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History 8

US HISTORY

This class is designed to investigate the people, concepts, and events leading to the foundation of the United States and its constitutional form of government.  The class also investigates westward expansion, the rise of sectionalism, industrialization, urbanization, and the impact and contribution of immigration.  This course is an in-depth study of U.S. history from the colonial period to 1914.  Special emphasis is placed on the study of the U.S. Constitution and the writing of a research paper.

Text:

The American Journey, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill and The National Geographic Society

Teachers:

HISTORY 8 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Quarter 1

Physical Geography
Exploration
Colonial America
Salem Witch Trials
Empire Game (Navigation Acts)
French and Indian War
Causes of the Revolution
The Revolutionary War

Quarter 2

Roots of Government
Articles of Confederation
The Constitution:
state mandated assessment
Foundation of Political Parties
Westward Expansion
Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark, Native American struggle
War of 1812
Monroe Doctrine

Quarter 3

Jacksonian Democracy
Westward Expansion:
Manifest Destiny, Mexican/American War
Oregon Trail,California Gold Rush,Settlement of Utah
Regional Differences:
Industrial North, Antebellum South, Immigration
Research Project:
student-generated theses

Quarter 4

Social Reform and the Women’s Movement
Causes of the Civil War
The Civil War
Reconstruction
Connections: The Civil Rights Movement
Settling the West
Transcontinental Railroad, Farmers and Ranchers,
Native American struggle
Age of Invention
Industrialization
Immigration
Southern and Eastern Europe, Chinese

POSSIBLE FAMILY FIELD TRIP OPTIONS:

Emigrant Trail Museum (Donner Party)

Visit the Emigrant Trail Museum , which is adjacent to the Donner Memorial State Park just off I-80, to see a video, see artifacts, and take a tour of the site where the doomed Donner Party spent the winter after failing to cross the summit by one day. It is an interesting story of survival and human nature, and we will be studying the incident in history class. To receive class credit, students should see their history teacher to determine the follow-up assignment.

John Muir National Historic Site (“Father of the National Park Service”)

Visit the John Muir House which is located just off Highway 4 in Martinez. Find information and directions on the web link above. John Muir was instrumental in establishing the National Park Service and is known for his work in conservation. There are three things to consider when visiting John Muir’s house: the lifestyle of the Victorian era, Muir’s work as a conservationist and naturalist, and his work as a fruit rancher. To receive class credit, students should see their history teacher to determine the follow-up assignment.

Oakland Museum-California History

The Oakland Museum has recently renovated its history section (downstairs) to include many media and interactive features that are very exciting. It’s worth a visit!

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND SKILL FOCUS

Critical Thinking Skills

• understand the roles of key figures in American history
• understand the foundation of the American political system and the political principles underlying the United States Constitution
• analyze the divergent paths of the American people in the North, South, and West and the challenges they faced
• analyze multiple causes, key events, and complex consequences of the Civil War and the lasting consequences of Reconstruction
• analyze the transformation of the American economy and the changing social and political conditions in the United States in response to the Industrial Revolution
• map important geographical features and historical places in the United States and understand their importance to the development of the country
• recognize the connection between many historical developments and current day issues
• understand underlying causes of important historical developments
• defend a thesis in a formal research project
• participate in problem solving activities dealing with significant historical issues
• understand multiple perspectives on historical events

Study Skills

• use primary source materials
• recognize bias
• take notes on in-class lecture
• outline text materials with the aid of study guides or question
• exhibit understanding of text material through projects, writings, or problem solving tasks
• take comprehensive unit exams which may be entirely objective or may include analytic essays
• actively participate in class discussion, including defending a point of view

Writing Skills

Write analytical essays on historical events or eras which may include the following:

• explaining the  cause and effect of given events or movements
  
• comparing or contrasting regions, events, or perspectives
• developing a thesis and supporting with specific examples or details
• developing a persuasive argument
• responding in quick write form to writing prompts designed to develop critical thinking or problem solving

Using research, text, and primary source materials, develop historical fiction that reflects an understanding of the events or eras being studied.

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