2015-2016 Syllabus: Middle School Language Arts

Credit: 1 Unit
Instructor: Mr. Aaron Francher

E-mail: francher@hopewellacademy.org
Website: francher.weebly.com

Description: Students in Language Arts 8 read poems, plays, novels, and short stories at or above the 8th grade
level. They will also participate in reviewing other elements of the culture of the United States. Since reading
and writing go hand in hand, students focus on developing written communication skills for expressive,
informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. In particular, emphasis is placed on using
information for a specific task. Students also continue to refine their study of language and grammar in
order to speak and write fluently and effectively.
Texts: Holt Elements of Literature; Prentice Holt Elements of Writing, Assorted Novels
Course Outline: This course is comprised of eight units, each corresponding with a theme or genre of literature.
Within each unit, students will be expected to read a primary text and smaller secondary texts, complete a
unit writing assignment or project, and demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts on a unit test. These
units may be subject to modification.
Unit 1: Elements of Plot
Unit 2: Elements of Characters
Unit 3: Elements of Theme
Unit 4: Types of Fiction

Unit 5: Biography and Autobiography

Unit 6: Literary Devices
Unit 7: Prose and Poetry
Unit 8: Literary Criticism

Grading Scale/Breakdown:
50%
40%
10%

Tests/Projects/Quizzes
Classwork/Participation
Homework

90-100%
80%-89%
70%-79%
60-69%
0-59%

A
B
C
D
F

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are prohibited at Hopewell Academy. Lying to a school official or
misrepresenting your actions is prohibited. Teachers will educate students about the policy and its
implications on their future as students at Hopewell Academy. Students should protect the integrity of their
own efforts and encourage others to do the same. Plagiarism, cheating, or copying of any kind is not
permitted. All instances will require a parent conference.
Late Work: Students are expected to turn all work in on time. Students who turn in work one day after the original
due date will receive no more than half credit on the assignment. Students who attempt to turn in work
more than one day late will receive no credit. Exceptions due to excused absences or other extenuating
circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of Hopewell Academy Faculty.
Make Up Work: As per the Hopewell Academy Student and Parent Handbook, students with excused absences
have one day for each day they are absent to make up the work. Students are responsible for checking
teacher websites or meeting with their teachers to gather any work that they have missed. After the allowed
make-up days, the standard late work policy takes effect.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sign, Cut, and Return to Teacher _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Acknowledgement: By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the above information. Any
and all questions can be sent to Mr. Francher at francher@hopewellacademy.org

Student Name: ________________________________

Class: ___________________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________________

Date: _______________________

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________

Date: _______________________