Social Studies

8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus

Greer Middle 2026-2027

Shawn Myers

Course Description/Learning Objectives

Students will study the history of South Carolina within the context of United States History in grade eight. The historical thinking skills are aligned to the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate and will continue to build the world-class knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for college and careers. The themes allow for connections to be made between content when taught chronologically. Students are expected to learn through inquiry and project-based learning.

Contact Information

E-mail: smyers@greenville.k12.sc.us 

Phone: 864-355-5877

Social Studies Textbook 

South Carolina Journey

Tentative Course Outline

Historical thinking skills embedded in each unit throughout the year. 

Unit 1: Settlement - 18 Days

How did European ideas and values influence the settlement and development of the three distinct British colonial regions?

Unit 2: Colonial Development - 16 Days

To what extent did economic decisions impact different populations living in colonial South Carolina?

Unit 3: Revolution - 20 Days

What developments motivated colonists to rebel against Great Britain and create a revolutionary form of government?

Unit 4: Foundations - 14 Days

What are our most important founding principles?

Unit 5: Compromise - 17 Days 

What factors influenced sectionalism and divided our nation prior to the Civil War?

Unit 6: Conflict - 15 Days 

There are various reasons why the Union won the war: economic strength, industrial power, and military strategy. Which of these reasons do you believe had the greatest influence on their victory?

Unit 7: Reconstruction - 15 Days 

To what extent did Reconstruction support equality?

Unit 8: Progressivism and WWI - 14 Days 

Is the history of this time period one of progress or regress?

Unit 9: Economics and Global Politics - 23 Days

What was the role of war in building our state and our nation?

Unit 10: Progress - 12 Days

To what extent does the modern history of South Carolina reflect progress?

Instructional Materials and Supplies:

Students will need the following supplies EVERYDAY in class:

• Pencils

• Composition Notebook

• Charged Chromebook

Classroom Expectations:

• Follow all social contracts

• Follow all school and district guidelines

Grading Policy and Practices

Major Grades: 

Projects/Unit Tests/Major Assignments  - 50%

There will be at least 3 major grades per 9 weeks

Minor Grades: 

Daily Work/Quizzes/Minor Assignments – 50%

There will be at least 8 minor grades per 9 weeks

Grading follows district policy.

Make-Up Work:

All work missed will be posted to Google Classroom.  Students will have (5) days to complete the assignment they missed before it is counted late. I will work with students who miss multiple days of school on a case by case basis. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a time with me, before school or after school, to make up missed tests. 

Grading Scale: 

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F Below 60

Calculation of Grades:  Evaluation of Student Progress

1. Tests will be given after each unit of study.  

2. Projects will be assigned with rubrics that outline how that particular project will be scored.  Students will always know up front what they must do in order to achieve an A.

3. Quizzes will be given throughout the units to assess for understanding.

4. Daily assignments will be used to assess what the student has learned that day.

5. All assignments will be posted on Google Classroom

Homework Policy:

Homework is given only when a student fails to finish an assignment in class. A  minimum of 15 minutes per night study is suggested the week before the test.