Course Syllabus 8th Grade social Studies

US History
Mr. Burke
Pansophia Academy

General Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to increase student knowledge of historical,
geographical, economic, and civic concepts in relation to the settling and establishment of
the United States as a country, from 1754 through 1900. We will also seek to develop
insight and a further understanding of our American heritage and a commitment to our
countries American Core Values.

Sources and Text:

Textbook = No official Textbook for class. With this being said, I will
provide reading materials in class for students to use for daily activities, reference, etc.

Other Sources = Newspapers, Internet, and other supplemental materials,

including many primary sources.

Supplies needed to be prepared:

Supplies to bring every day
- 1 inch, three ring binder.
1. Syllabus and papers to keep all year.
2. Class Materials (workbook packet, textbook readings, etc.)
3. Notes, loose notebook paper in this section.
4. Assignments, finished and those in process (example: Current Events).
- 2 writing tools, pencils or pen (blue or black ink).
- Reading book.
- Bring all finished assignments on the day they are due at the beginning of the
hour.
- Bring yourself with a positive attitude every day, be ready to learn, and help
classmates learn and grow. Check it at the door!
Optional Supplies
- Highlighters and colored pencils.

Positive Student behaviors: 1. Be on time for class every day, in seat with
a sharpened pencil when the bell rings. 2. Be prepared, assignments finished
before class starts.

Assessments:
Students will be involved in a variety of assessments which will include
discussions, lectures, group and cooperative work (always with individual
accountability), role plays, simulations, presentations, tests and quizzes, research,
 projects, and others. Students will be responsible for an interactive student
notebook that will be due on a weekly to bi-weekly basis.

Homework:
- Late Work:
1. Will only be accepted late when accompanied by teacher/student
conversation giving permission to hand in late work.
2. Two days is the maximum number of days allowed to turn in late work.
(may have a penalty along with it; i.e. 25% reduction)
3. Anything after 2 days is a zero (unless done at Puma Pride)
4. Puma Pride: Any work done at Puma Pride will be given points, but can
be penalized up to 30% per teachers’ choice. (habitual offenders will be
dealt with on a case to case basis)
5. Absent: if you are absent you are required to get all work you have missed
from the teacher. It is your responsibility to ask what you missed and get
the work.
- See me for redo work on assignments; depending on the situation I may or
may not let you redo an assignment.
- There are no retakes for tests and quizzes, so study.

Grading Procedures:
- The grading scale is in accordance with the Pansophia Academy grading
policy, as stated in the handbook.
- Each Semester is broken down into percentages
1. Quarter I: 40%
2. Quarter II: 40%
3. Semester Final: 20%
- Within each quarter grades will be based on Assignments and Assessments:
1. Assignments: 40%
2. Assessments: 60%

Times to be reached at School: 1(517) 279-4686 Ext. 121

- Email = kburke@pansophia.us (email is preferred)
- 7:30 – 8:00 Before school.
- 12:14 – 1:08 Plan Time Monday-Thursday (may be subject to change).
10:56 – 11:38 Plan Time Friday (may be subject to change).
- If I am not available at these times leave a message and I will get back to you
as soon as possible.

Parent Signature __________________________________________ Date __________

Student Signature __________________________________________ Date __________