History+Syllabus

HISTORY, 8A Course Syllabus

Instructor: Hardy Deming hdeming@park6.k12.wy.us (307) 587-4273 ext. 5317

Text: America, History of Our Nation, Beginnings Through 1877 Prentice Hall, 2007. West-Davidson, James

Supplemental The Nystrom Atlas of United States History Nystrom Herff Jones Materials: Education Division, 2005.

Materials/ Pencils, pens (red and black or blue), highlighter, colored pencils, School Supplies: Spiral notebook.

Course American history will require students to gain an understanding of the Description: American “story” and how that story has affected our culture through the ages. Not only will it include people, places, dates, and events but also how this story affects ordinary Americans. We will begin the story with how early people made their way to the Americas. Next, we will examine colonial life and the American Revolution and the Constitution in a new nation. Finally, we will study our “Manifest Destiny” (westward expansion) and the Civil War. Geography will also be taught throughout each unit.

Two of the State Standards will be formally assessed: Standard #1: Citizenship/Government/Democracy – students will demonstrate how structures of power, authority, and governance have developed historically and continue to evolve. Standard #4: Time, Continuity and Change – Students demonstrate an understanding of the people, events, problems, ideas and cultures that were significant in the history of our community, state, nation, and world.

Grading: Letter grades are awarded in accordance with district policy. Daily work, projects and tests are recorded on a point basis. District assessments are evaluated and recorded on a rubric scale. Copies of the student’s perfor- mance are sent home with the student following the assessment.

Homework: Assigned as necessary.

Late Work: Will be handled through the office and accepted with penalty.

Make-up Work: The policy is outlined in the Student Handbook

Extra Credit: Assignments are not given. Students who generally ask for extra credit are those who have not completed the required course work. The few points a student would gain will not offset the deficit created by not doing the required class work. Extra credit is offered at times as extra questions within assignments or tests.

1st Quarter: Beginnings of American History… • Roots of the American People (Prehistory-1500) • Europe Looks Outward (1000-1720) • Colonies Take Root (1587-1752) • Life in the Colonies (1650-1750)

Forming a New Nation… • The Road to Revolution (1745-1776) • The American Revolution (1776-1783)

2nd Quarter: Forming a New Nation…(cont.) • Creating the Constitution (1776-1790)

The New Republic… • Launching a New Nation (1789-1800) • The Era of Thomas Jefferson (1800-1815) • A Changing Nation (1815-1840)

3rd Quarter: The Nation Expands and Changes… • The North and South Take Different Paths (1800-1845) • An Age of Reform (1820-1860) • Westward Expansion (1820-1860)

4th Quarter: Civil War and Reunion… • The Nation Divided (1846-1861) • The Civil War (1861-1865)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I look forward to the opportunity of working with your student this year. I am anxious to share my passion for our past in an enjoyable and meaningful way. I believe we are off to a great start!

If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me. 8th grade is an exciting time for students and I am happy to be a part of their school year.

Sincerely,

Hardy Deming 8A History