(1) The benchmark for literature content standard 5 for a student at the end of grade 8 is the ability to:

(a) examine and explain how history, culture, ideas, and issues influence literary works;

(b) compare and contrast a variety of perspectives of self, others, and world issues through a selection of literary works; and

(c) use literary works to develop an understanding of the many dimensions of human experience (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) .