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Georgia Studies Syllabus

Mrs. Patricia Rankin 8-1

2011-2012

Course Overview:  Eighth grade social studies is the study ofthe state of Georgia.  Our study willinclude the geography, government, history, and economics of the state.  It will also include Georgia’s role inAmerican History from prehistoric times until the present.  We will also review social studies skillslearned in earlier grades for reinforcement and remediation in preparation forstandardized testing.  I plan to cover throughthe Civil War 1st Semester and from there to present 2^ndSemester.   

Materials:Covered textbook; notebook with pockets; at least two sharpened pencils; atleast two blue or black pens; and paper every day.  Students will also need the followingsupplies; but these won’t be used every day: colored pencils and/or markers;scissors; glue; index cards; flash drive.Class Format:  Class discussions, lectures, power point/smartboard presentations, notes, group work, games, writing assignments, dramas,research – library, Internet, and laptop lab, examination of primary sources,individual work, worksheets, guest speakers, and projects.

Skills Emphasized and Practiced:  Paragraphwriting, essay writing, research skills, mapping, note taking, oralpresentations, reading comprehension, role playing, and critical thinkingactivities.

Grading Scale:  Home work and class work count 1 time,quizzes count 1.5 times and tests and projects count 2 times.

Unit Plan:  Almost all units involve direct teacher-centeredactivities, some skills practice, at least one group activity option, some typeof research, some type of technology option, a notebook check, and a test.  All the units based on the text will alsohave a reading quiz at the beginning of the unit.  Students are always given at least four daysto read the chapter, but it is always OK to read ahead. 

Late Work:  Late homework/daily work/projects will not beaccepted for full credit.  Late projectsare not accepted at all.  Students mayturn in other late work the next day during homeroom for 50% if the assignmentwas not graded and returned to the class during the class period.  (For those assignments, students may turn inthe work any time the next day for 25%.) If a student misses a group presentation, an alternate assignment willbe given.  2^nd semester, latework will only be worth 10% and must be turned in during homeroom the nextschool day.  Otherwise, it will not beaccepted.

Do Now:  Each class begins with a “Do Now”activity.  Students write in the questionand answer in their notebook. After 10 “do nows”, we will have a quiz. Thestudents can use the notebook. This is to reward organization skills and willhelp if there is an off day with homework.

Homework:  Homework is assigned every Monday, Tuesday,and Thursday.  It may be written work,project/activity work, and/or reading. Students are expected to use the weekends to rest, relax, and/or work onprojects; so other homework is not assigned on Friday’s.  Many of my assignments are announced far inadvance.  Students should work with theirparents and with me to use long-range planning. For this reason, it is essential that students do something daily.  Students are expected to read each chapterwhen/if assigned.  It is OK to readahead.  Some chapters are very long.  Again, long-range planning will be essential.

Tutoring:  I am available by appointment via e-mail orwritten note.  There is no charge.  All I require is a note or an e-mail statingwho will provide transportation home for the student and what time (s)he shouldbe out front - 5:00 is good.   If  nonote is provided, the student will need to reschedule.  I need at least 24 hours notice.  If additional help is needed/desired pleasee-mail me to make arrangements.  This isone of the fastest ways to improve if grades start to slip.

PatriciaA. Rankin