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    U.S. History Course Outline

     

    8th Grade

     

     


    Course Expectations

    Mrs. Hopkins

    8th Grade United States History                            Order United States History: Beginnings to 1877 Teacher Guide Bundle, ISBN: 9780544912762 | HMH


    COURSE DESCRIPTION:

    In 8th grade United States history, you will study the history of the U.S. from Colonial America to the Reconstruction Era. In this course, you will learn about the creation of our nation.  The focus of this course is to help students become engaged, knowledgeable, and effective citizens. 

    1.  Topics of Study:
      1. F1 Political and Intellectual Transformations (Colonial America, Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War)
      1. INTEGRATED U.S. HISTORY, ORGANIZED BY ERA (USHG) Foundational Issues in USHG Eras 1-3 (Review of Grade 5 Social Studies) 
        1. F2 Geographic, Economic, Social, and Demographic Trends in America.
    1. USHG ERA 3 – REVOLUTION AND THE NEW NATION (1754-1800s) 
    2. 3.3 Creating New Government(s) and a New Constitution
    3. USHG ERA 4 – EXPANSION AND REFORM (1792-1861) 
    4. 4.1 Challenges to an Emerging Nation 
    5. 4.2 Regional and Economic Growth 

                                         iii. 4.3 Reform Movements 

    1. USHG ERA 5 – CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION (1850-1877) 
    2. 5.1 The Coming of the Civil War 
    3. 5.2 Civil War 

                                         iii.5.3 Reconstruction 

    1. 5.4 Policy Issues in USHG Eras 3-5
    2. U6 USHG ERA 6 – (Introduction) THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL, URBAN,                                          

              AND GLOBAL UNITED STATES (1870-1930)

    1. Daily Homework: There will be a variety of reading assignments and classroom activities that will be completed in and out of class.
    2. Materials: You must bring with you each day:
      1. Planner
      2. Paper 
      3. Writing utensil
      4. Binder or folder to take needed materials home
      5. Textbook (if you took it out of the classroom) 
      6. Headphones or earbuds (plug in) to use with Chromebooks
    		    

     

     

     

     

    GRADE SCALE (Percentages)

    A+    + 100

    B+     88-89

    C+       78-79

    D+       68-69

    E  59 & Below

    A       92-100

    B       82-87

    C         72-77

    D         62-67

     

    A-      90-91

    B-      80-81

    C-        70-71

    D-        60-61

     

     

     Final grade based on the average of scores for the following:

    Classwork/ Homework – 50%

    Assessments (Tests/Quizzes/Projects) – 50%

     

    Classwork/Homework Policy

    • Most assigned work is due at the start of the next class period unless otherwise indicated.  Generally, there will be some class time each day to begin assignments, but many assignments will need to be finished outside of class.
    • Late assignments for reasons other than an excused absence will only be accepted 2 days late.  The grade on an unexcused late assignment will decrease by 15% each day.  Assignments will not be accepted for credit more than 2 days late. Extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the teacher immediately.
    • If you were absent, you have the number of days absent to make assignments up. If the work was requested before or when you were gone, it is due upon return. 
    •  Assignments and most handouts and PowerPoint presentations are posted on my website and can be accessed from home. You can always email Mrs. Hopkins with any questions during your absence.
    • When you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain the assignment and handouts when you return to class. Assignments are posted next to the classroom door and handouts should be requested from me. 
    • Extra Credit will be available periodically. However, the number of points that you can earn from extra credit is not adequate to make up for excessive missing assignments.  YOU MUST DO YOUR DAILY WORK IF YOU EXPECT TO DO WELL IN THIS CLASS.
    • Chapter outlines and notes are a required part of this course, and may be used as resources when taking most tests.  I have provided a folder to store and organize your work.  It is your responsibility to make sure ALL your assignments are kept neatly organized until they are needed for the chapter tests. THIS FOLDER DOES NOT LEAVE THE ROOM, so you will want to have an additional folder to carry things back and forth to school for homework purposes.
    • Progress Reports will be sent home periodically via email or printed copy. If I receive an email back from your parent or a signed copy of the progress report, you will receive a few extra credit points.
    • All assignments must be the student’s original work. No copying and pasting from the internet.
    • Plagiarism or any type of cheating will result in a zero on the assignment or test.

     

    For additional class information and useful web site links, visit my web page on the Sault Area Middle School website.