8th Grade American History
Mr. Schafer
Fall 2015
Kschafer@sjnrcs.org
I.
Introduction:
Hello I am Mr. Schafer! I have had the privilege to teach at St. John Neumann in
the previous year and I am looking forward to another year with you all. I have
a BA in history from Siena College and I am currently pursuing a Masters in
Education from the University of Notre Dame. I enjoy active pursuits such as
biking and running.
Welcome to the second part of American History! This course begins where
the last year left off, the Civil War and goes into the modern day. I am looking
forward to a productive and joyful year in working with your sons/daughters
in order to bring the American experience to life.
II. Course Themes:
 Rise and role of America as a world superpower
 Impact of individuals and wider trends on history
 Creation of the 21st century world
III. Online Resources:
There are a variety of online resources that will complement the class and
make staying up to date much easier.
1) Quizlet
https://quizlet.com/
Quizlet provides free online flashcards, multiple choice review and key terms.
We will do an introductory session on Quizlet in the first two weeks of school to make
sure all students are able to use this resource.
To find your class search: kevin_schafer9
Select your class.
2)Weebly
http://kschafersjnrcs.weebly.com/
Weebly provides a single stop place with important files, information and outlines for the
week. As well, there are links to the other online resources.
3) Remind101
Many of you will be familiar with this from other SJN teachers. A online resource sheet will
be passed out.
4) Online Textbook
To access your textbook:
Web address:
www.pearsonsuccessnet.com.
Password
D116D4FE8278259510D1
IV. Course Outline:
We will cover approximately ten periods of modern American history. I anticipate that we
will cover the first five units by Christmas. Each unit is guided by a series of overarching
questions that students will return to and grapple with throughout the course.
Fall
1) Civil War
Main questions:
How do we remember the past?
What was the impact of the war on America?
2) Reconstruction
 How do you rebuild a destroyed country?
 How does the destruction/reconstruction impact the South?
3) The West and the Gold Rush
 How has Western movement impacted the American character?
4) Gilded Age
 How was technology impacted American society?
 Do the wealthy have an obligation to the poor?
5) Progressive Era
* In class Research Project associated with this unit(Summative Assignment).
 How have people tried to improve American society?
 How was America become a world power?
* Semester Final
Christmas Break
Spring
6) World War I
7) 20s and the Great Depression
8) World War II
9) Cold War
10)Civil Rights movement
Semester Final