8th Grade US History Syllabus

Ms. Burge
Phone: 503-985-7516 ex. 238
Email: burgec@gaston.k12.or.us

Text: Freedom and American Nation

8th Grade United States History is a required full year course within the Gaston Junior
High School curriculum. It is offered to students their eighth grade year. This class is an
exploration into the birth and development of America with focus on geography,
economy, government, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new nation.
Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the development of social studies skills,
critical thinking skills, geography skills and the multicultural nature of American society.
Each assignment will be based on Oregon Content Standards for 8th Grade Social
Studies.

Classroom Behavior:

RESPECT: All students will respect themselves, their community members and their
learning environment.
READINESS: All students must attend class everyday and come prepared to actively
participate in daily activities.
RESPONSIBILITY: All students must accept responsibility for themselves and their
actions.

Course Requirements:

1. Students must come to class prepared and ready to learn.

2. Tests are given at the end of each unit (with exceptions).
3. Students will be given daily assignments, with plenty of class time in which to
complete. If a student is not able to complete in class it then becomes homework.
4. Extra credit assignments may be offered but are not guaranteed.
5. Students will participate in various group and individual projects.

By the end of this year, you will:

Demonstrate and strengthen your ability to write historical essays.

Strengthen your note-taking skills.
Compare/contrast/synthesize and analyze information.
Exercise critical thinking and communication skills in formal and informal
discussions.
Units of Study

American Beginnings and Empires Expansion and Nationalism

Colonies in America Industry and Agriculture
Conflict in the Colonies Social Movements
American Revolution Westward Expansion
The Constitution and Bill of Rights The Civil War
Starting a New Nation Reconstruction

Standards: For a complete list of standards covered in this and other social science
classes at the high school level see the following ODE website.

http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/subjects/socialscience/standards/oregon-social-
sciences-academic-content-standards.pdf

Late Work:

Late work will be accepted with the following expectations:

Excused absences: It is the responsibility of the student to collect all work

missed due to an absence. Missed work should be completed and turned in
for credit in a timely manner. In the event the student is absent during note
taking it is the students responsibility to get the notes either from the
teacher or another student. Exams missed due to absence can be taken
before or after school.

Late work: Students are expected to turn in completed work by the due date.
If students are unable to complete by the due date late work will be
accepted up through the quarter grading schedule for which it was
assigned.

CHEATING, COPYING AND PLAGIARISM:

Just dont do it!!! Cheating, copying and plagiarizing are forms of dishonesty. Students
caught copying will receive a zero for the assignment or test. Allowing someone to copy
your completed paper will result in a zero for you as well.

Plagiarism: to use the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words
or ideas. Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarize Do not copy
directly from the Internet source and try to turn it in as your own work. Changing
one or two words from an Internet source is still plagiarism. Read the information,
process the information, and then rewrite the information in your own words. Students
who plagiarize receive a failing grade for that assignment.
Attendance:

Regular attendance is crucial to academic success. If you must be absent due to illness or
other issues make sure that you get your missed work and turn it in on time to receive full
credit.

Come to class on time! Tardies will result in lunch and after school detention as
outlined in the student handbook.

Grading:

The following is the grading scale for Gaston High School: All grades will be on a
point system and converted to a letter grade for reporting purposes. I do not round grades
up, the grade you earn is the grade you get.
A=91-100
B=81-90
C=71-80
D=65-70
F=64 and below

Need Help?

I am available before and after school daily. Do not hesitate to come and ask for help!

In all classroom Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe

situations
Topic/ Situation Expectations & Routines
Absences If you are absent please pick up an admit slip prior to coming to class and show it to
me upon your arrival. It is your responsibility to get any notes or work missed when
you return from an absence.
Food and drink Please enjoy your food and drink outside of class. Plain water is allowed in the
classroom but no sodas, vitamin water, Propel or flavored waters are allowed.
Getting help I am available every day at 7:30 am and from 3:05-3:30. Feel free to stop in and ask for
help if needed.
In-class The majority of our work is done during class time please use your class time wisely.
assignments and When we are in the lab working on a project or assignment please make sure you are
homework working not checking email or playing games.
Personality You will potentially be asked to work with classmates with whom you do not get along.
conflicts/ Regardless, be respectful. Keep in mind that this is usually for a limited duration.
difference of Working effectively with those whom you may differ is an essential skill for your
opinions future! If the situation is intolerable, please see me privately and be ready with some
alternative ideas/ solutions.
Restroom/ locker Whenever possible, use the restroom and get items from your locker between classes.
If you must use the restroom or go to your locker, please wait until instructions/
whole-class activity such as note-taking or example problems are completed. Be sure
to ask for permission, use a pass, and do specifically what you asked in as quick a
manner as possible.
Technology in Cell phone use is restricted to the hallways. If cell phones are out during class time
the classroom they will be confiscated and can be picked up in the office at the end of the day.
 8th Grade US History Syllabus

Parent/Guardian:

To ensure that you are aware of the course rules and procedures, please read the course
syllabus and discuss with your child. Once you have done so, please sign and return this
form to Ms. Burge. If returned by Friday September 4, 2015 students will receive 10
extra credit points.

Thank you

________________________________________________________________________

Student Name (Please Print)

____________________________________________________

I have read the course syllabus. I understand the expectations and requirements.

Parent/Guardian: ____________________________Date: _____________________

Student: __________________________________ Date: ____________________