2016-2017 Study Group Syllabus: Middle School Humanities 8th Grade

Instructor:Mrs.DeannaCarey
deanna.carey@learningchoice.org
(619)6564220ext.188
Website:mrsdeannacarey@weebly.com

Description and Overview: The Middle School Humanities course is designed to begin preparation for high school
English and History courses. The course will combine the disciplines of English Language Arts and Social Studies into
one meaningful learning experience. Course content will be approached thematically, and students will work
collaboratively to access and make meaning of both historical and literary concepts. We will utilize project-based
learning so that students will be able to comprehend themes which run through the humanities. Students will read
and study a variety of literature, as well as practice multiple genres of writing. Through their literature and writing
genre studies, students will enhance their grammar proficiencies and vocabulary repertoire. Students will also learn
research, revision, and presentation skills.

Literature Reading and Analysis:

1) Responses to Literature and Informational Texts Every
learning period, you will be assigned five to six literature
pieces and/or informational texts to read and analyze. The
stories and texts will be assigned by the teacher and sent
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roughly and in complete sentences.
2) Novel Reading Every quarter, we will read a selected
novel in its totality and complete meaningful assignments
related to the text.
Writing Assignments:
Regular Writing Assignments Every learning period, you
will be assigned writing projects and essays, which vary in
format and genre. These need to be typed and should
reflect your very best effort. Rubrics will be provided so
that you know how your writing assignment will be
evaluated. Where possible, model samples will also be
provided. We will focus on the following:
1. Multi-genre based writing (fiction and
non-fiction) such as narrative, expository, etc.
2. Literary writing activities based on novel reading.
3. Formal research essay
4. Argumentative/Persuasive writing
Approximate Weighting of Assignments & Assessments:
Projects and Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30%
Writing Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%
Responses to Literature Reading/Reading . . . 20%
Participation/Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%

Attendance:
Weekly and punctual attendance is expected and
necessary for student success.
Late Work Policy:
All assignments are expected to be turned in
on time to your on-site study group
Late penalty is 10% off when the
assignment is turned in 1 - 5 days
after the original due date. Then the
grade continues to drop by 10% each
school day until it reaches 50%.
Students are able to email, or come
on-site to submit work on
non-teaching days.
If the student is absent due to illness, they have
5 school days from the day they are absent to
turn in the work.
Suggested Materials:
1) 1 inch binder
2) Notebook
3) Pencil
4) Highlighter
5) Notebook dividers
6) Post It notes
7) Self-Guided Novel
A note on plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result
in the consequences as outlined in the TLC
Parent/Student Handbook and TLC Discipline
Policy.
ALL student work should be original. If
outside sources are used, they must be
properly cited in MLA format.
Absolutely NO WIKIPEDIA

Student signature: __________________________________________Date:___________

Parent signature: __________________________________________Date____________