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8th Grade American History 1789-1880 Syllabus

2016-2017
Bridgman Public SchoolsF.C. Reed Middle School
Teacher: Ms. Markham
Email: cmarkham@bridgmanschools.com
Phone Number: (269) 466-0269
Course Website: http://msmarkhamhistory.weebly.com/
Required Texts: Discovery Education Techbook (United States History Prehistory to
Progressive Era Course)
Required Materials: Journal (Notebook designated specifically for this class only),
writing utensil, charged
chrome book
Course Topics: (Unit numbers correspond with Discovery Education chapters)
UNIT 4-Establishing a New Government

UNIT 8-Industrial Expansion and Reform

UNIT 4-Leaders and Challenges for a New Nation

UNIT 9-Slavery and the Civil War

UNIT 6-Building a New National Identity

UNIT 10-Reconstruction

UNIT 7-New Horizons

UNIT 11-A Country Transformed

Building Better Citizens:

Our constitutional democracy requires active citizens. Responsible citizenship
requires students to participate actively while learning in the classroom.
Instruction should provide activities that actively engage students so that
they simultaneously learn about civic participation while involved in the civic
life of their communities, our state, and our nation. The social studies
curriculum prepares students to participate in political activities, to serve
their communities, and to regulate themselves responsibly.
-MDE Social Studies Expectations
The above is pulled from the Michigan curriculum framework for social studies. It clearly
expresses that social studies classes are meant to create positive citizens to send into
the world. To meet these requirements, this class in particular will dedicate a portion of
time every month to focus on becoming better citizens. The following are some of the
things to look forward to this year to help grow as active citizens:

Community project
Political scenario discussion
Follow the election
Christmas cards for servicemen

Class Work:
This course will provide numerous opportunities for the student to express their
knowledge. Grades will be pulled from various methods such as: quizzes, tests, projects,
and essays.
Academic Dishonesty:
Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or forgery will not be tolerated in this class. The
first offense will result in a failing grade for the specific examination, assignment, or
activity. Any further offenses will result in a failing grade for the nine-week grading
period and/or 1-5 days ISS and parent notification.
Classroom Expectations:

Respect yourself, respect others, and respect the classroom

Be on task
Do your best always! There will be NO CANTS in this classroom
Be prepared to learn (This means that they have the required materials for the
class and their chrome book is fully charged)
Follow ALL school rules and expectations of RMS

Discipline Plan:
If student breaks any of the above classroom expectations or rules of RMS they will deal
with the following consequences:

Verbal reminder
Silent Sustained Lunch (SSL)

In agreement to meet the above expectations please sign, date, and return to
Ms. Markham by directed deadline.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________

Date: _______________________
Guardian Signature: __________________________________________________
Date: _______________________