FRELINGHUYSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE PROFICIENCIES

COURSE: SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 7

I. COURSE OVERVIEW

Grade 7 Social Studies is a survey course concentrating on an in-depth study of Civics and then moving through the history of the United States, from Reconstruction in the 1800’s through the Modern Era. The main textbook is Prentice Hall’s The American Nation. In order to develop an informed citizenry in support of our democratic government, the course will focus on the importance of understanding the development of the society, its religions, and the structures of government. Through understanding the history and development of these, we are able to ensure that we do not repeat mistakes and the society will continue to advance.

Activities include traditional instruction complemented with cooperative learning activities, individual and group projects, authentic and traditional assessments. Expectations of excellence are supported by the National Council for Social Studies, and proficiencies are aligned with the national and state Core Curriculum Content Standards.

II. PROFICIENCIES

The course will deal with key topics related to each specific area of study.

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to use the following as learning tools:

a. textbooks, maps, tables and graphs

b. special references such as almanacs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and periodicals

c. audio-visual materials

2. The students will demonstrate the ability to present in written and oral forms the results of his/her study of a topic.

3. The students will demonstrate the ability to use an increasing number of course-specific vocabulary terms.

4. Students will be expected to ask and formulate answers to the following essentials questions:

· What are the roles of the citizen in American democracy?

· What are the foundations of the American political system?

· How is power and responsibility distributed, shared and limited in government established by the Constitution?

· How state and local governments organized and what is their function?

· What is the connection between societal issues and our laws?

· How do criminal law and civil law function together?

· What is an economic system?

· What role do individuals and companies play in our economy?

· How does understanding our economy help people plan their future?

• What impact did the Reconstruction Era have on the future of the United States?
• Why did people settle in the West?
• How did the United States switch from being an agrarian nation to an industrial country?
• How did immigrants, congestion, crime, recreation, technology, sports, entertainment, art and education impact the new emerging urban culture?
• How did the U.S. gain control over lands in the Pacific and Latin American regions?
• How did the U.S. become a world power?
• What were the causes and effects of World War I?
• How was the nation divided in the 1920’s socially, economically and racially?
• How did the prosperity of the 1920’s lead to the stock market crash?
• How did the Great Depression impact different groups of Americans?
• How did different governments come to power in Italy, Germany and Japan?
• Why did Japanese and German foreign policy escalate tensions and lead to World War II.
• How did America mobilize its economy and citizens to meet the challenges of World War II?
• What important events influenced the outcome of World War II/
• What events escalated the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union?
• How did the collapse of Communism affect the world today?
• How did minority groups struggle to gain more rights in an era of prosperity, rebellion and reform?
• What challenges does the United States face in the 21^st century?

III. COURSE STANDARDS

METHODS OF EVALUATION

ü Class participation

ü Homework and Class Work – Completion, quality, timeliness.

ü Tests and quizzes

ü Projects.

MATIERALS NEEDED FOR CLASS

ü Covered textbooks

ü Loose-leaf notebooks and paper

ü Pen and pencils; markers, if possible

ü Assigned homework

CRITERIA FOR EXCELLENCE (Requirements for receiving and “A” in this course.)

ü An average of 90-100 on all items scored numerically (tests, quizzes and certain assignments).

ü Preparedness for class (including punctuality)

ü Frequent, thoughtful class participation, including listening and reading.

ü Regular completion of homework with evidence of thoughtfulness and effort.

MAKE-UP AND EXTRA HELP POLICIES

ü Upon return from an absence, the student must make up all homework, class work notes, tests and quizzes. A reasonable time will be established with the student.

ü Extra help is available by appointment.