Mr. Murtaugh
Norris School District
Room: E-10
Curriculum Map Link (below)
http://norris.ne.techpaths.com/Published/Landscape_Map.asp?PublishKey={17A22135-3331-498F-ABCE-37C36199C9E7}
Syllabus in Word
Format Here
American History 8
Course Description:
Social Studies is concerned with the chronological history of the United States,
from beginning to present. This required core-curriculum course will concentrate
on the time period from the Colonial times through the Civil War and
Reconstruction. It studies the multicultural identity, democratic institutions,
economy, environment, and how these are involved in the global perspective.
Through the course material, we will strive to understand these relationships
involved in our country’s history.
Course Objectives:
1. To examine the larger patterns in the history of our country.
2. To explore the multicultural background of our country’s citizens.
3. To develop an understanding of the Democratic/Republican political system.
4. To understand the basic principles of the national economic system.
5. To examine the environment’s role in history and how it has shaped our
present (i.e. environmental determinism).
6. To acquire a global perspective of the United States of America--both past
and present.
Course Outline: (and relating standards)
1. Students will examine the acquisition of New World colonies by Spain, France
and England. They will be able to identify the areas of European influence
through map analysis and labeling. (8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.9, 8.3.10)
2. Students will study the different eastern-Native Americans and cite the
influence the Europeans had on the native populations. (8.1.3, 8.1.9, 8.3.10)
3. Students will outline and examine the events leading to the Revolutionary
War, including the war itself- focusing on people, places and events. (8.1.3,
8.1.9, 8.1.10, 8.3.10)
4. Students will identify the differences between the Articles of Confederation
and the Constitution, including their strengths and weaknesses. (8.1.4, 8.1.5,
8.1.9, 8.3.1, 8.3.3)
5. Students will examine the Amendments, beginning with the Bill of Rights.
(8.1.4, 8.3.9)
6. Students will paraphrase and examine the basic fundamentals of how our
government was created, including the development of the Constitution, and the
Bill of Rights. (8.1.4, 8.3.1, 8.3.3, 8.3.4, 8.3.8, 8.3.9)
7. Students will trace the expansion of the United States, including the
Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Country, Spanish Territories, Texas and the various
events that led to their acquisition. (8.1.9, 8.1.10)
8. Students will examine and describe the various aspects of the Industrial
Revolution, including new inventions and technologies in agriculture,
communications, and transportion. (8.1.6, 8.2.1, 8.3.10)
9. Students will analyze the events that influenced and caused the Civil War.
(8.1.7, 8.1.8, 8.1.9, 8.1.10, 8.2.1, 8.3.10)
10. Students will break down and examine the changes brought about by
Reconstruction, including the growth of racism and Civil Rights. (8.1.9, 8.1.10,
8.3.8, 8.3.10)
11. Students will examine current events, and whenever possible, relate them to
historical topics. (8.2.8)
Writing Activities:
1. Students will write reports and give presentations on a variety of topics
throughout the year.
2. Students will be required to take notes over the reading material and class
discussions.
3. Students will complete essays on tests and quizzes.
Multicultural Activities:
1. Students will analyze early Native American lifestyles.
2. Students will create a poster on the arrival of slaves from Africa in the
Triangular Trade.
3. Students will analyze and describe slave life on the southern plantations.
4. Students will analyze the contributions of blacks during the Civil War and
view the movie “Glory,” 1997.
Teacher Contacts:
Feel free to talk to me about any concern you may have (Educational or
Personal). Parents are encouraged to contact me with any questions they may
have.
Keep the lines of communication open!
School’s phone number: 791-0020 Voice Mail: 791-0001 Ext. 5202
Mr. Murtaugh’s e-mail: josh.murtaugh@norris160.org Home phone: 402-450-7438
Room Number: E-10
Disciplinary Policy:
The classroom rules and guidelines are posted in the classroom and include those
involving:
1. Talking
2. Interfering with the effective learning of others
3. Passes for leaving the room
4. Attendance/Tardiness
5. Student Dishonesty (Plagiarism and Cheating)
6. Seating
7. General Classroom Behavior (swearing etc.)
8. Consequences of rule violations and/or student insubordination
9. Proper use of school equipment and materials
-The teacher will explain the preceding categories of student rules, which
are tentative in nature.
Student Expectations:
Each student is expected to take an active and involved role in classroom
discussions, assignments, and educational activities. Students are expected to
listen, take notes, complete assignments, participate in discussion, ask
questions, and offer answers. Productive independent work, as well as group
interaction, will be a necessity in order to grow as a student and person. An
environment of open discussion and mutual respect will be required at all times.
Textbook:
We will be using The American Nation, Third Edition, Prentice Hall, by West,
Davidson & Batchelor, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1995.
Attendance/Absences:
Whenever possible, students are expected to collect their assignments prior to
any planned absence. Homework and assignments will be available on the School’s
website (8th grade web page), or on my school voicemail. A “buddy” system will
be extablished in which all in-class activities, notes, group work, etc. will be
recorded for the absent student.
Grading:
There will be a number of small quizzes and tests covering the course material.
Make-ups will be given on the student’s time, so as not to detract from regular
class time. Several individual and cooperative projects will be assigned
throughout the year. Many daily assignments, of a lesser point value, will
supplement the grading scale.
Grading Scale: Included in the student handbook
Completion of daily assignments and class participation will be taken into
consideration in borderline cases.
Tips for Success:
1. Read assigned materials before class discussion.
2. Complete homework on time.
3. Participate in class.
4. Complete assignments and get notes from any missed class.
5. Talk to your teacher about any concerns you may have!
And above all, enjoy this year-hectic as it may be!
Parental Signature:
Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher with any questions and/or
concerns.
I have read and gone over the syllabus with my child.
Signed_______________________
