Social Studies: American History

Mr. Jeremy Hirsch

EMAIL: jhirsch@seasidek12.org

PHONE: (503)738-5560 (voicemail)

Course Description

8th grade Social Studies is a year long class.  Students will learn about American history, culture, government, geography, and economics from the American Colonies to Reconstruction (post Civil War), while paying attention to the marginalized groups of people. We will dive into our past using a thematic, document-based approach.  This method will boost our literacy skills as well as higher-order thinking while connecting the past with our lives.

Specific units are as follows:

• Mini Unit: Timeline of American History

• Unit 1: American Democracy

• Unit 2: Diversity and Discrimination

• Unit 3: States Rights and Federal Power

• Unit 4: Government, Business, and Workers

• Unit 5: Foreign Policy

• Unit 6: Civil Liberties and Public Safety

• Unit 7: American Identity

Primary Texts and Supplies

Texts (Hard copy and online versions)

American Stories: Beginnings to 1877  (National Geographic)

Supplies

Students should attend class daily with their supplies, which include, pencils or pens, college ruled paper (either loose leaf or in a notebook), and headphones or earbuds to use for audio

Grading and Grade Scale

  Each student will be graded based on the points accumulated from their formative class work  as well as assessments (quizzes, tests, and projects) per grading period. Extra credit will be available in the form of civic participation, which will be further explained in class.       

90-100%=A

80-89.9%=B

70-79.9%=C

60-69.9%=D

Make-up and Retake Policy

Students are responsible for any work missed due to absence.  Most of our assignments will be visible on Google Classroom and can be completed away from school if needed. Students who fail to meet standard on any assessment will have the opportunity to retake the assessment.  Details for this process will be shared in class with students. 

Extra Credit: Civic Engagement and Current Events

Students may earn extra points throughout the year by attending any local civic meetings (school board, city council, county commissioners, etc.). In order to earn points, bring back to class an agenda from the meeting as well as a one paragraph explanation of what you saw.  More points will be given if you were involved in the meeting by asking questions or giving your input. Also, there will occasionally be contests that I bring to class. Everyone who submits an entry will be given extra points. As always, your points will increase as your effort increases.

Academic Honesty and Expectations

Students are expected to maintain honesty regarding the work they produce.  Copying the work of another student, taking credit for the words or works of an outside source (plagiarism), or cheating will result in disciplinary consequences.

Expectations:

1. Be on time and ready to learn every day. 

2. Respect your classmates, our classroom, and yourself.

3. Be prepared every day; always bring your necessary supplies.

4. Be attentive, productive, and appropriate in our classroom.

5. Honor your differences through respectful discourse