Philosophy
The 8th grade social studies program at Marie Murphy School is integrated, flexible and individualized, and it is designed to provide students with critical thinking skills to better observe and understand human motivation and expression. Students acquire the cognitive, affective and practical skills needed to become responsible citizens as well as self-directed, life-long learners. Students are guided in the development of the understandings and values that will help them meet the challenges of our changing society. Students develop an appreciation for the world’s diversity as they learn to recognize the dignity and worth of all people.
The curriculum examines a diverse range of ideas from the disciplines of geography, history, economics, sociology, politics and media literacy. Students will use writing, discussion, art, technology and drama to demonstrate their ability to create knowledge from information and to make connections across disciplines and between their lives and the world around them. Students are encouraged to use the class to creatively and confidently express their opinions, talents and abilities.
Goals and Objectives
- Learn strategies that improve reading and interpreting expository text, researching, communicating orally and in writing, using technology, and studying;
- Take advantage of opportunities to develop social skills by working in groups;
- Create geographic, economic and political literacy, and learn to use it as a tool for interpreting local and world events;
- Understand the important role of news media as government watchdogs and agents of civic literacy;
- Understand that the critical examination of history is an ongoing, exciting and vital area of study.
Homework
The primary means of learning in social studies is through classroom discussion, reading, brief writing exercises, inquiry-based research projects and creative expression. Social studies homework is assigned only when required to reinforce skills, to advance understanding of major concepts, to complete research and to prepare projects and presentations. Assignments are usually in the form of brief answers to questions that appear in the textbook and short essays (1-4 pages) that allow students to elaborate on major concepts, to demonstrate their understanding, and to communicate ideas effectively.
Assessment
Emphasis is placed on students’ ability to complete the assigned work and demonstrate progress; to use higher-order thinking skills in their writing, discussion and other forms of expression; to take intellectual risks within the safety of the school environment; to be creative; and to demonstrate that they value the power of intellectual discourse to problem-solve and to promote our nation’s core values. Students are required to successfully complete a unit of study on the U.S. Constitution.
Curriculum
Unit 1: Geography
Maps, map-making, map projections
Purposes of different maps
The messages that maps tell us
The Five Themes of Geography
Unit 2: Citizenship
The diverse people of the United States
Paths to citizenship
Roles and responsibilities of citizens
American values
Civic engagement
Unit 3: Foundations of Government
Greek Democracy, Roman Republic, Magna Carta
European Enlightenment
Unit 4: Stirrings of American Democracy
Aspects of Colonial America
European influences
March toward revolution
Declaration of Independence
Unit 5: U.S. Constitution
Articles I-VII
Democracy, republicanism, federalism, popular sovereignty
Bill of Rights & other selected amendments
Unit 6: Your Choice
Students may choose one or two of the following during the third trimester:
Chinese Cultural Revolution
Apartheid in South Africa
World War II
The Holocaust
Debate
