Course Overview of Social Studies 8

Prerequisite:  Social Studies 7

This chronologically organized course will explore the course of American History from the Civil War to the present.  Although organized chronologically (13 textbook chapters total), significant effort will be made throughout the year to explore the various common themes found across American history, and how we may use our gained historical knowledge of events, movements, and people to come to a deeper and more exciting understanding of the present.

Meaning, for example, if we are studying the politics of the early 1800s, “KNOWING WHAT WE DO ABOUT HIM, WHAT WOULD THOMAS JEFFERSON THINK OF THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY.” “Would you agree with him?”

While including all major political, economic, and foreign relation developments that have shaped the course of our nation’s history since the Civil War, this course will have a decided emphasis on social history -- or more simply, THE STORY OF COMMON PEOPLE.

One of our major learning goals is to develop a sense of HISTORICAL EMPATHY.  Put simply, we want to be able say from our study of history, “I feel like I know how the members of the Cherokee Nation felt during the Trail of Tears,” or “I understand the turmoil that went through Abraham Lincoln’s mind as he tried vainly to keep the Union together.”  Notice how different this approach is from just learning that in 1830, Andrew Jackson pursued a policy of Indian Removal.  We will seek to gain understanding of this personal side of American history, all the while developing a firm grasp of the proper chronology and context.

Above all, we will be critical of America’s past where we need to be, and at the same time, celebrate and give credit to the contributions of the many diverse people who have made our great nation what it is today

Major Focus Points In Our Study Of United States History Along The Way:  We Will…

• utilize the concept of “text as roadmap” to develop a strong historical context for classroom instruction

• analyze and understand primary and secondary source documentation

• develop and exercise critical thinking skills / develop expertise in traditional and electronic research skills

• develop and articulate (both written and orally) well reasoned personal viewpoints on controversial topics in American history

• develop awareness and understanding of the historical background to major current events topics

• develop a balanced view of the nation’s past, where we appreciate and honor America’s unique and proud heritage, while at he same time see our nation as a work in progress with respect to historical and ongoing issues of social justice.

• highlight the contributions of specific individuals that can be seen by us as historical role-models who “set fire upon the earth” in true Ignatian fashion in order to further the cause of social justice within our nation.