8th Grade Humanities 8.1

In Humanities we focus on both English and History.  This year, we will be studying four civilizations: the Byzantine Empire,  Iron Age Celts, Classical India, and the rise and spread of the Islamic world.  As we learn about these cultures, we'll also be learning how historians think, what questions they ask, and how they make connections between the past and the present. 

In Humanities we also build skills in reading, formal and creative writing, and critical thinking.  For this class we will read a novel during almost every unit, as well as several shorter readings.  Students will practice formal essay writing, creative writing, and note taking.  In the 8th grade it is particularly important that students get a solid grounding in grammar, mechanics, and other bedrock writing skills, and we will learn and practice these all year long.

Due Thursday, 6/9

Rewrite the Tom and Verna script we read in class into correctly punctuated and formatted dialogue.  You can use the lined paper here or any lined paper.
Due Monday, 5/23

You read through page 80, then complete Bassam's entire Belief Sheet.  There are many places in the story so far where Bassam expresses his beliefs, or where his actions show them.

If you do not have your belief sheet packet, you can write your quotes on a separate piece of paper.

Belief #1:  American soldiers in Iraq

Belief #2:  How strictly the rules of Islam should be followed

Belief #3:  Muslims using violence as a solution to their problems

Belief #4:  killing of innocent people

Belief #5:  Western or American lifestyle

Belief #6:  Israel
Due Monday, 5/16

You must complete 2 beliefs on Samira's belief sheet (#2 and #5)

If you do not have your belief sheet packet, you can write your quotes on a separate piece of paper.

Belief #1:  American soldiers in Iraq

Belief #2:  How strictly the rules of Islam should be followed

Belief #3:  Muslims using violence as a solution to their problems

Belief #4:  killing of innocent people

Belief #5:  Western or American lifestyle

Belief #6:  Israel
Great Online Resource for Middle East Country Research Paper

This link will take you to the United States' CIA Factbook-- a great source of information on every nation in the world.
Due Thursday, 5/5

Complete the Islam Vocab review sheet and the Grammar review sheet on object pronouns.

You should also be taking notes for your research paper, especially if you are behind.  All notes will be due Friday morning.
Due Monday, 5/2

You must read Persepolis through Chapter 12, and complete the chapter sheets.

Also, book contract are due, signed, by Monday.

Also, you must go to the library, find a book for your next research project (on a Middle East country), and bring the book and the signed library visit form to class Monday.
Chapter Sheets for Persepolis

Attached are the Chapter Review Sheets for each chapter of Persepolis.

Ch 1-2: due 4/27

Ch 3-4: due 4/28

Ch 5-7: due 4/29

Ch 8-9: completed in class

Ch 10-13: due Monday, 4/2 (these will be added to this site by Saturday)
Due Monday, 4/25

Complete the Islam Min-Research paper.  All details and directions are in the attached documents.

The research packet provided to you in class (one of the 3 sources you must use) is attached here in 3 parts.
Due Monday, 4/25

Complete the Islam Mini-Research Paper.  All directions and details are in the attached documents.

 
Due Thursday, 4/14

Read the passage about the rise and spread of Islam.  Then fill out the questions sheet.  You will be finding main ideas in each section of the reading.
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