Course Overview

Social Studies 8 B continues the study of U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present. Students explore how industrialization, immigration, reform movements, economic change, global conflict, and social transformation shaped modern America. The course emphasizes evaluating historical evidence, recognizing bias, and understanding how past events influence current national identity.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Study industrialization, urbanization, and waves of immigration.
• Analyze U.S. participation in World Wars, the Cold War, and global leadership.
• Explore the Great Depression, New Deal, and economic transformations.
• Examine civil rights movements and key social reforms.
• Interpret timelines, maps, primary sources, and multimedia historical data.

Instructional Approach

Instruction incorporates inquiry-based activities, document analysis, multimedia research, and collaborative discussion. Students apply critical thinking to evaluate perspectives and historical arguments.

Outcome

By the end of Social Studies 8 B, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present.
• Analyze cause-and-effect relationships across major events.
• Evaluate historical issues using multiple forms of evidence.
• Be prepared for high school civics, government, and U.S. history courses.