Welcome to 8^th Grade Social Studies                     Mr. Mayo

The 8^th Grade Social Studies course is a survey of American history beginning with the Civil War and ending with Vietnam. It is designed to help students understand how and why particular events and patterns of events occurred in our society. The course will enable students to understand the geographic, political and economic developments that affect currents events.

Course Expectations: Students are expected to develop their writing skills, to complete all reading assignments, and to begin the process of historical analysis critical to understanding and interpreting the past. Students are expected to come to class prepared and to complete assignments on time.

Curriculum:

•    The Civil War
•     Reconstruction and the New South
•     Opening the West
•     The Industrial Age
•     The Urban Society
•     Progressive Era
•     Rise to World Power
•     World War One
•     Jazz Age
•     The Depression and the New Deal
•     America and World War Two
•     The Cold War Era
•     The Civil Rights Era
•     The Vietnam Era

Textbook: The American Journey published by Glencoe. We will also use a variety of other resources including slides, videos, games, simulations, guest speakers, plays, novels and songs.

The following list represents some of the skills that will be incorporated into the study of American History this year:

1.     Reading political cartoons
2.     Using eyewitness accounts
3.     Reading and interpreting maps
4.     Constructing and interpreting a timeline
5.     Identifying immediate and long-range causes
6.     Making generalizations based on facts
7.     Understanding cause and effect
8.     Identifying a point of view
9.     Recognizing and interpreting propaganda
10. Organizing and presenting an oral report

Class Rules:

•     Respect all members of our school community
•     Respect school and classroom property
•     Please raise your hand to speak
•     Be on time
•     Come to class prepared with all needed materials
•     Complete your homework every night

Homework is assigned every night and is due the next day. Students will earn full credit for assignments that are complete and on time. The grade on an assignment handed in in the next class period will be lowered by 50%.  Any homework handed in after that time will earn no credit.

Extra Help: By appointment ( Generally After School)

My grading policy is:  40% for Tests/Projects

                                   20% for Quizzes

                                   20% for Homework

                                   15% for Classwork

                                     5% for Participation/Preparedness                          

I look forward to the many challenges and learning experiences that lay ahead of us as we journey through a fun filled school year. Please come to this class with a positive attitude along with a hunger for learning. I will challenge you to do your best and be there to help you when you need guidance. I’m the type of teacher that will always welcome questions from my students, so never be afraid to ask for help, and or to get clarification on something that you may not fully understand. Remember I’m here to gladly assist and help!

In closing, I’m extremely excited to get back into the classroom after enjoying my summer vacation because I love to teach. We are going to have a challenging productive school year with a lot of learning taking place through your effort and hard work. This success that you will achieve based on this effort and hard work, will enable you to feel good about yourself along with making your parents very proud.

Once again, welcome to social studies. Let’s work together to make this the best year ever!

Sincerely,

Mr. Mayo