Syllabus

 

English 8 Syllabus

Classen School of Advanced Studies

L. Pierce

ldpierce@okcps.org

 

Course Description:  English 8 is designed to prepare students for both the rigorous demands of the IB Program at Classen and college curriculum. The class has a strong emphasis on literature and student analysis of literature. Students will read, discuss, and write about various works of literature. Students will read independently as homework and in class. Students will have reading homework nightly. Guided instruction in essay writing will give students a format for both formal and personal essays. Students are expected to grow in their writing skills and in their reading analysis as the school year progresses. Students will study various genres of literature and literary elements with the study of novels being interspersed during the school year. The study of grammar will continue with a focus on improving student’s general usage and writing. Students will receive and be quizzed on weekly vocabulary lists based on the SAT.

 

Course Goals:

  • Focus on an in depth study of all genres of  literature
  • Stress a study of the analysis of literature including: universal themes, archetypes, conflicts and symbols.
  • Awareness of characteristics of literary movements as well as influential authors.
  • Learn and refine close reading and annotation skills.
  • Refine individual writing skills and literary analysis.
  • Practice writing in the following formats: narrative, exposition, persuasive, descriptive, research and literary analysis.
  • Begin to develop personal tone and voice in writing
  • Incorporate critical thinking skills in writing and discussion.
  • Create and present to class orally in the following forms: individual presentations, group panels, group discussions or seminars, and poetry readings.
  • Develop a mature vocabulary in speaking and in writing.
  • Refine research techniques and use MLA format.
  • Review study skills and testing techniques for standardized tests.

 

To be successful you should:

Be present and punctual for class with the required materials.

Read carefully and thoroughly all reading assignments.

Keep up with required reading schedule and actively participate in class discussions.

Turn in all assignments on time and rewrite essays when assigned.

Take notes in class and keep up with notebooks and journals.

Follow all classroom and school rules.

Maintain a positive attitude and always put in your best effort.

 

Class Procedures: Students are expected to complete reading assignments by the time assigned. Students should feel free to read ahead. Homework is due for the day assigned at the start of the time block. Students will not be allowed to complete homework during class.  Reading is an assignment and students will take reading quizzes daily.

 

Academic Honesty: All work turned in by students is expected to be their own. All work should show original thought and insight and not be a repeat other student’s work. Reading aids such as Cliff Notes and Spark Notes are not a substitute for reading. While I am aware that those aides are available for most books, they will not help a student who had not read. Most assignments are geared to go beyond text summary and plot. Students will need to read the text to interpret on a personal way. Any work that appears to be from Cliff Notes/Spark Notes or other students’ thoughts is considered a violation of academic honesty and will not receive credit. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form. Plagiarism is defined as: work or portions of the work taken from another source such as the internet and not cited, work improperly cited, work taken from another student.  Anytime plagiarism is in question the student and parents will be contacted with the information and will be dealt with according to the Board of Education policy.

 

Class supplies:

A writing journal of the student’s choice. (These are taken up and graded up to four times per quarter without notice).

A three-ring binder containing the journal, loose leaf notebook paper, grammar workbook, and current assignment

Blue or black ink pen as well as a pencil

 

District Grading Scale:

A: 100-90

B:  89-80

C:  79-70

D:  69-60

F:  59 and below

 

Grade Distribution:

      Daily work, homework, class participation, quizzes-20%

      Major tests, vocabulary tests, essays, major projects-80%

      Students can earn extra points each quarter for active participation, being on time, all assignments in on time, consistently bringing required supplies, and following classroom rules.

   

       Methods of Evaluation:  Essays, daily reading quizzes, weekly vocabulary tests, journals, unit tests, group and individual novel projects.

 

       Grading procedures: Students will be given a scoring rubric for essays. They will also receive feedback. Some of the writing assignments can be rewritten for an improved score. Students will have one week for the rewrite and must turn in the original copy as well to receive a higher score. Major projects and oral presentations will have a rubric in which students will be graded. Students will receive the rubric with the assignment sheet. Attendance is mandatory. The school district’s policy for attendance will be strictly enforced. Students who exceed the maximum absences will not receive credit.  Students have five days to complete an assignment upon returning. This is not the case for long assignments that students know about prior to the absence. Those assignments must be turned in the day the student returns or emailed to me. Students who know they will be out for a school activity need to make arrangements to turn in assignments early or email them to me by 2:15 on the due date to be considered on time. Grades are available via smart web.

        Tutoring:  Tutoring is available after school in my room from 2:15-2:45. During that time students can get assignments from an absence, make up a reading or other quiz, receive tutoring, or come by for a quiet place to read and complete work. Please notify me if you will be coming by after school so that I can expect you and make the best use of your time.

           Instructor Contact Information:  You may email me at ldpierce@okcps.org or ldpierce404@cox.net

 

Preliminary Course Outline

Changes to the outline will be based on students need and time. Updates will be made via my website. Students are encouraged to check the website under Homework and Input for information on assignments as well as other information.

1st Quarter

Vocabulary:  Vocabulary study is cumulative and will also be interspersed with our study of literature.

Grammar and Usage:  Grammar skills will be enhanced with an emphasis on writing and style analysis. One to two skills will be given weekly and reviewed. Grammar lessons are cumulative and will be adapted based on student need.

 

Week

Lessons or topics covered-

8/20

Orientation:  Hiroshima and The House on Mango Street

8/24

Figurative Language Workshop/Benchmark Testing

8/31

Figurative Language Workshop

9/07

Figurative Language Workshop/Literary Genres Workshop

9/14

“Poison”

9/21

“The Birds”

9/28

“A Sound of Thunder”

10/5

“The Sniper”/Hiroshima Projects due

10/12

1st Quarter Exam:  Figurative Language/Vocabulary

 

2nd Quarter

Vocabulary:  Weekly lists, activities and lessons will be given at the start of each week. Vocabulary study is cumulative and will also be interspersed with our study of literature.

Grammar and Usage:  Grammar skills will be enhanced with an emphasis on writing and style analysis. One to two skills will be given weekly and reviewed. Grammar lessons are cumulative and will be adapted based on student need.

Week

Lessons or Topics Covered

10/19

Literary Analysis Workshop:  Personal Narrative

10/26

Literary Analysis:  Character and Point of View

11/2

“Pancakes”

11/9

”Hamadi”

11/16

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”

11/23

“Rosa”

11/30

Writing Workshop:  Comparison/Contrast Essay

12/7

Comparison/Contrast Essay cont.

12/14

Midterm Exam

 

 

3rd Quarter

Vocabulary:  Weekly lists, activities and lessons will be given at the start of each week. Vocabulary study is cumulative and will also be interspersed with our study of literature.

Grammar and Usage: Grammar skills will be enhanced with an emphasis on writing and style analysis. One to two skills will be given weekly and reviewed. Grammar lessons are cumulative and will be adapted based on student need.

 

Week

Lessons and Topics to be Covered

1/4

Literary Analysis:  Setting, Mood, and Imagery

1/11

“A Christmas Memory”

1/18

“The Story of an Hour”

2/1

“A Sound of Thunder”

2/8

Writing Workshop:  Review Persuasive Writing

2/15

Writing Workshop:  Review Descriptive Writing

2/22

Writing Workshop:  Review Narrative Writing

3/1

Test Prep/State Writing Assessment

3/8

3rd Quarter Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter

Vocabulary:  Weekly lists, activities and lessons will be given at the start of each week. Vocabulary study is cumulative and will also be interspersed with our study of literature.

Grammar and Usage:  Grammar skills will be enhanced with an emphasis on writing and style analysis. One to two skills will be given weekly and reviewed.  Grammar lessons are cumulative and will be adapted based on student need.

 

Week

Topic or Lessons Covered

3/22

“The Scarlet Ibis”

3/29

Writing Workshop:  Writing a Research Paper

4/5

Writing Workshop:  MLA Format

4/12

Romeo and Juliet, Act I

4/19

Romeo and Juliet, Act II

4/67

Romeo and Juliet, Act III

5/3

Romeo and Juliet, Act IV

5/10

Romeo and Juliet, Act V/Research Papers due

5/17

Test Prep

5/24

Final Exam