place historical events within their appropriate context and explain how geographic, political, economic, and social factors influenced South Carolina's development.

• Use historical evidence to develop and support claims through discussion, writing, and inquiry.

South Carolina Social Studies Standards: A complete copy of the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards for Social Studies, including the Grade 8 standards, can be accessed through the South Carolina Department of Education.

View the South Carolina Social Studies Standards

Course Outline/Pacing/Scope and Sequence

Instruction will follow the Greenville County Schools Social Studies 8 Course Outline and Pacing Guide. Please use the link below to view the district-provided scope and sequence.

Social Studies 8 Course Outline/Pacing Guide

Textbook Title

Gibbs Smith: South Carolina Journey, 2nd Edition

Annotated Book List

Non-Applicable

Materials

• Three-Ring Binder 

• Notebook Paper (Loose Leaf…NO SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS PLEASE)

• Highlighter

• Blue/Black Pen 

• Pencils

• Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Markers

Grading Policy/Practices 

Students' progress will be assessed every quarter based on two areas.  They are as follows:

• Major Assessments- 50% - Tests are given at the end of every unit of study.  The frequency of tests varies; however,  students will generally have a test every two to three weeks.  All tests are announced at least one week in advance.  Papers and projects will also be counted as major assessments.

• Minor Assessments- 50%- Minor assessments include quizzes, classwork (in-class activities), and homework.  Quizzes are given periodically throughout a unit of study.  Students are notified of quiz dates in advance.  All classwork and homework are expected to be completed on the due date for full credit.    

• Extra assignments will not be given to a student in an attempt to pull up his/her grade.  Students are strongly encouraged to keep up with assignments on a daily basis.  This will benefit the student more than assigning “extra” work.

Late Work Procedures

Bryson Middle School’s Late Work Policy will be followed in this course. Please use the link below to review the schoolwide policy. 

Bryson Middle School Assessment Retake/Redo and Late Work Policy

Redo/Retake/Revision Procedures

Bryson Middle School’s Assessment Retake/Redo Policy will be followed in this course. Please use the link below to review the schoolwide policy. 

Bryson Middle School Assessment Retake/Redo and Late Work Policy

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Be Respectful — Respect the teacher, classmates, yourself, and the classroom environment.

• Be Responsible — Take responsibility for your learning, behavior, materials, and assignments.

• Be Ready — Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to learn each day.

• Be Engaged — Stay on task, participate appropriately, and give your best effort.

• Follow School and Classroom Procedures — Follow all Bryson Middle School and classroom procedures, including expectations regarding personal electronic devices.

• Take Care of Our Classroom — Clean up after yourself and help maintain a positive learning environment.

LiveSchool

Bryson Middle School uses LiveSchool to reinforce positive behavior and promote student responsibility. Students may earn positive points for demonstrating behaviors that support a positive learning environment. Points may also be deducted for behavior infractions or failure to meet school and classroom expectations. Students who accumulate 12 negative LiveSchool points within one week will receive an automatic administrative referral.

Parents received information at the beginning of the school year explaining how to access LiveSchool and are encouraged to use it to monitor their child’s progress.

Magic School

• This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

• Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

• Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.
  
  

• Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
   

• Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.
  
  

• Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.
  
  

• Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.