Class Description
Assignment Calendar
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8-2 Social Studies
Students in the 8-2 Social Studies classes will study the early years of the American Republic. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze and evaluate historical events rather than on rote memory of names and dates. While the knowledge of milestone events and influential people is necessary, the majority of student work will require a deeper understanding of the importance of these topics and their role in creating the country in which we live today. Numerous primary sources will be utilized during the course of the year. Historical fiction will also be used to allow the students to delve deeper into the time periods we discuss.
Time Period Discussed:
- 1763-1880
Essential Ideas and Events:
- Causes and Effects of the American Revolution
- Government and Constitution of the United States
- The Industrial Revolution
- Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion
- Sectional Conflict and Slavery
- The Civil War and Reconstruction
Evaluation Methods:
- Student Performance is judged on application of the knowledge of these events and how they changed America. There will be few traditional tests. Students will be evaluated by numerous, short writing assignments as well as more periodic long-term assignments.
- Intermittent quizzes will be used to assess basic knowledge of the people, places and events we will study.
- Students will take common assessments across the grade every nine weeks.
- Learning contracts will, at times, be used as a means of allowing the students to take more ownership of and responsibility for their own education.
- As a part of a global society, it is important to understand the world around us. In addition to the study of our country’s formation, we will examine how we, as Americans, interact with others in the world through the discussion of current events on a weekly basis.
- All grading is done on a total points basis.
- All quizzes and tests are announced. All quizzes are open notes.
- No late work will be accepted.
Required Supplies:
- Notebook
- Colored Pencils
- Pens or Pencils
Stretch Readings and Activities:
In addition to primary source materials, students will read the following novels in part or in their entirety throughout the year. Other novels may be added to the list during the year.
- Rise to Rebellion
- Legacy
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- The Killer Angels
The ability to form a thesis and write an essay evaluating historical events will be stressed. Each unit of study will include an essay test. Students will also be expected to take part in class discussions and debates on a regular basis.