Syllabus

8th Grade Social Studies

 

Welcome to American History!  We will learn about the development of our nation through the careful study of five major categories:

·        Significant historical events

·        Geographic issues

·        Local and national politics

·        Social Sciences

·        Economic principles

Our primary focus is the period of Reconstruction through the present.  Our goal is to understand our country today in the light of our past.  This understanding will come to you as we investigate ideas and events of the past.

 

Overview of Content

1st Quarter:  Reconstruction through World War I

2nd Quarter:  Roaring 20’s through World War II

3rd Quarter:  Cold War through Present- From a Geo-Political Perspective

4th Quarter:  Post-WWII through Present- From a Cultural Perspective

 

Classroom Work

1.       Daily Work- Reading, Writing, Weekly Current Events, Daily Journal Spiral

2.      Projects-  Approximately one project per quarter.  Projects may be individual, partner, or group work and vary in scope from interviewing a community member to researching an economic event.

3.      Assessments-  Mastery of material will be demonstrated formally with tests and quizzes, and informally with various interactive activities.

 

Grading

1.       Grades are divided into three categories- Daily work, test/quiz, and projects.  I use a total point system and post my grades every Monday.

2.      I encourage students to monitor their grades for accuracy and to give themselves an extra cushion in two ways:

a.      Extra Effort- When a student shows initiative and brings material from home that enhances a current unit, I make a note of it.  If that student is within a tenth of the next grade at the end of the quarter, it may raise their quarter grade.

b.      Family Field Trip- Family trips to educational destinations in the Chicago area can be used to replace a test or project grade with an A+ one time per semester.  Destinations are suggested on my website.

 

I am looking forward to a great year with the students.  I can be contacted either by phone or email.  Email will receive a more prompt response!

 

Sincerely,   Jackie Haney

Jackie.haney@lz95.org    847-719-3726

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read and understand the above information for Social Studies:

 

Student: ____________________   Parent: ___________________________