ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE Mr. Giaconia
Grade 8 Demarest Middle School
COURSE OVERVIEW
Welcome to Elements of Literature, a class in which we will explore and analyze the fundamental components of different literary genres.
During this course, you will be required to:
Develop an understanding of the basic elements of a short story/novel
Explain the events of the Holocaust, including its causes and effects
Read and analyze the book Night by Elie Wiesel
Explore the traditional culture of the Navajo Indians in comparison to that of the United States
Discuss the role of the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II and be able to explain their significance to the overall war effort
Read and analyze the book Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Learn about the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe
Read and analyze various poems/short stories by Edgar Allan Poe
Complete journal assignments designed to gauge your understanding of the literary works discussed in class
Work cooperatively in groups to complete assigned tasks
Participate in group discussions and debates in which you will be required to argue a point of view with supporting evidence
Hand in all assignments in a timely manner
Demonstrate knowledge of the material being taught by completing various forms of assessments
MATERIALS
You are responsible for having the following items in class with you at all times:
- Current book
- Pen (blue/black ink)
- Assignment Pad
- Journal notebook (marble composition)
- Binder with pockets/Notebook with pockets
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
- Enter the classroom quietly and sit down immediately in your seats
- Take out your binder/notebook, pen, and any homework that is due
- Write down any new homework assignments in your Assignment Pad
- Pay attention to the lesson being taught and participate in class
- Listen to and follow directions at all times
- Absolute silence will be maintained on days when assessments are being given
- Raise your hand if you have a question or if you would like to contribute to the class
- Proper behavior will be maintained in the classroom at all times. Any misbehavior will be dealt with accordingly.
- When you are dismissed from class, make certain that you have all of your belongings and leave the room in a quiet and orderly fashion
GRADING POLICY
Final grades for the marking period will be based upon the following criteria:
Homework/Class Participation: 20%
Quizzes: 30%
Projects: 50%
All Homework will be assigned a due date. If an assignment is not handed in on time, you will lose 5 points from your homework average.
The format for Quizzes will vary, but will usually include objective questions, such as multiple choice, sentence completion, T/F and matching.
At the end of each novel, you will be responsible for demonstrating your knowledge of the themes of the book via the creation of an original project which will be presented before the class.
EXTRA CREDIT
If at any time during the marking period you find yourself falling behind or just wish to boost your grade a bit, extra credit assignments will be available for you to complete.
***ALL EXTRA CREDIT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE FROM SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS***
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