The purpose of social studies is to prepare students (you) to be humane (caring), rational (balanced), and productive (creative) people in a complex, multicultural, and interdependent world.  The world is rapidly changing, requiring us to feel, act and think from a perspective (view) that is global (large/big) rather than narrowly personal, regional, and national.

The purpose of 8th grade social studies is to to engage students in activities that increase their capacities to think reflectively and to identify, interpret, assess, evaluate and draw conclusions regarding the continuing issues and problems that confront the United States.  This course examines the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation, the U.S Constitution and its influence on citizen's lives, the sectional division between the North and the South, causing the outbreak/course of the American Civil War, the Era of Social Reform (1880-1950), and the Civil Rights Movement.

Topics:

Unit 1- Revolution & a New Nation 1754-1783 

Unit 2- The Constitution 

Unit 3: The Holocaust 

Unit 4- Active Citizenship & Civics 

Unit 5: American Expansion 1800-1860

Unit 6: The Civil War & Reconstruction 1860-1877

Notebooks and Journals:

Students are responsible for keeping all notes and handouts in an organized manner.  Journals will be graded at least once a marking period for completeness and effort.

Class Participation:

Effective class participation is based on your ability to be prepared for class and to arrive to class on time.  In addition, class participation is also determined by your listening skills, questioning skills, and your ability to speak clearly, intelligently, and thoughtfully.

Actions considered inappropriate class participation include arriving to class late and unprepared, speaking out of turn, chitchatting with friends during a lecture or class discussion, passing and writing personal notes, and disrespecting class members by not listening to them when they speak. 

Homework:

Homework must be handed in on time to receive full credit.  Late assignments will be accepted but penalized accordingly. 

Analytical Essays (DBQ’s):  We will be completing 3 DBQ’s during the year that attempt to synthesize what we have learned in a given unit.   

Grading:

Your grade will be based on the following categories:

Classwork, Homework, & Projects 

Quizzes &Tests 

*** I/we do not give grades, students earn grades.  Marking period grades are based on the combined total average of the categories above.  

Supply List: 

 Pen/pencil, tissues, laptop computer, & headphones 

Class Rules:

All school rules and procedures listed in the student agenda will be followed and enforced in class.