10Th Grade Honors Literature and Composition

SYLLABUS

10th Grade Honors Literature and Composition

Monday – Friday

Periods 1, 2, 4, 5

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This is a theme related, literature and informative text based, integrated course focused on the study of world literature, informative reading, and composition. This course includes the study of literature from many world cultures and informational texts. Representative literary and informational works are surveyed for content, style, form, diction, and relevancy to our time and culture. Attention will be given to literary analysis, archetypal patterns, characters, and symbols in Dramatic Literature. Composition, research, public speaking, standardized test preparation, and the use of current technology are integrated into the year’s study. Students are given the opportunity to improve grammar and usage skills. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills through classroom discussion and compositions; and on the development of argumentative, informative and explanatory writing. Students complete several writing assignments during the year. Citing textual evidence will be a key component of these assignments. Outside reading and the study of vocabulary are required in this course.

At the end of this course, you will

understand and satisfactorily perform the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards for 10th Grade Honors Literature and Composition.
be able to successfully complete the course with a final grade of 70 or above.

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Background

To successfully complete this course, you must

know how to pay attention during class.
be able to spend time reading on your own.
work well both independently and with others.

Required Materials

To successfully complete this course, you will need

3-ring notebook (1 ½” binder) with pockets and four sections labeled for Vocabulary, Classwork & Thinking Maps, Writing and Homework
Jump Drive (4 gb) Bring to class daily.
Composition book (100 sheets, any color, 9 2/4 x 7 ¼ in.) for journal writing. This will be stored in the classroom. Feel free to decorate it with photos, pictures, drawings, etc.
Notebook paper
Index cards 1 package of 3” x 5” and 1 package of 4” x 6”
Dry erase markers
Two Highlighter markers (any color)
8 pack of 3” x 3” Sticky Notes (bring one pack to school at a time)
#2 pencils with erasers
Black or blue pens (these are the only two colors allowed in this class)
Computer accessibility at home may be helpful with some assignments

Additional Print Resources

Savannah Morning News

Online Resources

COURSE SCHEDULE

Unit 1 – Moral Courage and Endurance: A Necessity for Change (9 weeks) and Summer Reading due by September 14th

Unit 2 – Human Rights Around the World: Symbols of Alienation (9 weeks)

Unit 3 – The Many Faces of the Hero (9 weeks)

Unit 4 – Heroes, Villains, and Underdogs in Literature (9 weeks)

Reading assignments will focus on Informational and Literary texts. Writing assignments will focus on Argumentative, Informative and Explanatory writing. Vocabulary tests will be given regularly with the exception of the first week of school. Regular practice will be completed on to prepare for the 11th grade End of Course Test and to ensure students understand the standards. This website is accessible through both school and home computers.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

Let me teach.
Let other students learn.
Arrive on time.

It is expected that students arrive to class on time with a willingness to learn. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be initiated. Excessive tardies or absences may negatively affect grades.

Grading Policies:

Class work and homework will account for 40% of the average. Tests/quizzes, essays, projects, etc. will account for the remaining 60%.

Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. In order to grasp many of the concepts that we will learn in this course, a commitment outside of the classroom is required. Homework is necessary practice. Some homework may be extended over a weekend if necessary. This is not a punishment! It is essential in order to help students become active participants in their learning.

Late/Missed Assignments:
In the event of an absence (excused or otherwise), students have five days to turn in any missed assignment. After five days, a zero will be recorded for the assignment. Students will have three days after an assignment’s due date to turn it in late. A letter grade will be deducted for late assignments. After the three-day period, no late work will be accepted.
*IF A STUDENT IS ABSENT DURING A TEST, THE STUDENT WILL STILL HAVE FIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RETURN TO MAKE UP THE TEST. A ZERO WILL BE RECORDED AFTER FIVE DAYS. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO SEE THE TEACHER TO MAKE UP A TEST.

Grading Scale:

The grading scale is as follows.
90-100% =A
80-89% =B

70-79% =C
Below 70% =failing

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reading is essential to being successful in English and in life. Students are encouraged to read as much as possible outside of the classroom. We will have a reading contest amongst the classes which rewards the class with the best readers.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Amy L. Rotker, English Teacher, 9th and 10th Grades
Contact number is 912-395-6750.
Lunch tutorial will be available regularly
After school tutorial will also be available
The best way to contact me is through my E-mail address at .
Class website is

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Please cut on the dotted line and return signed sheet to Mrs. Rotker.

I have received the syllabus and understand the expectations for 10th Grade Honors Literature and Composition.

Print Student Name______Block______

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Print Parent/Guardian Name______Relationship______

>Parent Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Phone # : ______Parent E-mail:______

Unit 2 will be focusing mainly on the Holocaust. With your permission during this unit, students will see some incredible clips or videos in their entirety. Some contain graphic images, language or brief nudity. Many of these films are award winners. The following are some of the resources that may be used:

*Schindler’s List*The Piano

*Jakob the Liar

*Sophie’s Choice

>Parent initial next to one:

______Yes, my child has permission to view the above clips/videos.

______No, my child does not have permission to view the above.