Welcome to 8^th Grade Social Studies!

“In Pursuit of the American Dream”

Course Outline

 

Course Description:  American History (1865-Present)

The eighth grade social studies class provides for the study of United States history form the late 19^th century to the present.  It is a continuation of Social studies 7.  Against a framework of major chronological events, special emphasis is placed on political, geographic, economic, and social trends.  Constitutional government and America’s interaction with its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere are also examined.

 

Goals:

In this course, we are going to study how our country emerged from a civil war that almost destroyed the United States to a nation that evolved into the world’s greatest superpower!   This class is about the story of the United States your story, our shared story, and the story of how so many Americans struggled to pursue the American Dream.

 

Units of Study:

 

1.     The Wild West

2.     Industrial Society

3.     Progressive Era

4.     America becomes a World Power

5.     World War I

6.     Boom and Bust!

7.     World War II

8.     Cold War and the Modern American Dream

9.     Tensions at Home and Abroad

10.  Contemporary America   

  

Supplies Needed:

 

q       A three-ring binder for Social Studies with 10 sections

q       Marble Composition book

q       Pens and Pencils

q       Two different color highlighters

q       Markers, colored pencils or crayons

q       Loose leaf paper

q       Planner

q       Call to Freedom textbook.  You may leave your book at home.

 

You must bring all materials with you everyday!

 

Grading:

 

Your grade will be calculated as follows for each quarter:

 

          Exams, Essays, and Projects: 55%

          Quizzes: 25%

          Homework: 20%

 

Homework Policy:

 

All assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects will be posted daily on the information board.  You must write all assignments in your planner!  A weekly planner of assignments will also be distributed in class on Mondays and posted on E-board for your reference.  Homework will be collected and/or checked everyday in the beginning of the period.  Late homework will not be accepted.  This is a Sayville Middle School policy for the 8^th grade. 

 

Social Studies 8 Classroom Procedures:

 

1.            All work missed during an absence must be made up.  It is your responsibility to find out what work you missed.  At home, you may check the weekly planner, E-board, or call a classmate.  Once you return to school, go to the “Absent Folders” for class handouts and check the table of contents for handout entry numbers. Don’t forget to turn in your work in a timely fashion.  It is your responsibility to turn in your work for your grade.  As an 8^th grader you will not be hunted down!  If an assignment is not turned in you will receive a 0!

 

2.     All students are expected to be prepared for class each day.  Being unprepared more than once will result in detention.

 

3.     Cheating during any homework, quiz or exam will result in a zero for that grade.

 

4.     All school disciplinary policies will be strictly adhered to and enforced. 

 

Citizenship in this classroom will require the following:

Be Prompt! (Be in your seat when the bell rings)

Be Prepared! (Bring your notebook, homework, and supplies to class)

Be Polite! (Treat others with respect and follow directions the first time)

Participate! (But be sure to raise your hand and be called on before speaking)

 

Just a note on participation:

Student participation is required in the class in order to create an environment that allows for critical thinking, interaction with history, and engaging in small group and whole class discussion.  This is our class!  Let’s work together to have a great year!

 

I have read the course outline and fully understand what is expected in Social Studies 8.  If I have any questions, I will speak with my teacher as soon as possible.

 

Student Signature: ____________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________