U.S. History I

8th Grade United States History I, 1600-1850's

Course Description:

This course reviews the development of America from the Age of Exploration leading up to the Civil War. The threads of America’s economic, cultural, social and political history are woven together as these events occurred in the natural course of our history. The student is introduced to reading comprehension, research and critical thinking skills along with a variety of other learning experiences to develop a more mature understanding of United States’ history. All of this is done to bring about an understanding of the role of geography in the history and development of America. 

Course Content:

English Colonies

Road to Revolution

The American Revolution

The Constitution

The New Republic

Age of Jefferson

Nationalism & Economic Expansion

Age of Jackson

Territorial Expansion & Sectionalism 

Civil War

Reconstruction

Texts/Other materials:

Google Classroom

A History of US, Volumes I-IV, Joy Hakim, ©2007

Various web based resources

Course Requirements:

In this course, you will be expected to think broadly, creatively, and critically, and demonstrate your ability to think, write, create, and speak. Each student is required to complete all tests, quizzes, and projects along with all in-class and homework assignments. Failure to do so will affect the student’s overall grade. 

Grade Components/Assessments:

Grades will be based on a points system.  Total points earned will be divided by total points possible.

Assessments include (but may not be limited to):

•           Discussion

•           Analysis of political cartoons

•           In-class essays

•           Development of media based technology projects

•           Text analysis

•           DBQ (document-based questions) analysis

•           Independent projects

•           Creative writing

•           Quizzes/Tests

•           Historical simulations

•           Presentations

•           In-class participation/assignments

•           Midterm/Final Exams

Each marking period is worth 20% of a student’s overall grade.  The midterm and final are each worth 10% of a student’s overall average:

Quarter 1    20%

Quarter 2    20%

Quarter 3    20%

Quarter 4    20%

Final         20%