Am.+Cultures+Syllabus

=American Cultures Syllabus= **Bellwood-Antis** **Middle School** Mr. Rick Schreier Contact Information: ( rws@blwd.k12.pa.us  OR Ext. #4024) ** Subject: American Cultures Grade: 8th **

**//Introduction to Class//**: I have great expectations for every student participating in this course. I look forward to helping you learn many of the fascinating facts about United States history. Learning interesting facts is important. However, this year I will focus your attention to life skills that are used and improved throughout the year. Also, in every topic discussed during this course we will answer that important question “Why do I have to know this?”. So even for those who do not like social studies, you will take away valuable lessons that will make you a better worker/citizen in the future.


 * // Some of the life skills are:  //**  **Analyzing, Communicating, Estimating,**  **  Investigating, Listening, Predicting,  **  **Prioritizing, Setting Goals, & Summarizing**

** Major Topics/Units: ** ** A. **** American Beginnings (Beginnings-1550) ** · The new world · The age of exploration ** B. **** Colonies in the Americas ( 1500-1760) ** · The English colonies · Life in the English colonies ** C. **** The Colonies Break Free (1675–1783) ** · Conflict among the colonies · The American Revolution ** D. **** A New American Nation (1777-1800) ** · Forming a Government · Citizenship and the Constitution ** E. **** Building a Strong Nation (1800-1840) ** · The expanding nation · A new national identity ** F. **** The Nation Expands West (1790-1860) ** · Westward expansion · Manifest destiny and war ** G. **** The Nation Breaks Apart (1848-1865) ** · A divided nation · The Civil War ** H. **** A Growing America (1850-1890) ** · Reconstruction · Settling the west ** I ** **. **** Modern America (present) ** · Current Events

** Special Projects ** A. Posters and Models  B. Research   C. Journals and Debates   D. Field Trips to Washington D.C and Gettysburg

A. Teacher-made tests 60%  B. Homework/Participation 20%   C. Quizzes 20%   **//Note//**: Projects will count as test grades
 * Assessment :**

** Make-up Work: (if you are absent) ** A. Ask a fellow classmate. (All notes and assignments must be copied from a classmate) B. Worksheets and assignments on side counter. (//Help yourself//) C. //__Test make-ups__//: tests will be made up as soon as possible. (During study hall or on the day we go over the test in class.)  - One day grace period if you missed review day and test day. Quizzes will be taken next day, if possible. - In cases of multiple absences, follow the student handbooks guidelines D. **//All notes, homework, and worksheets must be completed.//**