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8th Grade Course Summary

World History

Course Description:

This course focuses on the exploration of global history from the Protestant Reformation in Europe to the French Revolution.  Throughout this course, students will grow in their understanding of the influence that geography, economics, and civics have had on shaping the world. In the second semester of this course students will use their knowledge of the Enlightenment ideas as driving forces for the American Revolution, and the creation of the “American experiment” as a segway to the study of American Civics.

 

Textbook:

 

World History and Geography, Spielvogel for McGraw-Hill, 2014

 

Units of Study:

  • Reforming Europe
  • The Sun Rises in the East
  • The Sun Sets in the West
  • Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
  • Enlightenment and Revolution

Civics

Course Description:
Civic education is essential for active participation in our government and society by informed citizens. The Civics portion of this course will emphasize study not only of government, but also of individual rights and responsibilities. Students will explore the structure of the federal government, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, and the organization of state and local governments. Students will develop the skills to make informed decisions, to peacefully resolve conflicts, to articulate and defend positions, and to engage in the civic and political lives of their communities.

Textbook:

Building Citizenship: Civics and Economics, McGraw Hill, 2013
 

Units of Study:

  • So You Want to Be a Citizen
  • Let Me Read You Your Rights
  • Three-Ring Circus
  • I Approve This Message
  • Close to Home

In addition to the text, we will be using many outside primary and secondary resources.  Students will have varied instruction, including lecture, self-discovery, research, simulation, cooperative and independent assignments, and various types of media.  We will also emphasize reading comprehension strategies, note taking methods, study skills, critical thinking skills, and expository research and writing.