Grade 8 - Social Studies

MS:American History (Credit: 1.00)

The American History course presents chronological history of the American experience from the earliest times to the present. It covers topics such as, colonial America, the American Revolution, and issues faced by early republic. It also covers westward expansion, the Civil War industrialization, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, the Cold War, Civil Rights, and the Vietnam War. Finally, students learn about the challenges faced by the United States in the twenty-first century.

MS:American History: A New Role in the World (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn how the United States expanded into the Pacific region and became involved in Latin America. Students also learn about American involvement in World War I and how that helped the Allies achieve victory in the war. Finally, students learn how the United States adjusted to peacetime after World War I and the significance of the 1920's in American history.

MS:American History: An Age of Industry (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they first learn about the various events that transformed western America. Students also learn about the rapid growth of industries and cities in America and their positive and negative outcomes. Finally, students learn about the various reforms that took place in America, including political reforms and the granting of voting rights to women.

MS:American History: Civil War and Reunion (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the growing tensions and conflicts between the North and South over slavery and how they ultimately lead to the Civil War. Students learn about the devastating effects of the Civil War on the United States. Finally, students learn about the difficulties that Americans faced when the Civil War ended and the steps taken to restore the enormous losses.

MS:American History: Depression and War (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the Great Depression and its effect on life in the United States. They learn about Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal policies and the impact of those policies. Students also learn about the causes and effects of World War II. Finally, students learn about the Cold War and how it reshaped international relations.

MS:American History: Forming a New Nation (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn how discontent with British policies led to open rebellion and eventually the desire for independence among a majority of colonists. Students also learn about the Declaration of Independence, as well as the course and outcome of the American Revolution.

MS:American History: Moving Toward the Future (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the civil rights movement and its impact on the United States. They also learn about the American involvement in the Vietnam War, how the war divided the nation, and how the end of Cold War created a new world of democracy and peace. Finally, students learn about the challenges faced by the United States in the twenty-first century.

MS:American History: The Beginings (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the roots of the American people, their cultural backgrounds, and their European heritage. They also learn how Europeans established their rule in America and about the beginnings of the colonial system. Finally, the students learn about life in colonial America, including interaction with Native Americans, trade, slavery, conflict, and the spread of new ideas.

MS:American History: The Nation Expands and Changes (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the impact that the Industrial Revolution had on America and the differences in the development of the North and the South. They also learn about reformations in society including the fight against slavery, efforts directed toward equal rights for women, and the development of American literature and arts. Finally, students learn about the need for westward expansion.

MS:American History: The New Republic (Credit: 0.50)

As students move through this course, they learn about the challenges the United States faced as a new nation""first under the presidency of George Washington and then under John Adams. They also learn about the era of Thomas Jefferson, the War of 1812, and how the United States gained a new sense of confidence. Finally, students learn about other important issues faced by the early republic.