AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Fourth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Interdependence
Overarching
Idea
A society must keep a balance between the individual and the need for interdependence.
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Guiding
Questions
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How can the interdependence between individual rights and the government’s view of the common
good create stability?
How does anticipating and planning for needed societal change empower individuals and groups to
work interdependently?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Culture
Overarching
Idea
Guiding
Questions
Cultural groups address human needs and wants in similar and different ways.
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How do various cultures express their beliefs and practices?
How have various cultural groups contributed to a society?
What is the political, social, and economic status of cultural groups in our society?
How do various cultures express their beliefs and ways of thinking, knowing and doing?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
1
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Fourth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Conflict
Overarching
Idea
Societies solve conflicts in different ways.
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Guiding
Questions
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How are problem-solving techniques employed to quell conflicts?
During conflicts, how does a society incorporate the ideas of unity and diversity into its
management of disagreements?
What role does leadership play in creating and preventing conflicts?
What kinds of safeguards can be instituted to prevent future conflicts?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Rights and Responsibilities
Overarching
Idea
People learn from the past about rights and responsibilities.

Guiding
Questions

How does knowledge rights and responsibilities of past citizens influence the rights and
responsibilities of future citizens?
How are political rights and responsibilities expressed and transmitted through edicts, decrees,
laws, and statutes?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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