8th Literature and Composition Ms. Birdwell
“When my Daniel was four years old, I saw him reading a story from a book. And I was frightened. He did not read the story, he swallowed it, as one swallows food or water. There was no soul in my four-year-old Daniel, there was only his mind. He was a mind in a body without a soul.”
– Chaim Potok, The Chosen
I. Course Overview
The 8th Grade Literature and Composition class lays a foundation for success in verbal communication, focusing on grammar and writing skills on the one hand and discussion and thoughtful analysis of significant literary works on the other. These skills will both help students become better readers and writers and prepare them for success in the later years of the school’s curriculum.
II. Texts
Quarter 1
Beowulf, translation by Seamus Heaney
The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
Quarter 2
The Chosen, Chaim Potok
Quarter 3
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Quarter 4
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
III. Student Performance and Evaluation
Participation in Class and Readiness to Learn: 30%
Written Assignments: 30%
Grammar Assignments: 15%
Reading Assignments: 15%
Daily Write: 10%
Please note that this course will have an average of 20-25 minutes of regular and meaningful homework per night.
Please note that no late work will be accepted. A late essay will drop a letter grade for each day it is late.
IV. Daily Write
For the first 5-8 minutes of class every day, students will write a response to a prompt. The goal of this task is writing fluency – keeping the pen moving on the paper for the duration of time allotted. Grading will be based primarily on fluency, but not exclusively. The Daily Write is not the appropriate time to discuss with me an absence or make-up work.
V. Absences and Make-Up Work
Homework will be posted on the course website at the beginning of each week. For this reason, students will be expected to have their homework (this includes the reading) completed even if they are absent. If the absence is a serious illness and the student is not able to complete the reading, he or she should bring a note (or parents may email me).
VI. Required Materials (bring to class each day)
Literary text that we are reading
Notebook*
Writing utensil
*Note: Students will need a 2-subject notebook for this class. If it is not a designated 2-subject notebook, they may divide the notebook they have into 2 sections. These two sections are grammar and writing notes, and seminar notes/opening question.
VII. Expectations
Students are expected to be respectful of their teacher, classmates, and the curriculum. This entails coming prepared every day, coming on-time to class, being in proper uniform attire, and maintaining an attitude of kindness and politeness during our discussions.
VIII. Contacts and Tutoring
E-MAIL: lbirdwell@areteprepacademy.org
Tutoring: room 202, Mondays and Wednesdays after school