Humanities 8
Ms. Davis
604-664-8550
Website: http://davisknows.weebly.com/
[email protected]
The term humanities is derived from the Renaissance term humanism – meaning the study of human thought, human acts and human culture. Humanities class blends Language Arts and Social Studies with a key focus on the moral and ethical development of society, more commonly known as Social Responsibility.
These courses run through all three terms and classes occur every school day. The core sills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing are applied to literature, geography, history and current events. This course stresses independent and interactive learning through cooperative activities, creative problem solving, and student directed pursuits.
Students in this course will be working intensely on reading and writing for information, and entertainment with an emphasis on structure, analysis, vocabulary development, note taking, reading and thinking strategies. We will be using accelerating programs for reading and writing like Fast ForWord, Smart Reading and Words Their Way.
Grade 8 Curricular goals:
Humanities 8 will encourage students to:
o Develop understandings and curiosity
o Make connections, predictions, inferences
o Critically think about bias, perspective and who makes history
o Analyse texts and arguments
o Develop research skills
o Develop critical questions
o Practice active citizenship
o Be responsible for their personal learning goals
o Use technology
o Engage personally with the course content
o Develop creatively
Themes
Our big question for the year is "What is it to be human?" We will be exploring the themes of identity, change and perspective throughout the school year through cultural and historical studies, media literacy, and literature. As we examine these themes, we will look to making each concept more complex rather than less complex in an effort to trouble what we already think we know and what we may come to know.
Assessment and Evaluation
First, I think it important to distinguish between assessment and evaluation. The majority of our work in class will be assessed, that is, the work completed will receive feedback as a learning tool. Evaluation (getting a mark that contributes to a letter grade) occurs after students have had a chance to internalize and practice using the feedback already given. Evaluation will also be used for summative assessment of learning like quizzes as a show of end mastery.
Students may re-do assignments for evaluation with consultation and permission from myself. In order to re-do assignments or learning components, students will need to develop a plan for learning that will move their learning along. Before re evaluation, students will need to discuss the success of their learning plan and where they feel they have made improvements. I reserve the right to limit the amount of re-assessments as well as which assignments can be re-done.
It is important to know that I do not evaluate any work that can easily be copied from other students like worksheets etc. All writing exercises will be completed at school with supervision. The work that will be evaluated will be in depth and the result of many classes of lectures, activities, and workshops. Thus students need to be in class to get the full benefit of feedback.
Due Dates:
All assignments have due dates. Without an attempt at work completion there can be no assessment and feedback. If it is impossible to meet a due date, it is the student’s responsibility to discuss it with the instructor before the due date and make alternative arrangements.
Attendance:
Prompt attendance is necessary. Almost all of the course content is covered in the classroom and enriched through class discussions and seminars. If you are unable to attend class, notify the office by the telephone on the day(s) you will be absent and return to class with a note form your parent or guardian. While at home, contact a member of the class, check the website etc. in order to complete your work. All missed assignments are due on your return to school and arrangements for writing tests must be made with your instructor. Please don't miss class unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Students are responsible for the following:
Materials:
Room in your binder
An agenda planner
A pen (black or blue only)
A pencil
Pencil crayons
Stick it notes (one pack)
Lined paper (200 sheets)
A highlighter
Ms. Davis
604-664-8550
Website: http://davisknows.weebly.com/
[email protected]
The term humanities is derived from the Renaissance term humanism – meaning the study of human thought, human acts and human culture. Humanities class blends Language Arts and Social Studies with a key focus on the moral and ethical development of society, more commonly known as Social Responsibility.
These courses run through all three terms and classes occur every school day. The core sills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing are applied to literature, geography, history and current events. This course stresses independent and interactive learning through cooperative activities, creative problem solving, and student directed pursuits.
Students in this course will be working intensely on reading and writing for information, and entertainment with an emphasis on structure, analysis, vocabulary development, note taking, reading and thinking strategies. We will be using accelerating programs for reading and writing like Fast ForWord, Smart Reading and Words Their Way.
Grade 8 Curricular goals:
Humanities 8 will encourage students to:
o Develop understandings and curiosity
o Make connections, predictions, inferences
o Critically think about bias, perspective and who makes history
o Analyse texts and arguments
o Develop research skills
o Develop critical questions
o Practice active citizenship
o Be responsible for their personal learning goals
o Use technology
o Engage personally with the course content
o Develop creatively
Themes
Our big question for the year is "What is it to be human?" We will be exploring the themes of identity, change and perspective throughout the school year through cultural and historical studies, media literacy, and literature. As we examine these themes, we will look to making each concept more complex rather than less complex in an effort to trouble what we already think we know and what we may come to know.
Assessment and Evaluation
First, I think it important to distinguish between assessment and evaluation. The majority of our work in class will be assessed, that is, the work completed will receive feedback as a learning tool. Evaluation (getting a mark that contributes to a letter grade) occurs after students have had a chance to internalize and practice using the feedback already given. Evaluation will also be used for summative assessment of learning like quizzes as a show of end mastery.
Students may re-do assignments for evaluation with consultation and permission from myself. In order to re-do assignments or learning components, students will need to develop a plan for learning that will move their learning along. Before re evaluation, students will need to discuss the success of their learning plan and where they feel they have made improvements. I reserve the right to limit the amount of re-assessments as well as which assignments can be re-done.
It is important to know that I do not evaluate any work that can easily be copied from other students like worksheets etc. All writing exercises will be completed at school with supervision. The work that will be evaluated will be in depth and the result of many classes of lectures, activities, and workshops. Thus students need to be in class to get the full benefit of feedback.
Due Dates:
All assignments have due dates. Without an attempt at work completion there can be no assessment and feedback. If it is impossible to meet a due date, it is the student’s responsibility to discuss it with the instructor before the due date and make alternative arrangements.
Attendance:
Prompt attendance is necessary. Almost all of the course content is covered in the classroom and enriched through class discussions and seminars. If you are unable to attend class, notify the office by the telephone on the day(s) you will be absent and return to class with a note form your parent or guardian. While at home, contact a member of the class, check the website etc. in order to complete your work. All missed assignments are due on your return to school and arrangements for writing tests must be made with your instructor. Please don't miss class unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Students are responsible for the following:
- Attending class regularly and punctually
- Seeking help when needed - it is your education... go out and get it!
- Protecting their academic integrity (say no to plagiarism)
- Completing all learning activities and assignments punctually, preparing adequately for tests doing homework and assuming responsibility for any work missed
- Bringing supplies to class
- Organizing and keeping an effective, neat binder
- Maintaining personal records of homework assignments and marks
- Participating in oral work such as class discussions, seminars, reports, speeches and presentations
- Completing required readings as well reading as a chosen activity outside of school time
- Leaving all electronic devices off and kept out of sight in your bag before entering the classroom
Materials:
Room in your binder
An agenda planner
A pen (black or blue only)
A pencil
Pencil crayons
Stick it notes (one pack)
Lined paper (200 sheets)
A highlighter