American History 8 Syllabus

Saint Peter Middle and Senior High School

Course Syllabus

Name of Course: United States History

Grade Level: 8

Instructor: Mr. Boe

Course Description:

U.S. History-8 builds on the knowledge of American history that students gained in grade five.

The course extends the students’ understanding of American civilization through an

examination of the recurrent themes in American history. In this course, the student explores

and evaluates the significant issues that have influenced the development of American society

and culture.

Course Objectives:

1. The student will be able to outline the critical issues the American people have faced

throughout history.

2. The student will be able to describe the development of the United States as a sovereign,

territorial entity.

3. The student will be able to assess the importance of diversity in American society and

culture.

4. The student will be able to examine the elements of change and continuity, conflict, and

consensus in American history.

5. The student will be able to identify the various roles that the United States has played

in world affairs throughout its history.

Units / major topics covered in the course:

1. Western frontier expansion and migration

2. Slavery in America

3. Civil War

4. End of the American frontier

5. America enters the 20^th century

6. World War I

7. The Great Depression

8. World War II

9. Post War America

Text and Supplemental Materials:

The American Journey Appleby, Brinkley, & McPherson - Glencoe-McGraw-Hill (2007)

Major Projects:

1. Student/Parent Interview

2. Oregon Trail / Pioneer Diary

3. I Am Project

4. Final Project

6-Trait Writing Assignment (brief description):

The student’s Pioneer Diary will be used to assess understanding of the 6-traits of writing.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment will include daily assignments, quizzes, and tests, as well as group and

individual projects / presentations. A final exam will be given in this class as is required of

all SPHS classes.

Grading Procedure

In order to receive a passing grade in this class, students are expected to complete class work and to take exams over the material assigned and studied.

Total points earned for class assignments, quizzes and exams will be recorded and totaled at midterm/quarter. That total will be divided by the total number of points possible and a letter grade will be recorded according to the following scale:

A 100 – 90 %

B 89 - 80 %

C 79 - 70 %

D 69 - 60 %

F 59 % and below