Eighth Grade Social Studies (ELL)

SDE Course Code: 0814

MNPS Course Code: SOC0814Y

Course Description

In a sheltered environment, the eighth grade social studies curriculum content’s focus is the period of American history from pre-exploration to Reconstruction. There is a greater emphasis on American history in context with world history, and the impact that world history had on the creation of the United States. The students in eighth grade study in detail the origins of the United States through an in-depth study of the American Revolutionary War, and the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. There is also an in-depth study of the Civil War period and the events that led to this event. The use of primary source documents is of importance in promoting both the study of history, as well as reading comprehension.

Course of Study

Brief review of basic geographic skills and terminology as well as economics of the United States and it regions.
Three World’s Meet (Beginnings to 1620)

Ancient Civilizations
Early Exploration and its affect in North America
Technology and the Renaissance
European settlements in America
Impact of varying religions and economic beliefs on colonization.

Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763)

Life in the Colonies
Colonial Growth
Comparison and Contrast of Spanish, French, Dutch and English colonies
Roots of Self-government
Slavery in the colonies

Revolution and the New Nation

French and Indian War
Turmoil over taxation
2^nd Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence
Significant events, battles and leaders of the Revolution
The Articles of Confederation and the Confederation Period
The Constitutional Convention, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Early National Period and Presidential Administrations

Washington

Organizing the Government (Cabinet)
Hamilton vs. Jefferson and the rise of political parties
Foreign Affairs and Treaties
Domestic Concerns
Washington’s Farewell Address

Adams

XYZ Affair
Alien and Sedition Acts
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

The Election of 1800 A Peaceful Revolution

Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

The Age of Jefferson

The Louisiana Purchase
Lewis and Clark Expedition
John Marshall and the Supreme Court (Marbury v. Madison)
Jefferson’s Reelection
Aaron Burr (Federalist conspiracy, Duel with Hamilton, Trial for Treason)
Foreign Difficulties (Barbary pirates, neutrality, Chesapeake-Leopard, Embargo Act 1807)

Madison’s Presidency and Commercial Warfare
The War of 1812

Causes
War hawks and opposition
Defeats and victories
Treaty of Ghent
Results

Nationalism and Economic Development

Era of Good Feelings
Henry Clay’s American System
Marshall’s Court and National Supremacy
Western Settlement and Missouri Compromise
Monroe Doctrine

Sectionalism

Industrial Northeast
Agricultural Northwest and immigration
The South, King Cotton and the Peculiar Institution of Slavery
The West and the Frontier

The Age of Jackson

Election of 1824 and Corrupt Bargain
Revolution of 1828 & Politics of the Common Man
Indian Removal
Nullification Crisis (John C. Calhoun)
Two Party System (Democrats and Whigs)
Jackson and Pet banks
Van Buren and William H. Harrison Administrations

Society, Culture and Reform

Territorial and Economic Expansion

Conflicts over Texas, Maine and Oregon
War with Mexico
Manifest Destiny
Technology and Railroads

The Union in Peril

Free Soil Movement
Popular Sovereignty
Compromise 1850
Agitation over slavery (Fugitive Slave Law & Underground Railroad)
Kansas Nebraska Act
Birth of the Republican Party in opposition to slavery
Bleeding Kansas
Dred Scott
Lincoln Douglas debates
John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry

Civil War and Reconstruction

Causes (Slavery, States Rights, Tariffs, Banking and Internal improvements)
Election of 1860
Secession and Fort Sumter
Border States
Union vs. Confederacy: Advantages, Disadvantages and Strategies
Major Battles and turning points
Emancipation Proclamation
Election of 1864
Surrender at Appomattox
Results and consequences
Tennessee’s role in the War

Reading: In addition to use of the textbook, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including essays, studies, newspapers/periodicals, maps, charts, graphs, political cartoons, and government documents. Students are expected to gain literal understanding of readings and also interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from readings.

Writing: Students are expected to write regularly and effectively in various domains including: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and practical. Suggested written assignments include: essays, journals, book reviews, document based questions, journals and research papers.