Buist Middle School for Advanced Studies
8th Grade Humanities
TEXT:
The History of South Carolina in the Building of a Nation
ADDITIONAL READING: (You may want to purchase your own copy. Barnes and
Nobles has been notified to get additional copies in stock)
A Young People’s History of the United States from 1492-Present, Howard Zinn
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This eighth grade social studies course focuses on the history of South Carolina and the
role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a
nation. Students learn about the state’s development during colonial times and the growth
of the American ideal which led to the break with England, the rising controversy about
slavery, and the Civil War. The study of the rebuilding of South Carolina after the Civil
War and the continuing struggle for civil rights and justice waged by the people of South
Carolina allows students to see the progress that the state has made and to appreciate the
contributions that its people have made to the nation as a whole. Students also learn about
the major political, economic, and social changes in South Carolina through the twentieth
century and to the present in the context of national and worldwide events. Instruction
will emphasize the elements of social studies literacy—the tools, strategies, and
perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and
government are interwoven in our state’s history.
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS:
Students will be engaged in a variety of assignments that incorporate both social studies
and literacy elements. They will complete class assignments, projects, book reviews, and
other assessments. All books chosen for this course’s book study can be checked out at
the Charleston County Public Library or purchased; however, students will be responsible
for having a copy with them for class. At the end of this course, students should
understand and be able to explain the major geographical, political, religious, and
economical factors that have affected the history of South Carolina.
COURSE STANDARDS:
1st Quarter (Settlement of SC & American Revolution)
Standard 8-1:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the settlement of
South Carolina and the United States by Native Americans,
Europeans, and Africans.
Standard 8-2:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American
Revolution—the beginnings of the new American nation and South
Carolina’s part in the development of that nation.
Book Study:
Cast Two Shadows, Ann Rinaldi (available at B&N or CCPL)
In South Carolina in 1780, fourteen-year-old Caroline sees the Revolutionary War take a
terrible toll among her family and friends and comes to understand the true nature of
war.
2nd Quarter (Civil War & Reconstruction)
Standard 8-3:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Civil
War—its causes and effects and the major events that occurred
during that time.
Standard 8-4:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of
Reconstruction on the people and government of South Carolina.
Book Study:
Across Five Aprils, Irene Hunt
(Class set available for use)
Jethro Creighton grows from a boy to a man when he is left to take care of the family
farm in Illinois during the difficult years of the Civil War.
3rd Quarter (Populism & Early 20th Century)
Standard 8-5:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of major social,
political, and economic developments that took place in the United
States during the second half of the nineteenth century.
Standard 8-6:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of South Carolina’s
development during the early twentieth century.
Book Study:
Kiplings Choice, Geert Spillebeen (available at B&N or CCPL)
When World War I broke out, John, like his father before him, wanted to fight for his
country. When his military application was threatened for the same reason as his father’s,
poor eye sight, Rudyard took matters into his own hands. Determined not to let history
repeat itself, the elder Kipling applied all his influence to get his son a commission.
4th Quarter (20th Century)
The student will demonstrate an understanding of South Carolina’s
economic revitalization during World War II and the latter twentieth
century.
Book Study:
To America, Stephen Ambrose (available at B&N or CCPL)
When Ambrose became interested in American history, there was much that America had
done that made him proud, but there were some things he condemned as well, for
instance slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, racist Southern politicians, the
Robber Barons of the transcontinental railroad, the use of the atomic bomb. The
renowned historian celebrates America's spirit and confronts its failures and struggles. As
always in his much acclaimed work, Ambrose brings alive the men and women, famous
and not, who have peopled history and made the United States the superpower it is now.
Standard 8-7:
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
All students are required to keep a History Alive notebook, take quizzes and tests,
complete daily Journal entries and homework assignments, as well as various projects
and book studies.
Projects: Throughout the course of the year, individual and group projects will be
assigned to reinforce content. Projects will incorporate written, visual, oral, and
technological elements. National History Day is a comprehensive project that will span
over the first and second quarters and ultimately result in two separate test grades.
Project due dates will be posted on the Edmodo calendar.
Notebooks: Students are required to keep all unit assignments, activities, and daily work
in their History Alive notebook. This notebook will be checked periodically throughout a
unit of study.
Exams, Tests and Quizzes: A cumulative exam will be given at the end of each semester.
Tests and quizzes will be given periodically to assess students understanding of the
material. Assessment dates will be posted on the Edmodo calendar.
EVALUATION:
Grades will be based on a combination of test scores, project grades, notebook grades,
and journal grades. Parents can always access grades through the Power School Parent
Portal.
Major Assessments 40% - Tests, exams, big projects
Minor Assessments 30% - Notebooks, Activities, Quizzes
Final Exam 20%
Homework/Daily 10%
Charleston County Grade Scale
100-93 A
92-85 B
84-77 C
76-70 D
69-0 F
STUDY ASSISTANCE:
Extra assistance is available for all students. Please check with me individually for
availability.
CONFERENCES:
Anyone wishing to schedule a conference may do so by contacting me via e mail at
maury_deters@charleston.k12.sc.us .
TEACHER CONTACT INFORMATION:
***School Phone Number (843) 724-7750
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN WITH THE STUDENT. STUDENT WILL KEEP
THIS SIGNED SYLLABUS IN THEIR HISTORY ALIVE NOTEBOOK FOR
REFERENCE.
I have received the requirements and procedures for Buist Academy Eighth Grade Social
Studies.
SS Teacher___________________________________________ Period____________
____________________
Parent Signature/Date
Phone Number:
Email Address:
____________________
Student Signature/Date