Humanities
Molly Buys
molly@saltlakeartsacademy.org

Welcome to Humanities! This year we will be studying the theme “Pushing Past Barriers: Renaissance, Reformation, and Revolution.”

Writing: In our class, we will emphasize reading and writing. Every Monday you will be assigned a Weekly Composition, often based on the social studies curriculum. You will be expected to turn in a rough draft every Thursday. The final copy is due the following Monday. The WCs should be 1 1/2 to 2 pages long, typed and double-spaced, in 12-point normal font (Times, Times New Roman, or Helvetica, not bolded or italicized) with normal margins. If you have trouble accessing a computer, please let me know and I will allow you to hand write the WC. Please see the attached rubric for grading standards. I would suggest getting the writing done before Sunday night!

Reading: Each week, you will have a chance to set a reading goal. The minimum goal for the first term is 2 hours of outside reading per week, but you will set your own personal goal that may be much higher. If the class averages meeting their goal 8 weeks for each 9-week term, the class will be rewarded with an end-of-term party.

We will be reading fiction, nonfiction, and plays this year, including biographies of explorers and pirates, Invisible Allies and Invisible Enemies about microbes and diseases, historical fiction and fantasy, and Taming of the Shrewby William Shakespeare.

Current Events: Each student will need to present two current events to the class each month. One of these must be from a newspaper, magazine, or reputable internet source (CNN.com, online editions of newspapers, etc.) One may be from a radio or television source. Students must fill out a current events form if the item is from radio or television.

Vocabulary: We will have a vocabulary assignment each week. It will be assigned on Monday and due on Wednesday.

Homework: I expect all homework to be completed and turned in on time or early. Late work will be penalized. I will try to give you time in class for most assignments, but the WCs and some projects will need to be completed outside of class.
Rewards: Each time you turn in a homework assignment on time, present a current event, or meet your reading goal, you will get a Buys Buck. These can be turned in for school supplies, candy, or raffle tickets to win various prizes.

Grades: You will be graded on a rubric from 1 to 5. Getting a 5 means that you have stretched yourself and accomplished more than you thought you could. How do you get a 5? Do the very best YOU can do. You are not competing against anyone except yourself. If you do all the work and truly make an effort, you CAN get a 5. If you simply do all the work, you are almost guaranteed a 4. Only if you have missing assignments will you get below a 4!

Grades can be checked online at http://www.slaa.k12.ut.us/. I will make an effort to update these grades at least every week.

Behavior Expectations: I expect respectful behavior from all of my class members, and expect to give it in return. If you feel that I am not giving you respectful behavior, you are welcome to let me know. When traveling, please be respectful of others on the sidewalk, stay with the group, and do not cross the street until I tell you to go. When in public, please behave appropriately.

Library: Only FIVE SLArts students at a time in the elevators. Do not run, yell, or otherwise scare the library staff. Our meeting place is on the first floor, outside the library in the atrium area.

Electronics: If I see or hear a cell phone, iPod, Gameboy, or other toy, I will confiscate it until a parent picks it up. Parents, please help me by not calling your child during school hours. If you need to contact your child, the school’s phone number is 531-1173.