Social Studies

8th grade U.S. History Syllabus
2016-2017
Mr. Haws
Welcome to eighth grade U.S. History! Students will spend the year learning to think and read like a historian. This framework will guide our work as we investigate the Colonial era through the Civil War era of United States history. We will also study the Civil Rights Movement, current events and the 2016 election. Throughout the year students will be working on their culminating Human Rights Project.
What is Social Studies?
Social studies is the study of people and how they interact with each other and their environment. Social studies includes history, geography, economics, and civics. Students use reading, writing, listening, and speaking to gain knowledge and demonstrate understanding in social studies.
Why do we study Social Studies?
An understanding of social studies helps students to make connections between the past, present, and future. Students develop the ability to think analytically, logically, and creatively. Students learn to “step into another’s shoes” and view issues from multiple perspectives. Students are better able to examine their roles in their community and in the world. Students gain knowledge and understanding to be active citizens in our democracy.
Curriculum:
We will use History Alive! United States, Howard Zinn’s A Young People’s History of the United States, The Thinking Like a Historian curriculum designed by the Stanford History Education Group, as well as many other historical sources.  In social studies, the Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) will be given, and the reading and writing standards for history/social studies are guided by the Common Core State Standards. Students will be assessed on their ability to meet these standards and will also receive grades for their independent and partner/group assignments.
Assignments/Grading:
Grades will be based on the following types of assignments:

  • Reading, writing, and studying history
  • Projects
  • Short and long term research
  • Daily and weekly assignments
  • Participation in simulations and Socratic seminars 
  • Tests and quizzes
  • Presentations
       
You should expect homework several times per week. Most assignments are started in class. Students may or may not finish assignments during class time. Students who do not finish during class will need to complete their work at home. Usually homework will be a continuation of the work we are doing in class, not a separate assignment, which means students should have an understanding of what is expected in order to complete the assignment. Students who are consistently behind with assignments will be asked to work during MMS Time in order to complete work and not fall too far behind.

Expectations:
My classroom expectations build upon the following ideas:
  1. Respect people, property, and ideas.
  2. Be prepared daily (supplies, homework).
  3. Be on time and ready to learn every day.
  4. Expect to work hard.
The eighth grade year is an important year to prepare students for the increased independence of high school. The above behaviors will help solidify the necessary skills they need to develop in order to be successful.
Communication:
1. Planner: Time will be provided in class to record assignments and due dates. Checking the planner at home can help keep students on track with assignments.
2. Progress information: Online grades can be viewed through Skyward Family Access. You can expect grades to be updated at least weekly.
3. Email: If you have questions or concerns throughout the school year, please feel free to contact me at jhaws@osd.wednet.edu.
 
Civics

  • Component 1.1: Understands key ideals and principles of the United States, including those in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other fundamental documents.
  •  Component 1.2: Understands the purposes, organization, and function of governments, laws, and political systems.
  • Component 1.3: Understands the purposes and organization of international relationships and U.S. foreign policy.
  • Component 1.4: Understands civic involvement
Economics

  • Component 2.1: Understands that people have to make choices between wants and needs and evaluate the outcomes of those choices.
  • Component 2.2: Understands how economic systems function.
  • Component 2.3: Understands the government’s role in the economy.
  • Component 2.4: Understands the economic issues and problems that all societies face.
Geography

  • Component 3.1: Understands the physical characteristics, cultural characteristics, and location of places, regions, and spatial patterns on the Earth’s surface.
  • Component 3.2: Understands human interaction with the environment.
  • Component 3.3: Understands the geographic context of global issues.
History

  • Component 4.1: Understands historical chronology.
  • Component 4.2: Understands and analyzes causal factors that have shaped major events in history.
  • Component 4.3: Understands that there are multiple perspectives and interpretations of historical events.
  • Component 4.4: Uses history to understand the present and plan for the future.
Social Studies Skills

  • Component 5.1: Uses critical reasoning skills to analyze and evaluate positions.
  • Component 5.2: Uses inquiry-based research.
  • Component 5.3: Deliberates public issues.
  • Component 5.4: Creates a product that uses social studies content to support a thesis and presents the product in an appropriate manner to a meaningful audience.


1 comment:

  1. Mr. Haws you're the best teacher at Thurgood Marshall Middle School!

    -Ryan Montgomery

    ReplyDelete