Grade 8 Social Studies
Building a Strong and Free Nation: 1850 – Present
The United States (Road to the Civil War to the New Frontier)
Mr. Ireland
Social Studies and Religion Teacher
610-933-7562 (School Office)
610-933-8823 (Fax)
nireland@myholyfamilyschool.org
Course Content Summary
Civil War and Reconstruction

1. Road to Civil War
2. Civil War
3. Reconstruction

Economic and Social Change

1. Western Frontier Challenges
2. Growth of Industry
3. Becoming an Urban Nation
4. Progressive Era

Emergence as a World Power

1. Imperialism
2. Spanish- American War
3. World War I

Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the New Deal

1. Roaring Twenties
2. The Great Depression
3. The New Deal

World War II

1. U.S. Response to World Dictatorships
2. World War II
3. Diplomacy
4. Aftermath to World War II

Postwar United States to present

1. The Cold War
2. Domestic Issues
3. Vietnam War
4. Post-Cold War American Foreign Policy
5. The War on Terror

 
 
Grading Policy
Classwork / Homework  30%
Work that is completed diligently and turned in on time has the best possible chance to receive full credit. Assignments may be turned in late in certain circumstances with parental contact. No work will be accepted once grades have been submitted and processed at the end of each marking period. 
In the event that a student is absent, it is their responsibility to check with the instructor upon their return to collect any work missed. If a student is expected to miss a significant amount of time, please notify instructor and work can be prepared for the student in advance.
 
Tests / Projects                40%
Tests will generally be conducted at the conclusion of chapters in the textbook. Students will be given advanced noticed of tests.

Projects will carry the same weight as a test grade. No more than one out of school project will be assigned per trimester. Students will have some amount of time to work on the projects in class with teacher direction and supervision. A rubric will accompany any project that is assigned.
 
Quizzes                              20%
Quizzes will be completed in class. Multiple quizzes will be given each chapter. Some quizzes will be formative only and will not count towards student grades. Notes may not be used during quizzes. Students will receive advanced warning for any quiz that will be counted as a grade.  
 
Participation                     10%
Students are expected to be prepared for class and participate. Participation includes completing individual work, working in groups, and class discussion. Students who participate when called on and complete work are considered to be participating fully in the class.  
 
Extra Credit
Extra credit is not offered for this class. If a student is struggling, extra help and makeup work is available.

Late Work
Work turned in one school day late will incur a five point penalty. Work turned in two-five school days late will incur a ten point penalty. Late work will generally not be accepted more than five school days after the due date.
 
Grade 7 Social Studies
Building a Strong and Free Nation: BCE – 1853
The United States (Early American Civilizations through Manifest Destiny)
Mr. Ireland
Social Studies and Religion Teacher
610-933-7562 (School Office)
610-933-8823 (Fax)
nireland@myholyfamilyschool.org
Course Content Summary
Different Worlds Meet

1. Native Americans
2. Exploration

Colonization and Settlement

1. European Settlements in the New World
2. Life in the English Colonies

Revolution and the New Nation

1. Road to Revolution
2. The American Revolution
3. Establishing the New Nation

Civics

1. The Constitutional Convention
2. The Constitution

The New Republic

1. The Federalist Era
2. Era of Good and Hard Feelings
3. The Age of Jackson

Expansion and Reform

1. Early Industrialization
2. Manifest Destiny
3. Age of Reform and American Culture

Grading Policy
Classwork / Homework  30%
Tests / Projects                40%
Quizzes                              20%
Participation                     10%
 
Grading Policy
Classwork / Homework  30%
Work that is completed diligently and turned in on time has the best possible chance to receive full credit. Assignments may be turned in late in certain circumstances with parental contact. No work will be accepted once grades have been submitted and processed at the end of each marking period. 
In the event that a student is absent, it is their responsibility to check with the instructor upon their return to collect any work missed. If a student is expected to miss a significant amount of time, please notify instructor and work can be prepared for the student in advance.
 
Tests / Projects                40%
Tests will generally be conducted at the conclusion of chapters in the textbook. Students will be given advanced noticed of tests.

Projects will carry the same weight as a test grade. No more than one out of school project will be assigned per trimester. Students will have some amount of time to work on the projects in class with teacher direction and supervision. A rubric will accompany any project that is assigned.
 
Quizzes                              20%
Quizzes will be completed in class. Multiple quizzes will be given each chapter. Some quizzes will be formative only and will not count towards student grades. Notes may not be used during quizzes. Students will receive advanced warning for any quiz that will be counted as a grade. 

Participation                     10%
Students are expected to be prepared for class and participate. Participation includes completing individual work, working in groups, and class discussion. Students who participate when called on and complete work are considered to be participating fully in the class. 
 
Extra Credit
Extra credit is not offered for this class. If a student is struggling, extra help and makeup work is available.

Late Work
Work turned in one school day late will incur a five point penalty. Work turned in two-five school days late will incur a ten point penalty. Late work will generally not be accepted more than five school days after the due date.