Greenville Technical Charter High School

English IV

Course Syllabus 2015-2016

Ken Gillespie

Room 205

e-mail:

Ph. 864-250-8980

Course description:

English IV emphasizes effective writing and critical reading through logical organization, literary analysis, textual evidence, and research. English IV reading content primarily focuses on the chronological study of British literature and its cultural and historical influences.

Texts (provided):

Elements of Literature, Sixth Course. Holt Rinehart Winston, 2010.

Collections. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.

Required Materials:

· College-ruled loose-leaf paper for classwork handed in

· Blue or black pens

· Internet access

· Flash drive

Classroom Routines:

· Academic Assistance is required for every student whose quarterly average falls below 80. Academic Assistance for English IV is in the Multipurpose Room (Smart Center) every Tuesday from 2:50-3:35, or by appointment. I am also available in the Smart Center, Monday-Thursday, 2:50-5:45.

· If you are absent from class, you have five (5) school days (not class meetings) after your return to school to make up missed work. No make-up work will be accepted after this time.

· Assignments are due at the beginning of class; ten (10) points per day late will be deducted for major assignments. Late homework will receive half credit if the assignment is turned in the next school day.

· You will have the opportunity to improve your grade on certain writing assignments through revision. I will provide details as these opportunities become available.

· You are expected to be on time for class. Every third tardy to class will result in after-school detention for thirty minutes. Failure to attend detention will result in Lunch Detention or Saturday School.

· Students who leave class should fill out the hall pass completely. Students should leave class only for emergencies. This privilege will be revoked if it is abused.

· Any student leaving the room during class must leave his/her cell phone on my desk.

· Cell phone use is not allowed in class (unless otherwise instructed). Violations will result in the offending phone being taken. If I see it, regardless of the reason, I will take it.

· Eating is not allowed in class (this includes gum, breath mints, cough drops, etc.). Water is allowed in clear containers, but this privilege will be revoked if spills and trash become problematic.

(over)

General Course Overview (subject to change):

Ongoing:

· Grammar/writing lessons as needed

· In-class reading assignments

· In-class and home writing assignments

· Focused writing/research days

First Quarter: The Anglo-Saxon Period, “Taking Risks”

· Primary text: Beowulf

· Grendel (summer reading assignment)Socratic seminar (date and requirements to be announced)

· Anglo-Saxon poetry, riddles

The Middle Ages

· Primary text: The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

· “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” and Gender Roles

· Arthurian Legend

Second Quarter: The English Renaissance, “Absolute Power”

· Primary text: Macbeth

· Poetry of the English Renaissance

Third Quarter: The Restoration, “Voices of Protest”

· Primary text: “A Modest Proposal”

· Gulliver’s Travels

The Romantic Poets

Fourth Quarter: The Victorian Era

The Modern Era

Honors credit:

Students who wish to earn honors credit in English IV will be given the opportunity to complete additional requirements for each major course assignment. Students earning honors credit must complete all honors requirements and maintain a course average of 93 or higher.

The Smart Center provides tutoring for students who want extra help Monday-Thursday, 2:50-5:45 in the

MPR. The cost of attending Smart Center for the year is 150.00. Contact Mr. Gillespie (Room 205,

) for more information.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’m looking forward to a great year. Thanks!