8TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY - COURSE SYLLABUS

Mrs. Huffman

Tamra.Huffman@k12.sd.us – email

http://th026.k12.sd.us – website with lesson plans and review help

8th Grade American History will focus on the period of American History from the discovery of North America through Reconstruction (after the Civil War). Students taking this course will attain a mastery of US History from the 1490s through the 1870s with special focus on critical thinking, chronology, and geography.

How to succeed in this class:

1. Bring a positive attitude to class

2. Maintain good attendance

3. Be prepared for class by bringing book, folder/binder, and pencils

4. Take good notes

5. Ask questions – this promotes discussion

6. Study for quizzes and tests

Grading Scale:

Everyone learns differently!  For example, you might prefer to do projects over tests while others would rather take a test than spend time on a project.  Therefore, there will be a variety of ways to evaluate your work.  This is accomplished through daily participation, daily assignments, chapter tests, quizzes, projects, and field trips.

GRADING SCALE

Classroom Rules:

We will follow all school rules but common sense is the main guideline in the class. I will not tolerate disrespect of any kind. I am an understanding teacher. If you are having a problem, please talk with me at an appropriate time during the class period, between classes, or before and after school.

✓ The most important rule is: RESPECT

1. Respect yourself!

2. Respect your peers!

3. Respect classroom guests & all adults present in the classroom!

4. Respect the environment we all have to learn in (that means this classroom & this school)!

We cannot always control what goes on outside of this classroom. We can however control our attitudes and behavior within this classroom. Foul language, put downs, and disrespect towards the teacher or others will not be accepted.

Homework/Classwork:

Class projects and experiences are a fun way to learn class material.  This allows you to have hands on experience with information being discussed.  These types of class assignments are very popular within the classroom!  These projects are graded on a separate basis and may be equal or count more in value than a test.

It is expected assignments will be turned in the day they are due.  This class will follow the homework policy established by the school district.  Late assignments may result in a detention.  Study contracts, In School Suspension (ISS), and Saturday School will be progressively implemented at the discretion of administration.  You may find the homework policy in your student handbook.

Finding assignments when absent:

If you know when you will be absent from school, get your assignment in advance.  If an assignment is announced before your absence, you are responsible for completing it on time.  You will find all homework assignments in the “Make-Up Assignments” binder in the classroom.  You may also find assignment information on the class website found here:  http://th026.k12.sd.us   The standard policy is one day absent – two days to make up the work.

Classroom Discussion:

I will initiate many classroom discussions in which I encourage you to take part. Participation in these discussions will not only increase your involvement in class but also will help in your final grade.

Creativity is encouraged. Plus, itʼs more fun when I donʼt talk the whole period!

1.  Binders/Folders: Checked Randomly (so bring them everyday!)

• Unless you are absent on the day of a Binder Check, binders CANNOT be turned in late.

• You are responsible for keeping your binder organized and orderly.

2.  Notes & Handouts (including any bell-work or reflections)

• This section will contain anything you are given in class that is instructional, informational, or merely for your reference & DOES NOT NEED TO BE TURNED IN OR GRADED.

• The student is responsible for ANY & ALL notes we take during each Unit!

• Check the class website or binder in class for what you missed if youʼre absent.

3. Homework & Study Guides

• Homework (even after it is turned in & graded) must be kept in your binder/folder until the end of each unit.   DO NOT throw anything away until you have been given permission.

Redoing assignments and tests:

It is important to try your best on all of your assignments and tests, but if you do poorly on either -  redoes are allowed.  You will have exactly one week to redo assignments and tests once they are given back to you.  If I do not hear from you that you would like to redo an assignment, than I will understand it as you are satisfied with your current grade.  Please have a private conversation with me regarding redoes either during study hall or before and after school.  You will earn half of the points you missed on assignments and an average of both of your scores on tests for redoes.  It will be reflected on DDN that you took advantage of a redo.

Returning your assignments to you:

I am very diligent about returning your work to you in a timely manner. If you don’t receive an assignment that you submitted please promptly see me – it might be missing your

One point will be taken off your assignment if you do not write your name on your paper.

What We’ll Be Covering this Year:

Chapter 2 - The World Before 1500

★ Chapter Objective: To analyze how American, African, & European societies differ from one

another before 1500.

Chapter 3 – The English Establish 13 Colonies

★ Chapter Objective: To analyze how the experience of the early colonists shaped Americaʼs

political and social ideals and analyze the factors that allowed each colonial region to grow and prosper.

Chapters 5 and 6 – The Road to Revolution

★ Chapter Objective: To analyze what drove the colonists to declare independence from Great

Britain and to understand how it was possible for American Patriots to gain their independence from the powerful British Empire.

Chapter 7 – Confederation to Constitution

★ Chapter Objective: To understand how Americans attempted to create a national government

that respected both the independence of states & the rights of individuals.

Chapter 8 -  Constitution & Citizenship and Launching a New Republic

★ Objective: To examine the U.S. Constitution as a living document & assess your rights as a U.S.

citizen and to understand what political traditions and tensions first appeared in the early

years of the new republic.

Chapter 9 – The Jefferson Era

★ Chapter Objective: To understand how the events of the Jefferson Era strengthen the nation.

Chapter 11 – The Age of Jackson

★ Chapter Objective: To analyze the impact that Andrew Jacksonʼs presidency had on the nation.

Chapter 13 – Manifest Destiny

★ Chapter Objective: To examine how westward expansion transformed the nation and to understand how immigration and social reform changed the nation in the

mid-1800s.

Chapter 15 – The Nation Breaking Apart

★ Chapter Objective: To investigate the issues and events that shattered the nationʼs unity and led

to Civil War.

Chapter 16 – The Civil War

★ Chapter Objective: To analyze the events, leaders, and strategies that shaped the early years of

the Civil War and to understand the ways in which the Civil War transformed the nation.

Chapter 17 – Reconstruction

★ Chapter Objective: To examine how a deeply divided nation attempted to move forward after the

War.