Syllabus: Level

8^th Grade Language Arts Syllabus: Level

Course: 8^th Grade Language Arts                                               

Course Description: This course emphasizes critical reading of various literary selections and analysis through discussion, compositions, projects, and speeches.  Students will examine the links among culture, history, and literature. Students will also sharpen their writing skills through writing workshop, grammar study, and vocabulary lessons.

Areas of Study:

Reading:        Short Story, Novel, Poetry, Drama, Essays and Speeches

Writing:         Writing workshop, journal writing, timed writings, compositions, literary summaries,        and literary analysis.

Grammar:      Parts of Speech, Syntax, and Conventions

Vocabulary:   Sadlier/Oxford

Course Outcomes: In accordance with each individual’s capabilities and district, state, and national language arts standards, the student will:

1.      Identify the eight parts of speech and recognize correct usage of each grammatical form.

2.      Develop simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

3.      Write narratives, expository, persuasive, and literary essays.

4.      Develop revising and editing techniques dealing with grammar, punctuation, and content.

5.      Define and utilize the literary elements in accordance with the genre.

6.      Expand vocabulary strategies and usage.

7.      Use a variety of reading strategies to summarize and evaluate a text.

8.      Deliver oral presentations.

Required Materials:

1.  Composition Notebooks—2 (1 for reading assignments and 1 for writing)

2.  Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary Workbook

3.  Black or blue ink pen is required for all work (except when type is specified).

4.  1 package of 5x8 index cards

5.  Map pencils and materials for projects

6.  1 box of tissues (for classroom use)

Headings for all work:

Use a correct heading on all assignments with first and last name.  The heading appears in the upper right-hand corner.      Example:

                        Name.......................... Darla Rickenbacher

                        Assignment................ Vocabulary Test #5

                        Period......................... Period 3

                        Date........................... 10/12/15

Assignment Policies:

Late Work:  See Student Handbook

1.   Essays and projects are due on the assigned date.  Ten points will be deducted from the grade for each day the assignment is not turned in.  On the fourth day, the student will receive a zero. 

2.   Regular homework assignments will only be accepted late if a student is absent (one day late for each day missed). Homework needs to be completed on time so the class can continue on schedule.

3.  It is the student’s responsibility to ask for their assignments due to absence or UIL event.

Classroom Standards & Procedures:

1.   Be on time.

2.   Come ready and prepared to learn.

3.   Respect your rights and the rights of others to learn.

4.   Work at learning.

5.   Ask for support.

All school rules and policies will be followed in the classroom.  See the Peet Junior High Student Handbook for specific rules for electronic devices, food or drink in the classroom, dress code, and discipline requirements.