2016-2017 Study Group Syllabus: Middle School Humanities

Instructor:Mr.XanderJohnson
xander.johnson@learningchoice.org
(619)6564220ext.180
Website:xanderjohnson@weebly.com

Description and Overview: The Middle School Humanities course is designed to begin preparation for high
school English and History courses. The course will combine the disciplines of English Language Arts and
History into one meaningful learning experience. Course content will be approached thematically, and
students will work collaboratively to access and make meaning of both historical and literary concepts. We
will utilize project-based learning so that students will be able to comprehend themes which run through
the humanities. Students will read and study a variety of literature, as well as practice multiple genres of
writing. Through their literature and writing genre studies, students will enhance their grammar
proficiencies and vocabulary repertoire. Students will also learn research, revision, and presentation skills.
Literature Reading and Analysis:
Approximate Weighting of Assignments & Assessments:

1) Responses to Literature and Informational

Texts Every learning period, you will be
assigned five to six literature pieces and/or
informational texts to read and analyze. The
stories and texts will be assigned by the
teacher and sent home
Forwith
full students.
se answer thoroughly and in
ntences.
2) Novel Reading Every quarter, we will read
a selected novel in its totality and complete
meaningful assignments related to the text.
Writing Assignments:
Regular Writing Assignments Every learning
period, you will be assigned writing projects
and essays, which vary in format and genre.
These need to be typed and should reflect your
very best effort. Rubrics will be provided so
that you know how your writing assignment
will be evaluated. Where possible, model
samples will also be provided. We will focus
on the following:
1. Multi-genre based writing (fiction and
non-fiction) such as narrative,
expository, etc.
2. Literary writing activities based on
novel reading.
3. Formal research essay
4. Argumentative/Persuasive writing

English68CourseOutline
8/4/2016

Projects and Presentations

30%
Writing Assignments
30%
Responses to Literature Reading and Reading 20%
Participation/Attendance
10%
Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar
10%
Attendance:
Weekly and punctual attendance is expected and
necessary for student success.
Late Work Policy:
The assignment is due given by instructor
Late penalty is 10% off when the
assignment is turned in 1 - 5 days after the
original due date. Then the grade
continues to drop by 10% each school day
until it reaches 50%. S
tudents are able to
email, or come on-site to submit work on
non-teaching days.
If the student is absent due to illness, they have 5

school days from day they are absent to turn in

the work.

Social Studies Projects:

Every learning period, students will be
assigned meaningful projects that will allow
them to demonstrate what they have learned
about that learning periods given social
studies topic.

Suggested Materials:
1) 1 inch binder
2) Notebook
3) Pencil
4) Highlighter
5) Notebook dividers
6) Post It notes
7) Self-Guided Novel
A note on plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in the
consequences as outlined in the TLC Parent/Student
Handbook and TLC Discipline Policy.
ALL student work should be original. If outside sources
are used, they must be properly cited in MLA format.
Absolutely NO WIKIPEDIA.
Student signature:
__________________________________________Date:___________
Parent signature:
__________________________________________Date:___________

English68CourseOutline
8/4/2016