English 8-Unit 1 Syllabus
Unit Overview
We will be studying Unit 1 of our Springboard books. The theme of our unit is “The Challenge of
Heroism”. Our unit will include a variety of readings, including a novel excerpt, short story, poetry,
article, sermon, autobiography, and an essay. We will have two embedded assessments: writing a
hero’s journey narrative and writing a definition essay.
Unit Goals
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To create an original illustrated narrative based on the Hero’s Journey archetype.
To analyze and synthesize a variety of texts to develop an original definition of hero.
To analyze and evaluate expository texts for ideas, structure, and language.
To develop expository texts using strategies of definition.
Academic Vocabulary
Context, technique, concise, synonyms, antonyms, function, negation.
Literary Terms
Archetype, imagery, details, setting, point of view, conflict, mood, protagonist, plot, pacing, epic, tone,
diction, denotation, connotation, nuance, definition essay, allegory, formal style, informal style,
coherence, thesis.
Independent Reading
Out of class you will be responsible for weekly “One-Pagers”. You are asked to read independently on a
weekly basis (we will visit the library to find something for you to read!) and fill out a quick one-pager
form to share what you are reading.
Grading
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Daily Springboard Assignments (30%)
Quizzes and Tests (30%)
Embedded Assessments (20%)
Weekly “One-Pagers”, Writing Assignments, Miscellaneous (10%)
Class Participation (10%)