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
- Road to Civil War
- Civil War
- Reconstruction
Economic and Social Change
- Western Frontier Challenges
- Growth of Industry
- Becoming an Urban Nation
- Progressive Era
Emergence as a World Power
- Imperialism
- Spanish- American War
- World War I
Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the New Deal
- Roaring Twenties
- The Great Depression
- The New Deal
World War II
- U.S. Response to World Dictatorships
- World War II
- Diplomacy
- Aftermath to World War II
Postwar United States to present
- The Cold War
- Domestic Issues
- Vietnam War
- Post-Cold War American Foreign Policy
- 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. Students will be given the opportunity to complete guided notes throughout the chapter. In most cases notes taken will be permitted to be used during the test. If this is not the case, students will receive advanced warning. Instructor will provide a minimum of one class period to review for tests.
Projects will carry the same weight as a test grade. No more than one out of school project will be assigned per trimester. No out of school project will be assigned for the first trimester. Students will have 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.
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
- Native Americans
- Exploration
Colonization and Settlement
- European Settlements in the New World
- Life in the English Colonies
Revolution and the New Nation
- Road to Revolution
- The American Revolution
- Establishing the New Nation
Civics
- The Constitutional Convention
- The Constitution
The New Republic
- The Federalist Era
- Era of Good and Hard Feelings
- The Age of Jackson
Expansion and Reform
- Early Industrialization
- Manifest Destiny
- 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. Students will be given the opportunity to complete guided notes throughout the chapter. In most cases notes taken will be permitted to be used during the test. If this is not the case, students will receive advanced warning. Instructor will provide a minimum of one class period to review for tests.
Projects will carry the same weight as a test grade. No more than one out of school project will be assigned per trimester. No out of school project will be assigned for the first trimester. Students will have 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.
