Classroom Policies and Expectations
Syllabus
August 06, 2008
English I
Course Overview
Over the course of the year, we will focus on a variety of English areas. There will be a large focus on the development of writing through various types of essays which will include narrative, persuasive, and descriptive. Along with writing, we will also study short stories, vocabulary and grammar, drama, and cover various novels.
Areas of study
Vocabulary and Grammar
Short Stories
Journal Writing
Book Report(s)
MLA Format Usage
Public Speaking Exercises
Eliezer Wiesel’s Night
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun
Extended Narrative Essay
Persuasive Essay
Descriptive Essay
Compare/Contrast Essay
This is a general outline of the area that will be covered and may be subject to change.
Classroom supplies:
1 1/2-2" binder and dividers (no trapper keepers please), notebook, loose-leaf paper, 2 independent reading books (minimum of 250-300 pages each), pens/pencils, and colored pens (other than blue or black).
English III
Course Overview
The basis of this year will focus on American Literature and the study of the development of the American character in literature and the social, philosophical, and historical movements that created it. Students read short stories, plays, and novels. Essay styles include: literary analysis, compare/contrast, historical investigation, reflective, analytical, interpretive, and research. This course also includes a year-long study of grammar and vocabulary in accordance with state-standards.
Areas of study
Vocabulary and Grammar
Short Stories
Independent Book Reports (1 per quarter; minimum 350-400 pages per
book)
Drama
MLA Format Usage
The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Johnny Got His Gun- Dalton Trumbo
A Separate Peace- John Knowles
The Crucible- Arthur Miller
Literary Analysis Essay
Historical Investigation Essay
Reflective Essay
Compare/Contrast Essay
Analytical Essay
Interpretive Essay
Research Paper
This is a general outline of the area that will be covered and may be subject to change.
Classroom supplies
Binder and dividers (no trapper keepers please), USB port, notebook, loose-leaf paper, 4 independent reading books (minimum of 350-400 pages each), pens/pencils, and colored pens (other than blue or black).
Business and Technical Writing and Film and Literature
Areas of study
Newspaper Writing
- News stories
- Editorials
- Feature stories
- Dear Abby writing
- Comics
Compare/Contrast papers
Movie reviews
Character and plot analysis papers
This is a general outline of the areas that will be covered and are subject to change.
Classroom supplies:
1" binder, notebook, loose-leaf paper, USB flash drive, and pens/pencils.
Classroom Policies and Expectations for ALL classes are as follows:
All classes will be graded using a total points system. I will take the total points possible and divide that number by the number of points earned.
Tardies
You are expected to be in the room by the time the bell rings. You must have a signed pass from a staff member or the tardy is unexcused. Tardies will be handled according to the student handbook (See page 5).
Attendance
Poor attendance, whether excused or unexcused, almost always results in an immediate effect on your grade. School policy states that there is no make-up for work missed, including tests, due to an unexcused absence. The grade recorded in such a case is zero.
* If you are present when an assignment is given, but absent the
day the
assignment is turned in, the assignment will be due the day you
return to school.
* If you miss school on the day an assignment is given, YOU are
responsible to
find out from your teacher what the assignment was and when it is
due for you.
* If you are in school the day an assignment is due, but you miss
class because of
a field trip, student union, concert, athletic event, FFA, medical
appointment, or
any other reason, the assignment must be turned in that day.
* If you are absent from school (excused), YOU must see your
teacher the day
you return to school to find out what activities must be made up,
or if an
alternate assignment is necessary. In-class activities are to be
made up outside
of class, at a time agreed upon between you and your teacher.
Late Work
* Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are due at the beginning of class. You will be given two deferment coupons each quarter that will allow you to turn in an assignment completed up to 24 hours late with no questions asked and no grade deduction on the assignment. Coupons should be stapled to the late assignment and handed directly to the teacher at the beginning of the next class. Unused deferment coupons may be redeemed for 3 bonus points each at the end of the quarter.
* Any late work, without a deferment coupon, will be accepted if
it is turned in by the end of each unit. A student cannot receive
any higher than a grade of 60% on such assignment(s).
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is stealing someone else’s work in order to receive credit for yourself. Penalties for plagiarism are listed in the student handbook. In addition, if you are caught cheating, you will lose the trust and respect of your teacher.
Student Expectations- It is your responsibility to:
*Be on time and prepared for class (bring required materials to
class each day).
* Behave courteously in class, treating your classmates and teacher
with respect.
* Respect the property, space, and self-esteem of others.
* Give your best effort and do the best job you possibly can on
assignments,
projects, presentations, and tests.
Reading assignments are homework and it is IMPORTANT to complete them on time.
Teacher Expectations- It is my responsibility to:
* Provide you with a hassle-free environment.
* Respect you as a unique individual, and evaluate the work in a
fair, unbiased
manner.
* Provide you with learning experiences that are interesting and
relevant to your
present and future life.
* Challenge you to stretch your thinking and understanding of the
world around
you.
*Provide you with individual help on those things you need to
improve.
Teacher Availability
I am available for student help during the following times:
* Before school by appointment
* Period 2
*After school by appointment
Grading Scale
A+ 100 and above
A 99-93
A- 92
B+ 91
B 90-84
B- 83
C+ 82
C 81-75
C- 74
D+ 73
D 72-66
D- 65
F 64 and below
