8th Grade US History Syllabus
Ms. Emma Movsesian
Room 107
Course Description
Welcome to 8th Grade US History! This course will explore the chronological history of the United States, from the pre-colonial era through the framing of our constitution, and the wars of the twentieth century. Students will learn about the global ramifications of European settlement in the New World, the revolutionary ideas of our founding fathers, and how the United States evolved from a fledgling nation into a modern world power. It is my hope that students appreciate the unique and extraordinary history of our nation,as understanding our past is essential to creating engaged citizens, and a brighter future. I look forward to learning alongside you all!
Course Objectives
The goal of this course is to help students think like historians in their interpretation of the past. Assignments are designed to sharpen critical reading, writing, and thinking skills, and expanding students’ conceptions of our national history. This course is also intended to help students better understand the present, and navigate their collective futures. By the end of our year together, students will be able to:
Identify significant patterns, themes, and turning points in US history
Place events in their historical contexts
Analyze primary and secondary source documents
Explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change
Present arguments that are clear and well-substantiated with evidence
Daily Requirements & Materials
Students must come to class prepared with the following items:
Textbook: History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism
The Student Interactive Notebook
Three-Ring Binder: This will be important for organizing your assignments and graded work
College-Ruled Notebook: This will be used for in-class assignments and taking notes.
Writing Utensils: Pens (blue or black ink), white out, pencils, and highlighters are optional.
Responsibilities & Expectations
All students will be held equally responsible to meet certain expectations, the most important of which is respectful behavior. This is fundamental to creating a productive and cooperative classroom environment. Students must:
Come to class on-time and prepared, with all required materials and assignments
Use class time effectively to complete assignments
Provide their full attention to lecture, and actively participate in discussion
Continuously strive to produce their best work, and reach their full scholarly potential
Treat their peers and teacher with the respect they would like to receive
Act in accordance with all rules and policies of the 2017-2018 AGBU Student Handbook
Grading
Homework and In-Class Work, 40%
Tests and Projects, 40%
Quizzes, 10%
Participation 10%
Grading scale
100-90% A
89-80%- B
79-70%- C
69-60%- D
59-0%- F
Additional Class Policies & Procedures:
Electronics: The use of personal electronic devices on campus, or in the classroom, is strictly prohibited. Any such devices seen will be confiscated immediately, and submitted to Dean Dan. No further warnings will be given.
Late work: Late work will not be accepted, unless a student is absent. In which case, they are allowed the number of days they are absent to make up the assignments. For example, if you are absent two days, you have two days to turn in the work. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what their missed assignments are.
Make-up Exams: All make-up exams will be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays during X-block in room 210, supervised by Mrs. Yaralian. Students are required to make-up any and every missed quiz or exam, or will receive a zero.
Tardy Policy: Being on time to class is essential to students’ participation grade. All students are expected to be in their seats and ready to begin when the final bell rings. Those out of their seats will be marked tardy for the class and are subject to consequences 2017-2018 AGBU Student Handbook.
Homework & Classwork Submission: There will be designated trays for submission of in-class and homework assignments. All homework must be submitted at the start of class, the day it is due. In-class assignments must be placed in its tray upon completion.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Any student caught plagiarizing will receive a zero for that assignment or assessment, and be subject to the consequences set forth in the Student Handbook. Please remember that sharing your work also constitutes plagiarism and will have the same consequences.
Office Hours
My office hours are every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. I am also available by appointment.