Mr. Shaddox
8th Grade Humanities
Syllabus
8th Grade Humanities • Semester 1
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
- George Santayana
“Let the world change you and you can change the world.”
- Anonymous
Educational Philosophy
What are Mr. Shaddox’s beliefs about education?
To “learn” is a verb (an action word). We will be actively learning this year. We learn through experiencing new things and asking a lot of questions. We are a miniature version of society. Every student has a different story and a variety of experiences and skills that they bring to our class. This diversity makes us stronger and more well rounded. We will be learning about ourselves and the society that we have created.
Course Description
What will we be doing this semester?
This semester we will be exploring the first half of America’s history through:
1. Enriched projects
2. Literature (historical documents, short stories, articles and novels)
3. Writing (there will be an emphasis on writing for real audiences)
We will develop our:
1. Critical thinking skills:
- knowledge,comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis & evaluation
2. Reading comprehension
3. Writing abilities
This class will emphasize:
1. Finding a connection between events in the past and our lives today
2. Discovering the value and enjoyment of learning “how things got like they are.”
3. Using and honing our creative and communicative skills by working in teams
4. Making presentations
5. Conducting discussions
Challenges
There is NO LIMIT to what you can get out of this class. I encourage all students to be as creative as they want to be. Numerous CHALLENGE projects will be offered along with the normal class curriculum for students who want to take their learning to a higher level.
Learning Goals
What learning goals will we achieve this semester?
This semester we will become a strong team that learns together. We will:
1. Grow as listeners and speakers
2. Broaden our understanding of literature and history; and how they relate
3. Be expected to write several essays which demonstrate an organization of thoughts and a clear, well-supported thesis
4. Grow as self-driven individuals who manage our time efficiently
5. Develop creatively through an enriched curriculum that challenges us to relate the content to ourselves
Homework & Class Work
Assignments will be given Monday through Thursday. Homework over the weekend will be assigned, but not every weekend. Students will have sufficient time, instruction and guidance to complete their work in a timely manner. Late assignments will be worth 50%. Zero credit will be given to assignments that are a week late. It is up to students to complete their assignments BEFORE they get to class. Late work will greatly affect your grade, so turn assignments in on time.
Grade Breakdown
Projects 40%
Classwork/Homework 35%
Quizzes Tests 15%
Behavior/Participation 10%
Saving Work
You will be required to print out your assignment before coming to class and bring it on your zip drive (hard copy and digital). If an assignment is not turned in for this reason it will be marked LATE.
Absences
Please contact the front office at 619-814-5060 to notify Mrs. Ruiz of your absence. When you return, you are responsible for completing all work assigned during your absence. You have the same number of days as your absence to turn in missed class work and homework. Check with someone from class, ask someone in your group, or check with me by email, my DP, or in person before or after class.
If you know you will be absent for 3 days or more please contact Mrs. Ruiz to arrange a contract for independent study (CIS) to be completed while you are gone.
Class Expectations
1. Respect yourself, others and property
2. Follow all directions the first time
3. Come to class prepared and on time
4. Participate appropriately
5. Use the bathroom during breaks
Consequences
Our class is all about choices and “freedom with responsibility.” As 8th graders, we control our actions through decisions. Students who repeatedly choose not to follow the class expectations will earn the following consequences:
1. Warning
2. Private Conference
3. Call Home
4. Parent Conference
Road Map > Calendar *
Our calendar is broken into thematic units that revolve around the historic aspect of the class. English Language Arts will be integrated into these units. Reading and writing will support and provide the foundation for every project.
* please note: due to the nature of project based learning, the class schedule are subject to modification
STUDENT/PARENT AGREEMENT
As an important member of the 8th grade Shaddox/Thoen team, you must accept the responsibility inherent in your role as an 8th grade role model at High Tech Middle. As an 8th grader, you set the standard for our school.
I hereby accept the responsibility inherent in the powerful and exciting position of 8th grade role model at HTM. I will accept this power and responsibility to the best of my ability.
X Date: ____________
(Student’s Signature)
X Date: ____________
(Parent/Guardian Signature)
