Benjamin Franklin Junior High School

8th Grade United States History

Course Syllabus

Mr. Marley
dmarley@bfcsmail.com

Room 211

Course Description:
The eighth grade history program includes a study of the United States from the Colonial period through the Modern Era. In addition
to the study of historical events within this timeframe, the course encompasses an in-depth study of the American Revolution, the
United States Constitution and is past and present implementations at the federal, state and local levels, the Civil War, its causes and
aftermath, World War II, the Cold War and, time permitting, the War on Terror. While history and civics are the core disciplines, the
program also incorporates, economics , sociology, geography, and humanities to give students an understanding of and appreciation
for the major movements and concepts that have characterized the United States. Students will learn how history relates to the present
through current events that connect the past with the present

Students in United States History will be studying the following topics as per the Arizona Social Studies Standards:
-

Age of Exploration
Colonial Period
American Revolution
Civil War
Industrial Revolution
World Wars
The Cold War
Modern History and the War on Terror

A variety of teaching techniques will be used throughout the semester such as writing assignments, document-based
questions, debate, individual assignments/projects, map studies, geography, research skills & study skills to help the students achieve
their academic goals in United States History, and mastery of the Arizona academic standards.
Students will be expected to communicate their ideas and opinions in a thoughtful, intelligent, and respectful manner.
During class discussions students are expected to answer questions, be curious, and ask questions.
Materials Needed for Class:

College ruled spiral notebook specifically for US History

Separate Composition Notebook for Daily Writing Prompts
US History Folder (for storing assignments)
# 2 Pencil- DAILY
Red Pen-DAILY
Black or Blue Pen-DAILY

Classroom Expectations and Consequences:

Respectful behavior is expected every day. You will be required to adhere to the following expectations as well as all the rules
outlined in the Benjamin Franklin Family Handbook.
1.

Expectation One: Respect ALL people and property at ALL times.

2.

Expectation Two: Follow teacher directions and all other classroom procedures

3.

Expectation Three: All work MUST be original. Students found copying assignments and/or cheating on assessments
will receive an automatic zero for the assignments. Cheating includes allowing another student to copy/submit your
work as their own.

If you choose not to follow these expectations, you should expect to have consequences for your actions
1.

Consequence One: Verbal Warning

2.

Consequence Two: Private Conversation

3.

Consequence Three: Detention/Contact Parents

4.

Consequence Four: Administrative Action

** The teacher reserves the right to skip consequences or refer students directly to the office for extreme
problems/infractions**
Grading: Your grade is based on:
30% Participation (class work, bell work, discussion)
25% Homework/ Great Men
25% Unit Tests
20% Quizzes
The grade scale is:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F Below 60%
Participation:
Class work- Students may be given assignments that are to be completed during that class period. This is in class work and will not be allowed to be
completed at home. Students must turn in the work at the end of the class period.
Board Work - At the begging of each class students will be responsible for completing the daily writing prompt.
Discussion- This is the most important aspect of participation. Students are required to participate in class discussion in a thoughtful, intelligent, and
respectful manner. All students will begin with 75 out of 100 points. This total will be added or subtracted from based on student participation.as
described above.
Homework: Homework assignments will be written on the board at the beginning of class. Students are responsible for copying the assignment into
their planner and/or notebook. Homework will be given Monday-Thursday and is due the next day. Occasionally, students may have homework over
the weekend.
Influential Americans: Throughout the year students will focus on the men and women who most influenced United States History. Every week
students will focus on one of these individuals and write three paragraphs detailing their lives and their influence on United States History. This will
be due Friday every week. A rubric is attached at the end of this syllabus for you to see.
Unit Tests: Unit tests will be given at the end of each unit. The tests will cover material presented in class and homework assignments. The test will
be given as a combination of essay, short answer, fill in the blank, matching, true/false, and multiple choice.
Quizzes: Quizzes may be given every day. Quizzes will vary from 1 question 10 questions. Quizzes will be given as essays, short answer, fill in
the blank, matching, true/false, and multiple choice. These quizzes are open note and students can use THERE OWN notes to answer questions.
Final Exam: The final exam will be cumulative at the end of each semester. The test will be given as a combination of essay, short answer, fill in the
blank, matching, true/false, and multiple choice.
Make-up and Late Work
Absences:
You are responsible for make up work. If you are absent one day, you will have two days to make up the work that you missed. The make-up work
will always be in the daily folders on the 8th Grade Wall. All tests and quizzes must be made up before or after school, or by appointment only. It is
your responsibility to schedule a make up test or quiz, within the given time frame. All projects are due on the assigned date, and expected even if
absent.
Late Work:
You will turn in every assignment given in class on the day it is due. Late work is never accepted, EVER!
Weebly Site - Lesson plans, notes, and other useful information can be found at www.bfcsmarley.weebly.com

Sincerely,
Mr. Marley

United States History - Mr. Marley

I have read and understand this syllabus:
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