Usually clustered with World History, these junior high school literature and composition courses will engage students in novels, short stories, plays, and poems of literary merit (a.k.a. classic literature). Assignments are designed to develop your independent reading, writing, and analytical skills. The literature class will focus on analyzing the basic elements of a story: conflict, setting, theme, purpose, plot, character, and point of view. You will be asked to read critically and to communicate your opinion and ideas about the texts both orally and in written form. Composition class will focus primarily on expository writing, including comparative and persuasive essays. We will end the year writing a Vision Statement -- a reflection of who you are, what your goals are, and how you're going to get there.
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Materials
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GradingGrading will follow the standard grading scale as laid out by Dominion Academy. Your grade breakdown is weighted as follows:
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Reading Selections & Areas of StudyThis year's 8th grade curriculum will follow the 7th grade American literature curriculum.
The composition curriculum is primarily centered around Susan Wise Bauer's Writing with Skill curriculum, although we will skip around a bit. Extra Credit OpportunitiesThroughout the year you will have opportunities to bring up your grade. If you choose a book, play, or film from the extra credit list, you must have your parents' permission before reading/viewing it. See here for more details.
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Activities & Projects
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Late WorkWHAT IS LATE WORK?
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Absences
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Formatting
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Second Chance SlipsYour work—whether class work or homework—should follow instructions carefully and must reflect an observable investment of time, thought, and effort. If it is clear to me that you did not invest yourself in the assignment, you will receive a Second Chance slip. This means you must redo the assignment, TYPE IT, and turn it into me by a specified date. Failure to do so will result in a yellow slip.
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Life happens!Please understand that these expectations come from an honest desire to challenge you and prepare you for life beyond school. I want you to succeed in this class, but I cannot help you improve if you are not willing to put forth the effort. Over the course of the year, life will happen. You may become ill, a personal matter may arise, or you may have a pressing commitment that merits a break. Trust that I will help you find a way to keep up with your work. Trust that I will welcome open and immediate communication from you. However, I must caution you that consistent drama will try anyone’s patience. Don’t abuse my good graces and faith in your commitment to the class. Favors and breaks are earned out of generating simple respect through your prompt communication and your honest, consistent efforts in class. Show that respect by bringing your best to class every week.
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