8th Grade .

US History Syllabus
YOUR TEACHER: COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Mr. Michael Faust In this course, students will assess major themes in
(XXX) XXX-XXXX ex. XXX American history using social, cultural, political, and
technological lenses. We will begin by looking at the
EMAIL AND WEBSITE: Americas prior to European contact through the modern era.

mfaust@butler.edu Discussion of current events and their connections to history

<link> will be a major theme throughout the year in an attempt to
make history accessible to each student unlike ever before.

BIG IDEAS, QUESTIONS, & GOALS

Goals: By the end of the class, students will:

Examine various themes in US History, including:
How Americans have adapted to and changed their environment
Cause and effect in US History
Cultural responsibilities of American citizens
The impact the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights had
and have on the United States then and now
Develop various social studies skills, including:
interpreting of historical sources (compare/contrast/synthesize and analyze
information)
map skills
note-taking
writing historical essays
Exercise critical thinking and communication skills

Big Ideas: This course will follow six major time periods in United States history:
1. Pre-European contact Colonial America
2. The American Revolution and Founding of the Nation
3. Westward Expansion
4. Slavery & the Civil War
5. Reconstruction World War I
6. World War II Modern Day

Within these periods, we will study how the topics of government, geography,
economy, and culture weave together to form the United States we know today.
Essential Questions: These will be the guiding questions we turn to throughout this class:
1. What are the similarities & difference between the US today and in the past?
2. How have past historical US events, leaders, and movements affected present day?
3. How does US geography effect how we live?
4. Why is it important to understand the past and how does it influence how we live?
5. Why is it important to view the past with multiple perspectives?
6. How has conflict and technology shaped history and affected people's lives?

The Enduring Understanding: By the end of the course, you will be able to see how
government, geography, economy, and culture work together to form the United States we
know today.

PROCEDURES, ACTIVITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Student Activities: Students will participate in several classroom-based activities. Many of

these will need preparation outside of class time, and others we will take the time in class to
prepare. Some of these activities will be:
Bell ringers/exit slips Primary v. Secondary Source
Debates & discussions Simulations
Group work & cooperative Writers Workshop
learning Inquiry Projects

Materials: Students are expected to have a personal notebook for notes as well as a folder (or
section in a divided folder) for this class. Any other materials that will be needed through the
semester will be provided by the teacher. And as with every class, your own pen or pencil will
be necessary ;)

3 Important Reminders: I am here for all students. If you feel that any part
Do your best of the class is unfair, my door is always open for 30
Be respectful minutes before and after school for you to come
talk about it. My promise to you is to abide by
Ask questions
these reminders, and I hope you will do the same!

ASSESSMENTS, GRADING, & POLICIES

Assessment: What makes up your grade?

300 pts End-of-Unit Assessments (3 @ 100pts each)
300 pts Projects (1 individual, 1 group @ 150 pts each)
100 pts Long Essay / Paper (1 @ 100 pts)
300 pts Engagement & Participation (in the student activities listed above)
Total: 1000 pts
Academic Policies:
1. Late Work: We all have those days when things come up and we
cant get all of our work done it happens! Because of that, I have
a late work policy that allow you to get most points back on any
assignment. This also allows me as your teacher to stay organized
and be better able to respond to your needs. Making up this work
without severe penalty also allows you to quickly and easily raise
your grade if you get stuck in a rut at any point in the semester.

If a student turns in late work

By the end of the week: 10% penalty
By the end of the unit: 30% penalty
By the end of the semester: 50% penalty

2. Extra Credit: Students must have all assignments from the current unit completed
before extra credit opportunities are made available. The easiest way to raise your
grade is to have all assignments turned in, even if they are late. Other extra credit
opportunities include, but are not limited to:
a. Visit a museum and write a 1-pg response on what you learned
b. Interview a veteran about their military career and write a 1-pg response on
what you learned
c. Watch/Read a US History-based movie/book and write a 1-pg review
d. Make Trading Cards
i. Create 4 trading/baseball cards of important historical figures from the
most recent unit.
ii. Each card should include the persons name, picture/drawing, and key
information such as Date of Birth, Hometown, Time Period They Were
Important In, and 3 Major Lifetime Accomplishments)
e. Make a Print Advertisement
i. Create an ad for any invention discussed in the unit (cotton gin, light
bulb, lightning rod, etc.)
ii. The advertisement must include a 1) drawing/photo of the invention, 2) a
fact for why people should use/buy the item, 3) a price, 4) an explanation
of what the item does, 5) a made-up quote from someone alive at the
time endorsing it, and 6) the impact the item will have on the US.
f. Other ideas cleared by Mr. Faust
All extra credit opportunities will be worth up to 15 pts on that End-of-Unit Assessment.

3. Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty: This class has a No Tolerance Policy for

cheating and plagiarizing. If it does happen, that assignment will be a 0 and the student
will be sent to the Vice Principal. In order to prevent plagiarism, follow instructions
closely, do your own work, and listen to Mr. Faust for ways to prevent these issues from
arising.
Parents:
I have seen and read the syllabus and I will contact Mr. Faust with any questions and concerns I
have about my students US History class.

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ___________