Eighth grade students continue to read from a variety of types of literature in thematic units. They read several class novels and begin literary analysis through discussion and writing. They also read novels of their own choice independently and respond to them in writing. In this course eighth grade students concentrate on critical reading and discussion of literature. The short story anthology from the Junior Great Books Foundation and selected novels are used.
Independent reading is required as well.
This course encompasses the reading, analysis and comparison of short fiction and nonfiction, poetry and drama. The major works studied by the class are The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet and Lord of the Flies. The students write analytical essays, personal essays, fiction and poetry, as well as working on different styles of learning projects. The students study a mix of classic, contemporary and multicultural works. This course moves students toward a formal study of literature and analysis of literature based on textual evidence for meaning.