Benjamin Lebofsky, Teacher
Mrs. Goldberg, TA
Newtown Middle School
NewtownPA 18940
215-944-2600School Year 2014-2015
1. Course Description -- 8th Grade Social Studies
The content of the course is primarily a discussion and study of the early history of the United States of America. Seventh grade left off at European exploration, This class picks up with a brief overview of the early settlements in North America and ends with the Civil War.A major topic within the year is a discussion of the political philosophy of the 18th and 19th centurieswhich led to the formation and early growth of our country and government. Homework from the text and other reading materials will be assigned weekly which helps prepare for in class discussion and assessments of your growth.
Alongside the study of history will be an ongoing discussion of Current Events requiring both preparation at home and classroom participation.
2. Grading and Grades
All graded work will fit into one of the categories listed below. Each assignment will be given a raw score. Grades are approximately weighted as follows:
Tests/quizzes:45%
Projects:30% (requires work outside of class)
HomeworkCurrent Events:20%
Classroom Participation:5% (group and individual participation)
The final grade will be an average of the four marking periods.
Students who do all the homework completely and on time (including current events) achieve the highest grades. This is because the homework helps prepare them for Tests. Also, consistent attention to assignments is a sign of a responsible student and learner – which is ultimately reflected in the grade earned.
Projects, whether written or otherwise, must be the student's own work. When references are made or pictures used, credit and documentation must be given. Occasionally, a quizmay be open-note. In this event, Photocopies of other students’ notes or the textbook are not acceptable. The entire notebook, except for handouts and other directed supplements, must be the student’s own notes.
3. Textbook & required reading
United States History Beginnings to 1877 Holt, Rinehart and Winston, USA, 2007. is available online, if you need a hard copy, let me know.
Sections of the textbook will be assigned for homework reading. Testsmay be directly drawn from these sections. There will be references to and readings from many primary texts. These include but are not limited to John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.
Current Events must be drawn from a reputable newspaper, newsmagazine, or internet source. Wealso recommend regularly watching a national network newscast, or cable new source.For our purposes I do not recommend local news which is primarily fires,murders, weather, and sports. All of which are of little value to classroom discussion. This is subject to change as important local issues arise.
4. Classroom Guidelines
Please refer to “Classroom Rules and Procedures.” In general, “Respect” is the key word to be applied. All school rules and policies must be followed, discussions should be polite and respectful, no horseplay, be on time, prepared, and complete homework at home.
5. After School Clinic or Consultations
We are available for help or review after school on Thursdays from 3:05 to 3:45. This is also the preferred time to make up Tests. Other times before or after school are by appointment.
6. Parental Contact or Conferencing with the Teacher
Parents may contact me by email at r by calling the school office (email preferred). During the school day, we can best return calls before 8:00 a.m. and directly after 3:00 p.m. Other arrangements can be made if those times are not convenient. Conferences or classroom observations are welcome and may be scheduled as requested.
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