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Middle School:
8th Grade Literature Syllabus
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School 8th Grade Literature First Six Weeks 2008-2009 Teacher: Lisl Bambas Class time: 8; Wednesday 11:55-11:55-12:25 Course description: Text: Prentice Hall Literature. The focus of literature studies is to hone the skills of analysis and interpretation. As the students become more fluent in discussing complex moral issues encountered in novels, they also learn how to investigate the shadings and nuances within a work of literature. They also examine expository compositions for content and style. Expository pieces include source materials for research papers, comprehension exercises, and individual class texts. They are given the opportunity to analyze such material and demonstrate understanding through discussion, testing, essay writing, and oral reporting. Grading Scheme: Participation 10%; Homework 15%; Class work 15%; Quizzes 20%, Tests 25%; Homework is due on the date assigned. Late work will not receive a grade but must be completed. Week Content/Question Skills Activities Assessment Week One What are the elements and types of fiction Of nonfiction? Predictions Prefixes change words Fiction: Point of view Plot & conflict Nonfiction: exposition, cause & effect Predicting outcomes The meaning of “pre” Read and analyze examples of fiction and nonfiction Using details to support prediction Exercises Discussion Chapter questions Chapter exercises Series checkup Week Two Conflict: internal & external How do pre- dictions enhance understanding? Analyzing conflict Predict outcomes of story situations Graphic organizer Brief essay Discussion Check for details, accuracy Week Three Reading infor- mational material Narrative struc- ture, inference, Prefixes change words Reading maps and schedules Time sequencing, flashbacks, fore- shadowing The meaning of “re” Read & respond; Questions, chart brief essay – compare & contrast Series exercise Chapter questions Rubric: details & accuracy Series exercise Week Four What is the author’s purpose for writing a piece? Recognize & evaluate author’s purpose, determine mood Chapter questions analysis of author’s choice of words 20 minute essay Skills review, Discussion: Rubric: Identifies mood, uses details from story Week Five Author’s purpose Examining author’s style Read, & analyze short stories for style using graphic organizers Chapter exercises, discussion, Week Six Genre comparison: fiction and non- fiction Compare and contrast: differences & similarities Read and compare using graphic organizers and charts, short essay Rubric: details, organization, ideas, and word choice, Benchmark testing 512-847-9857 |