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8th grade syllabus 2019-20 |
TEXTS: Warriner's Handbook, Second Course – Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Elements of Literature, Second Course – Holt, Rinehart and Winston OVERVIEW: The purpose of this course is to study literature, grammar, and composition. Literary devices will be taught and vocabulary will be emphasized through the study of novel texts. Students will develop their understanding of the writing process for a variety of purposes through specific writing projects. Grammar will be studied independently and skills will be emphasized throughout the entire literature curriculum. READING: Our reading for the year will consist of 2-3 novels, supplemented by short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and other forms of literature from the literature textbook. The novels will be distributed to students at the beginning of the unit, and students are expected to complete all reading assignments. Reading comprehension and completion will be assessed through pop and planned reading quizzes and tests. MAJOR WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Writing skills will be developed through specific guided instruction. A minimum of four essays are required (completed, edited, proofread, and final copy). At a minimum, these will consist of a book report, research report (expository) with a works cited page, literary analysis essays, and character analysis essay. Instructions, guidelines, and specific dates will be given in class. MLA formatting and style will be taught and used. ACTIVITIES: Activities will include a combination of class work, discussions, homework, quizzes, test, and projects that address various learning styles. All activities are designed to help students grow toward full language maturity and develop a sense of community as they work together and share their perceptions. GRADING: MAJOR (Tests, Compositions, Projects): 55% MINOR (Daily In-Class Assignments, Quizzes): 35% HOMEWORK: 10% * FINAL EXAM (First and Second Semester) – 20% of overall grade LATE WORK: All work (major, minor, and homework) turned in late is 20% off per day. MAKE-UP WORK: Make-up work assignments are to be completed within two days of returning from an excused absence. MATERIALS:
CLASSROOM AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
CONSEQUENCES: When a student fails to meet one of the class expectations, the following consequences will result. As needed, we may implement these consequences in a different order.
GRADING SCALE: 90 – 100 A *Students MUST earn 90+ to be placed in a Ninth Grade Honors Literature 80 – 89 B 70 – 79 C Under 70 Failing FIRST SEMESTER: Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling (all ongoing) Short Stories (plot, setting, character, theme, style, conflict) Nonfiction (autobiography, biography, memoir) Writing (Book Report, Literary Analysis, Character Analysis) SHORT STORIES: “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs “The Wise Old Woman” retold by Yoshiko Uchida NOVELS: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien SECOND SEMESTER: Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling (all ongoing) Poetry (devices, epics, sonnet, ode, elegy, free-verse, symbolism) Drama (types and elements of drama, dialogue, conflict, character) Writing (Poetry Explication, Research Report) DRAMA: The Diary of Ann Frank NOVELS: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
Binder Dividers
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