8th Grade Georgia History Course Syllabus 2019-2020 Teacher: Joseph W. Wilson B.A. - History (1999- University of South Carolina), M.T. - Social Studies Education (2000- University of South Carolina)
Course Description: Students trace the history of Georgia in the context of the development of the South and the United States. The chronological focus of the course includes a geographic overview, earliest inhabitants of Georgia, foundation of Georgia in the eighteenth century through the state’s development in the twentieth century. Students also examine the characteristics of state government, public issues and citizen rights and responsibilities. In addition, the students will explore contemporary and historical comparisons of state and national political institutions.
Course Outline: First Semester - Geography of Georgia - Archaeology, Prehistoric Inhabitants, and European Exploration (10,000 B.C.-1732) - Colonial Georgia (1733-1775) - The American Revolution (1776-1783) - Federalism and American Citizenship/ State and Local Government - Early Statehood, Indian Removal and Westward Expansion (1783-1838)
Second Semester - Antebellum Georgia (1838-1860) - The Civil War (1861-1865) - Reconstruction and New South (1866-1889) - Progressive Era and World War I (1889-1919) - Roaring ‘20s, Depression, New Deal, and World War II (1920-1945) - Georgia in the Modern Era (1946-2006)
Grading and Grading Scale: Grades are determined as follows: Formative Grades: 20% A= 100-90 Summative Grades: 80% B= 89- 80 C= 79- 70 F= 69 and below Homework: Brief homework assignments are to be expected. Homework usually consists of out-of-class readings or reviewing that day’s lesson. However, it may not be on a regular basis, as students will be engaged in short-term and long-term projects. Homework occasionally may be taken for a grade. The expectations are that the assignment is complete and accurate. Students are expected to have their assignments the day they are due. In addition, all work must be legible and properly identified by assignment. Assignments are given to prepare for large-scale unit assessments. It is the student's responsibility to do the assignment in order to prepare for unit assessments. Missing or incomplete assignments may result in low or failing assessment grades. In addition to regular written assignments, students will need to study for upcoming tests and quizzes.
8th Grade Late Work Policy: Late work will be accepted one day late for 50% credit; work turned in more than one day late will receive no credit.
Special Projects: There will be one major project per semester. Each unit of study can culminate in a variety of minor projects designed to engage the gifted learner in analysis of information, interpretation and evaluation of data. The contents and scope of projects are at the discretion of the individual teacher. At times, projects may represent the assessment for a unit of study replacing a “traditional” unit test.
Provisions for Improving Grades: Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades. ***Test Scores: Any student that receives lower than an 80 percent on a major assessment may retake it for recovery purposes. Students may receive up to an 80 percent on their retake exam, which will replace the previous grade for that assessment. Retakes will be given after students either complete a test rewrite or attend a study session. Retakes will be in a different format from the original test.
Extra Assistance: Help sessions are available daily (by appointment) from 8:00-8:40am. 12-hour notice must be given to teacher for any scheduled help session. Students must get a pass from the teacher/parent on the day before the study session in order to come down the hall for a morning session.
Teacher/Parent Communication: Parents may contact the teacher at school by calling or e-mail. Inquiries will be returned by the next business day. In addition, face-to-face conferences may be requested to discuss a student’s progress or behavior. Agendas can be used for communication between parent and teacher as well.
Absence Make-up Policy : Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher to make-up work. The student must complete make-up work within the time specified by the county policy (5 days)
Classroom Management: Students are expected to act responsibly and respectfully at all times. I expect my students to come to class prepared and ready to begin class at the bell. Each student is to use proper etiquette in listening to his/her teacher and fellow classmates. Consequences will follow the grade level discipline cycle in accordance to the policies and procedures established by the Forsyth County Public School System and Libery Middle School. (see Class Procedures tab for further information)
Academic Honesty: means performing all academic work without plagiarism, cheating, lying, tampering, stealing, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance from any other person, or using any source of information that is not common knowledge without properly acknowledging the source.
