EIGHTH GRADE: World History to 1500
Mr. Givens
Course Description
The study of world history in Grade 8 addresses the time period from prehistoric man to the
1500s. Content standards for this grade incorporate the strands of economics, geography,
history, and political science, with an emphasis on the history and geography strands. This
course covers the migrations of early peoples, the rise of civilizations, the establishment of
governments and religions, the growth of economic systems, and the ways in which these events
shaped Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Unique to this course are the experiences that
provide for the study of the ways human beings view themselves over time.
Thorough history education fosters further development of critical-thinking skills and knowledge
in this content strand. Knowledge of history is essential in understanding how decisions made
and actions taken in the past have affected the present. Through history education, students
become aware of their roles as responsible citizens. Historically informed students are able to:
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Construct a personal connection to historical events;
Think critically and chronologically;
Comprehend a variety of historical sources;
Engage in historical analysis and interpretation;
Conduct historical research;
Understand the intricate connections among the past, the present, and the future;
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 Engage in decision making using historical knowledge and analysis.
Textbooks and Materials
Individual schools will choose textbooks in accordance with the state-approved textbook list. Our text
will be Ancient World History: Patterns of Interaction by McDougal Littell. I will supplement the text
with extra readings from primary source documents and other resources appropriate for this course.
Attendance and Conduct
All Troy City Board policies, individual school policies, and classroom rules will be followed. Students
must present an excuse within two days of their absence to be excused. ** This does not mean students have two
days to do all makeup work! **Makeup work is done only for excused absences. I give as many days to
makeup work as you were absent. If you are only absent for one class, I expect you to hand in all work or take
makeup tests the day you return, so come prepared!! If you are absent for an extended period of time, you will need
to request everything you missed and discuss due dates for material.
Grading Policy (
The final grade for each nine-week grading period will be based on various methods of assessment. These methods
may include, but are not limited to, tests, homework assignments, essays, quizzes (announced and unannounced).
Non-academic participation will not be graded. The following is a guide to my grading scale:
1. Always have your materials in class. This includes your textbook, notebook, paper and writing utensils. You
will need to purchase a small set of colored pencils (8 or so). Five points will be deducted from worksheets,
daily/homework and tests if you do not have the required materials or if you don’t have your name on
your paper.
2. Each nine weeks you will have between 4 to 7 tests. Each test will be 150 points. You will need paper for the fill
in the blank, short answer, and essay sections.
3. Work done in class and homework will all be graded out of 50 points. You will have notebook checks for 20
points. Section quizzes will be worth 15 points.
4. I do not do extra credit. There may be times when I offer movies or TV programs for an optional credit, but I
do not have time to make out or grade extra assignments.
Tentative Course Outline
First Nine Weeks
 The Peopling of the World
 Early River Valley Civilizations
 People and Ideas on the Move
 First Age of Empires
Second Nine Weeks
 Classical Greece
 Ancient Rome
 Christianity
 India and China Establish Empires
 African Civilizations
Third Nine Weeks
 The Americas: A Separate World
 The Muslim World
 World Religion and Ethical Systems
 Byzantines, Russians, and Turks Interact
 Empires in East Asia
Fourth Nine Weeks
 European Middle Ages
 The Formation of Western Europe
 Societies and Empires of Africa
 People and Empires in the Americas
Student Signature:________________________________________
Parent Signature:_________________________________________