LINCOLN SCHOOL Course Syllabus: English 7 Theme: How does literature challenge, change, and define us?

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1 LINCOLN SCHOOL Course Syllabus: English 7 Theme: How does literature challenge, change, and define us? Teacher: Room: Length: Ms. Jenny Nam / jnam@lincnet.org / ext B Terms Course Description: Students will read and analyze a variety of literary genres (novel, memoir, personal essay, news article, editorial, review/criticism, speech, short story, poetry, drama, mythology/folktales) to learn the different purposes and structures of literature. The reading selections will also serve as models of exemplary writing for students to learn and practice the craft of writing, especially the essay. Students will also study visual literacy (art, ad, cartoon, film) to better understand the cultural and historical meaning in our daily lives. Ultimately, we will use our readings and writings to explore how literature helps us to understand ourselves and the world around us. Students will practice and develop skills that will lead to future success in high school and beyond. The following four skills will be emphasized: supporting claims and opinions with evidence, forming different levels of questions, presenting and discussing, and note taking. In order to prepare for standardized exams, such as the MCAS, we will devote time to metacognitive and test- taking strategies. Course Schedule, Major Assessments, and Readings: [NOTE: The Major Assessments are unique to the particular unit, and do not include the routine tests (multiple choice, open responses, in- class essays) on readings, vocabulary, grammar, etc.] Unit 1: What Defines My Identity? Major Assessments: Writing Assignment #1 & Presentation #1: Expository Essay & Individual Presentation Unit 2: What Challenges Does Our Environment Pose? Major Assessments: Writing Assignment #2 & Presentation #2: Argument Essay & Group Presentation Unit 3: How Does a Thing of Value Change Us? Major Assessments: Writing Assignments #3 & #4: Narrative Essay & Poem Unit 4: What Choices Do We Make in Our Changing Relationships? Major Assessment: Writing Assignment #5: Narrative Essay Unit 5: How Does My Past Define My Future? Major Assessments: Writing Assignment #6 & Presentation #3: Revision of a Previous Writing Assignment (#1 #5) & Individual or Group Presentation

poetry, drama, mythology/folktales) to learn the different purposes and structures of literature.

2 Unit 6: How Does Encountering a New World Challenge Us? Major Assessment: Writing Assignment #7 & Presentation #4: Speech Unit 7: How Does Growing Up Change My Identity? Year- End Reflection and Product: Individual handmade student book of own writings, including reflection and commentary READINGS include, among others: [NOTE: Concurrent with whole- class texts, students will independently read personal choice texts from various genres.] short story & novel Gish Jen, The White Umbrella ; Jack London, To Build a Fire ; Carson McCullers, Sucker ; Gary Soto, Seventh Grade ; Lewis Carroll, Alice s Adventures in Wonderland; John Steinbeck, The Pearl; excerpts from: Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street; Jamaica Kincaid, Annie John; Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer memoir/personal essay selections from: Sherman Alexie, Superman and Me ; Livia Bitton- Jackson, I Have Lived a Thousand Years; Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom; Malcolm X/Alex Haley, The Autobiography of Malcolm X speech Susan B. Anthony, On Woman s Right to Suffrage ; Lou Gehrig, Farewell Speech ; Robert F. Kennedy, On the Death of Martin Luther King, Jr. ; Sojourner Truth, Ain t I a Woman? poetry Nikki Giovanni, The World Is Not a Pleasant Place To Be ; Langston Hughes, I, Too ; Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus ; Arundhati Roy, Never To Forget ; Walt Whitman, I Hear America Singing news article/editorial TBD for currency and relevancy drama selected scenes from Shakespeare mythology/folktales from around the world Concepts & Terms: Students will study the following concepts and related terms: Literary Genres & Devices The 6 +1 Traits of Writing Components, structures, and types of the essay SOAPS (Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Speaker) Text Structures and Text Features Figurative Language, Dialect, Idiom Source Evaluation and Citation for Research Vocabulary and Grammar/Usage

students will independently read personal choice texts from various genres.

3 Learning Strategies & Skills: Students will practice the following skills and strategies: 3 Levels of Questions / QAR (Question- Answer Relationship) 7 Habits of Proficient Readers (Use Prior Knowledge, Question, Visualize, Determine Importance, Draw Conclusions, Synthesize, Use Fix- Up Strategies) Writing Process (Brainstorm- Draft- Revise- Edit- Publish) Socratic Seminar Argumentation/Debate Cooperative Partnerships/Groups Presentations and Speech Delivery Reflections on own work and learning process Academic and Accountable Talk Study skills (note- taking, annotating, reviewing) Organizational skills (agenda, binder, class notes) System and Materials for Organization: Students are expected to collect, organize, and maintain their work according to the following system: English Binder Sections: I. Notebook II. Essays III. Presentations IV. Vocabulary V. Grammar VI. My Score Trackers Required daily materials to bring to class: English Binder, agenda, pencils/eraser, black/blue pens, independent reading book (Recommended materials: highlighters, Post- Its, colored pens, index cards, USB Flash Drive) Assessment / Grading: See "Lincoln School 7th Grade Report Card" at

Argumentation/Debate Cooperative Partnerships/Groups Presentations and Speech Delivery Reflections on own work and learning process Academic and Accountable Talk Study skills (note- taking,

4 Homework and Classwork Expectations: Each student demonstrates respect for everyone s learning by: completing assignments on time to maximize active class participation coming to class prepared with necessary materials offering or accepting help when needed Daily homework posted at Additional Information for Parents: What parents can do to help students succeed in this class: Ask your child to show and explain the class reading, writing, or project assignments. Help your child learn time management by completing all works on time. Review and check your child s independent reading log and binder organization. If your child has to miss classes due to health issues or extracurricular activities, please check in with the teacher to arrange for make- up work. Parent Appointment Days/Times: Appointments with the 7 th Grade Team can be made by calling the number below: Main Office, ext This copy of syllabus should be in student's English Binder. You can also view the syllabus online at under Teachers tab. Please sign and return only the next page for the teacher s files.

org Additional Information for Parents: What parents can do to help students succeed in this class: Ask your child to show and explain the class reading, writing, or project assignments.

5 ** PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE FOR THE TEACHER S FILES. ** Student Agreement I have read and understand the course expectations and requirements for English 7. PRINT Student Name: Student Signature: _ Date: Parent/Guardian Agreement I have read and understand the course expectations and requirements for my child s English 7 class. PRINT Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: The best way to contact me: / (phone) ( ) A goal (academic and/or social) I have for my child this year: Any additional comments, tips, or questions:

PRINT Student Name: Student Signature: _ Date: Parent/Guardian Agreement I have read and understand the course expectations and

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