Course Description
English through World History Syllabus and Book List – Year B
English through World History Syllabus and Book List – Year A
This class follows a two-year rotation, so students can take it twice (in consecutive years) as the writing assignments and grammar exercises will vary. The 2023-24 school year will be Year B (see the Year B syllabus and book list).
This middle-school English class integrates writing and literature assignments with world history topics. It is designed as a complement to Ancient and Medieval World History and Modern World History course; however, students completing any world history class are welcome to enroll. Writing skills, grammar, and the elements of literature will be covered in this course. Students who enroll in this English course and either Ancient and Medieval World History or Modern World History receive a discount.
Course Structure
Students will have compositions, poems, literature projects, and grammar exercises assigned in Canvas with teaching on all topics covered in the live class first. As time allows, students can work in pairs to help revise/edit each other’s compositions.
Course Goals
Students will
- Improve formal writing with a focus on how to revise and edit.
- Demonstrate an understanding of English grammar including: parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and common sentence errors.
- Identify the elements of fiction through novels read as well as common techniques of literature such as irony, symbolism, flashback, and figurative language.
- Read poetry related to people, places, and events studied and write poems.
Course Assignments
- Read at least 8 books (historical fiction or biography); students enrolled in either of Mrs. Graybill’s history courses may use those books.
- Write six multi-paragraph essays (persuasive, narrative, literary, and three expository essays)
- Informative or persuasive speech
- Research paper (Year A) or Creative Story (Year B)
- Poems
- Projects related to the elements of fiction
- Grammar exercises
Who should enroll?
This class is for 7th – 8th graders who are taking a world history class concurrently. Other by permission from the instructor.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Webcam, headset, and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Microsoft Word and Power Point are extremely helpful. If using a different word processing program, the document should be saved or exported as a pdf in order to submit it on Canvas.
Evaluation and Feedback
All exercises in Canvas will be graded and averaged for a final grade. Tests will be assigned. Essays and projects will receive additional feedback so that improvements can be made along the way.
Communication
Parents are welcome to contact me with any questions before registering their student. Once I know a student has registered, the family will receive a welcome packet with additional information about the course. I will contact parents if there is a concern with students not keeping up with the work or frequently turning in late assignments.
Sarah Lambert –
My son and daughter took Mrs. G’s combined English and World History (Ancient & Medieval) class this year and I have been very pleased! My son began the year with a great deal of hand holding (I was probably carrying him at the start). On completing one of the grammar lessons this week (near the end of the school year), I sat beside him and read the sentences out loud and he did the rest! We have come a long way!!!! Mrs. G has been cheerful during classes and has provided positive comments and encouragement throughout the year. My kids have learned a great deal (I have as well).
They have both grown in their ability to write sentences and then combine them into papers. It has gotten easier as the year progressed. My daughter has learned how to edit: highlighting simple sentences and then rewriting them into stronger more complex sentences. They use the thesaurus regularly! Mrs. G gives easy to understand examples during her classes and offers many opportunities to practice throughout the week the information being learned.
I am looking forward to Year 2!