English 8 Syllabus SY: 2014-2015

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Instructor: Dr. Childs
Email: elizabeth.childs@student.dodea.edu
Cell: 3501-6340


COURSE OVERVIEW
English 8: World Literature and Composition acquaints the student with the genres and
techniques of international literature. The course includes grammar, single and multi-paragraph
essays, the research paper, vocabulary, and study skills. This course in world literature
approaches literary works with scholarly criticism and attention to detail.

SUBJECT AREA REQUIREMENTS
You will be expected to read and write, both in class and out. Participation in class is expected of
all students. Reading and writing will encompass the genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and
drama.

COURSE MATERIALS
In order to be successful in this class, students are suggested to have the following materials
every day:
spiral notebook or composition book
pens and pencils
The following materials may also be handy: highlighter, post-its, 3-ring binder, and an academic
planner. With this in mind, students are expected to come to class prepared every day.

CORE UNITS
The following units will be examined over the course of the first semester:
Readings of short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and fiction
Independent Reading (Daily)
Review & Development of Grammar Essentials
Vocabulary Development
Literary Terminology Development
Literary Appreciation
5-6 Paragraph Essay Development
Reading Strategies
Essays & Compositions
Research Paper
Spelling
Novels
Literature Circles
6 + 1 Traits of Writing






English 8 Syllabus SY: 2014-2015

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GRADING
Students will be assessed with class work and homework assignments, creative projects, writing
exercises, quizzes and tests. Students should begin taking responsibility for their own education.
90%-100% A 80%-89% B 70%-79% C 60%-69% D 0%-59% F (Do Over)

Weighted Categories:
Classwork 30%
Tests 25%
Quizzes 15%
Essays 15%
Homework 10%
Binder Check 5%

Folder/Binder: Each student will be expected to keep an organized folder/binder. Your
materials should be separated from other courses, and all major assignments should be saved. A
notebook, much like a room, house or apartment, is a direct reflection of its owner. An organized
notebook is a reflection of an organized student. Be organizedit is a vital factor in the success
of the student or professional of any level.

Writers Notebook: Each student is expected to obtain and bring to class a composition or
journal. It will be used extensively. The writings will generally be short in nature and used to
introduce the days lesson or simply contemplate the interrelatedness of life, literature and the
self. This writing will be used as a platform or what we are studying, a practice in writing, and an
aid in the discovery of the self as a writer.

Research Paper: In eighth grade, students are expected to learn and practice the art of formal
research. Students will learn how to properly research a topic, format a research paper, and use
the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.

Class Writings: Essays will also be used as a form of final assessment for the end of any unit of
reading. They will be graded according to the English Department essay rubric distributed in
class. Typed assignments will be given with plenty of notice for a deadline. With this in mind,
My computer crashed, or My printer didnt work are not acceptable excuses. Students are
expected to submit all essays, compositions, research papers, and some homework assignments
via www.turnitin.com. Please be sure to ask your student for his/her log on and password to
www.turnitin.com so you will be able to review and edit all assignments prior to submission.

Vocabulary/Grammar: Expect regular vocabulary identification and accompanying exercises
for practice. There will also be regular work on strengthening of grammar skills through
exercises and writing.

Homework: Expect homework assignments: close reading to response questions; from writing
to research. Our classroom activities depend on your completion of the homework assignments.
Homework must be completed before class and ready to be turned in when class begins. Copying
of work (even small homework assignments) is taken very seriously. Homework must be turned
in during the class period in which it is due or it receives a 0. There is no extra credit to help
English 8 Syllabus SY: 2014-2015

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make up for lost or missing work. Bring the current book we are reading every day. You must
keep up with the reading because the tests, study guides, vocabulary review, and writing
assignments are based on the literature you are assigned to read. Therefore, you will not do well
in this class if you do not keep up with the reading.

Late Work Policy: Student work will not be accepted at any time after five school days from
the assigned due date. Work submitted after the assigned due date and prior to the end of the
five day period will receive reduced credit. Teachers are obliged to assign work and define a due
date for each specific assignment. Teachers have the leeway to reduce credit as they see fit.
This policy does not supersede the Bahrain School excused absence late work policy where
students are allowed one school day per day of excused absence to complete and submit missing
work.

Make-up Work: Students are responsible for asking for work missed when absent. Students
have the number of days he/she missed to complete the work. Tests will be made up on the day
of the students return. If a student is absent on the day an essay/major project is due, the student
is responsible for delivering a hard copy/submit to webpage when they return.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY
Students are expected to be in their seats, attentive, and ready for class work when they enter the
room. It is necessary to attend and be ready for class, with all materials, in order to learn and
complete our goals. Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If a student misses
class do to an excused absence, it is the responsibility of the student to see the instructor about
missed work with the excuse at a convenient time outside of class. If you are absent, homework
must be turned in at the beginning of class on the day you return. You are responsible for
obtaining missed work and notes.

Class Conduct for the Teacher
1. I will come to school every day
2. I will always be prepared.
3. I will work hard to earn your respect

Students should know how to conduct themselves in a classroom. If you do not know, you
should not be in the 8th grade.
We will accept the rewards and consequences of our choices
1. Good choices have good results
2. Bad choices have bad results
Our destiny in this class (as in life) is determined by the choices we make throughout the year.

PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC HONESTY
Students are expected to do their own work (unless instructed to work in groups). There are
serious consequences when a student is found to have cheated on an assignment, project, quiz, or
test. All written assignments, tests and quizzes must be your original work. You may not copy
from the internet, books, siblings, other students or any other source. Plagiarized work or
answers will be given a 0 and advisors will be contacted if plagiarism is suspected. All essays
must be typed and submitted via www.turnitin.com. The following are not allowed:
English 8 Syllabus SY: 2014-2015

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Using anothers ideas as your own.
Using anothers words as your own.
Copying answers from any person or source.
Using study guides like Cliff Notes instead of reading the text.
Discussing test questions and/or answers outside of class.

Tips for Succeeding:
Follow the class calendar/website and stay on top of reading!
Participate and share ideas in class discussion
Turn in work on time
Bring materials to class everyday (novel, pen/pencil, note book/binder)
Avoid being absent; be responsible for all make-up work
Be open to criticism and be prepared to debate with others who do not agree with your
interpretation
Ask questions when you do not understand; Do not live a life of confusion!

Students will:
Increase their ability to approach texts on a critical level.
Be able to differentiate among literary genres, apply literary terms, and recognize the
literary forms of the works studied.
Be able to recognize thematic relationships among works from various cultures that
contribute to their universal significance.
Apply techniques of class analysis to independent reading and the viewing of selected
films.
Construct a research project that demonstrates an ability to:
differentiate between primary and secondary sources
properly document a variety of sources
develop a thesis and support it by synthesizing information.
Select, evaluate and use both traditional and electronic search tools; determine valid
sources for researching a particular topic; distinguish between essential and non-essential
information using a variety of sources.
Develop oral and listening skills through participation in class discussion and through
assigned presentations.
Effectively use written expression to analyze, persuade, reflect, instruct, or entertain an
audience.
Use dictionaries and related references.
Use table of contents, indices, key words, cross references and appendices
Critique public documents. Identify strategies common in public discourse and public
documents. Assess the validity of documents.
Explain and evaluate the role of the English language within and across countries
Develop and apply vocabulary skills.
Apply conventions of English grammar, syntax, and sentence structure both orally and in
writing.



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Policies & Procedures:
Writing Instruction: Revise, Revise! Writing is a process. On long term writing assignments
students will show evidence of their process, including multiple drafts. For some long term
assignments I will review thesis statements and outlines as well as rough drafts. These will be
returned for revision prior to the paper's due date. On longer term assignments rough drafts will
always be submitted with final drafts. All writing that references a literary work will include a
works cited page. Students will be instructed in MLA formatting over the course of the year.

Vocabulary Instruction: New vocabulary will be culled from the work being read. There will
be new (teacher constructed) vocabulary lists distributed for each unit. Students will be quizzed
on new vocabulary, and will also be expected to use it in their writing and class discussion.

Grammar, Structure, Style: Upon return of essays, the class will address common errors and
correct them as a class. This will be the routine for each major paper that is assigned. Classroom
instruction in grammar will be needs based.

Literature Circles: Additional information about literature circles will be provided under
separate cover. Literature circles will be an ongoing activity that will provide students with an
opportunity to choose their reading, as well as to develop habits that will enhance close reading
of unfamiliar and challenging works of literary merit. Each quarter readers will produce either a
project or an essay to demonstrate their understanding of the work.

Annotation: Students will enrich understanding of their reading through close examination of
texts using extensive note taking and annotation. Interact with the text. Underline and write
down an interpretation of a passage. Analyze the text. Comment on it. Question it. Judge it.
Develop vocabulary by looking up that unfamiliar word in a dictionary. Research that allusion or
that unfamiliar custom.
Dr. Childs Expectations
Foundation: It as important for you to know that I have high expectations of my students in two
important areas:
1. Academics:
The subject matter isn't hard to understand, but both work and self-discipline will be required to
succeed in my class.
2. Behavior:
a. Respect the rights and property of others.
b. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings. Failure to do so will result in a tardy.
c. Come to class prepared. Each student should bring to class: a pencil or pen, textbook,
outside reading book, binder, college ruled paper and any assignments that are due or
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being worked on. Students will not be allowed to go back to their lockers to retrieve these
items.
d. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.
e. Listen during instruction.
f. Remain in seats unless given permission to leave.
g. No cell phones, IPads, IPods, or other electronics in class or they will be confiscated and given
to the office.
h. No food or drinks in class (water is permitted).
i. Other building wide rules can be found in the Bahrain MH School Handbook. The rules will
be enforced as follows:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Written Warning (to be signed by a parent and/or sent via email)
3rd Offense: Lunch Detention with Dr. Childs
4th Offense: Parent Conference Request
It should be understood that some actions do not follow the above course of enforcement. All
major infractions such as fighting will be referred to the Administration Team. Incredibly
disruptive behaviors may warrant immediate referral to the office.
Comments:




I, ___________________________, have read and understood the English 8 Class Syllabus.


Signature Date