Humanities 8 – Course Outline Ms. C. Ramsey, Room 207

Welcome to Humanities 8 Humanities 8 combines Social Studies 8 and English 8. This is a two-block course designed to provide opportunities to improve your ability to communicate using the English language and to better understand the world around them. In Humanities, we study a combination of history, geography, literature, poetry, non-fiction, and grammar and writing skills. By integrating the concepts of English with those of Social Studies, both subject areas are enhanced leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of both. We will also focus on the academic and personal skills needed for success in high school such as note taking, brainstorming, problem solving, reading, oral presentations, time management, test taking strategies, the use of technology and critical thinking. Sometimes we will combine English and Social Studies units and other times we will do the units separately. Course content includes all indicated below. If there is time, additional material will be included. Learning Strategies:

~ Note taking ~ Time management ~ Reading

~ Library and Research skills ~ Oral presentation skills ~ Test taking strategies

Geography: Knowledge and Skills ~ Interpreting maps and globes ~ Locating information (World focus)

Elements of literature ~ Study of the novel, short story, poetry, non-fiction

Major World Religions ~ Origins, beliefs and ceremonies

Language Arts ~ English grammar, sentence structure and punctuation

History ~ The Rise and Decline of the Roman Empire ~ The Emergence of Judeo-Christian Civilization ~ The Feudal World ~ The Byzantine Empire ~ Islamic Civilization ~ Foundations of Eastern Civilization ~ The Middle Ages in Europe and Asia ~ Factors contributing to the Renaissance ~ Developments in the arts, sciences and technology ~ Protestant Reformation

Composition Skills ~ Paragraph development leading to essay writing

Current Events and Developments Affective Skills ~ Drawing, painting, model making, creating, developing, and imagining.

Expectations of Students:

Regular attendance and punctuality

Arrive in class prepared to work and with the materials for class

Appropriate classroom behaviour

Participation in classroom activities and discussions

Completion of all assignments and tests

If you are absent, ask another student or me for any work to make up

Avoid leaving the class during the first and last ten minutes of class or during any lesson, write your name and time leaving on the board near the door before you leave

No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom

Homework Policy Late policy: One day’s grace will be given for late work. Any assignments more than one day late will be given a “0” until the work is completed and submitted. If you are absent: It is your responsibility to make up missed work. Assignments and due dates are always posted on the Homework board. Classmates are also a good source of information. Work not done because of an absence could result in an incomplete mark for the term. Resources: Textbooks (provided): Pathways: Civilizations through Time, Geographic Essentials, Canadian Oxford School Atlas, various English texts, supplementary resources and handouts Materials: you need to bring:* 2-inch 3-ring binder lined paper topic/subject dividers (4) ruler protractor scissors 2 or more pens – black or blue pencil crayons 2 or more pencils (pencil case) pocket dictionary eraser/white out glue stick agenda calculator

*Please see me before or after class if you are unable to obtain these materials

Electronic devices:

Music players: Please have these out of your ears and turned off when I am speaking to you or your class. Do not have ear buds in your ears while attempting to listen to me. If you are working on a project independently, you may listen to music, as long as the volume is low enough not to be heard by others.

Cell phones and portable electronics: are to be turned off/silent during class. I understand there are some emergency situations where phone calls are needed, but these should be very rare events. If you are using a cell phone as a camera, you must ask any human subject for permission before taking their photo! Repeated misuse of electronic devices will result in their confiscation.

Office hours:

This year my main room is 207, and I’m in Room 132 for Blk D (1.4) where I teach Graphics, and in Room 124 for Blks E and F (2.1/2.2) where I teach Photography. The most obvious place to find me is in 207. If I am not there, check 124 (Photo). You are welcome to drop by to see me before or after class or during lunch or break. At other times if I am teaching you may have to wait until there is a break in the activities. If you are having trouble with coursework, please come and see me as soon as possible.

Evaluation:

Students' knowledge and abilities will be assessed using both objective and subjective assignments, quizzes and

tests, written and oral assignments, class participation and work habits. You need to achieve a minimum of 60% to

pass this course.

Grade Percentages:

A 86-100% B 73-85% C+ 67-72% C 60-66% C- 50-59% I 0-49%