Contemporary Fiction
Mrs. Krick - Room 241 - - 538-2040
Grading Scale
93-100 = A73-76 = C
90-92 = A-72-70 = C-
87-89 = B+67-69 = D+
83-86 = B60-66 = D
82-80 = B-0-59 = F
77-79 = C+
Novels:
The Life of Pi, Empire Falls, All the Pretty Horses, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Poisonwood Bible, Dune, Kite Runner
* This list is tentative and subject to change
Description:
This course is designed to acquaint students with the history, theory, and structural aspects of the novel. Students will study and analyze the form of the novel including point of view, plot, symbolism, theme, and characterization. All of the novels contain mature themes and contemporary issues/language. No substitutes are available.
Course Objectives:
- Student will demonstrate familiarity with works studied through daily class discussions, double entry journals, quizzes, tests, essays, and one major research paper.
- Student will expand his/her knowledge of contemporary major literary works and their authors and their long-lasting effects on literature in the future.
- Student will analyze characters, setting, historical and cultural relevance of selections and apply their influence to issues of our present time.
Grade Breakdown
Participation = 20%
Attendance, participation, being on time and coming to class prepared are ready to learn are essential for meeting the requirements of this class.
Items that will lower this portion of your grade:
• Tardies
• Absences
• Not prepared for class
• Disruptive or off task (this includes sleeping)
• Phones/electronic devices
It is IMPERATIVE that you bring your novel, paper, pen and RT tablet to class every day.
Tests & Quizzes = 40%
Tests and quizzes will cover all relevant materials assigned and/or covered in class. Test will measure comprehension, application and critical thinking.
Major Papers & Projects = 20%
We will be doing a MLA style research paper, expository, persuasive and compare/contrast writing. You will need your RT tablet to complete several projects in this class.
Daily Work = 20%
Standards & Expectations
Accountability:
I believe that high school is our last opportunity to prepare you for the real world. The best way to do this is to practice being responsible for the decisions you make and reaping the benefits/consequences of those actions. Make the right choices.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional presentation of someone else’s ideas or writing/work as your own, regardless of length or importance of assignment. Plagiarism results in an automatic ZERO for the assignment/test and is reported to the principal. Second offense: a zero and 3 days of in-house. Third offense: a ZERO IN THE CLASS. Again, this applies to daily assignments as well as quizzes, tests and papers. All major papers will be filtered through turnitin.com and have less than 5% match. Your job in this course is to THINK for yourself; LEARN for yourself; CONVEY that knowledge in your own words.
Late Work:
I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK (If there are extenuating circumstances, you MUST see me BEFORE the deadline.) If we are working on an extended project/paper and the class was told of the due date when the assignment was given, that project/paper is DUE on that date, regardless of your attendance at school...get it to me! There will be no extensions given. Remember, partial credit for incomplete work turned in on time is significantly better than a ZERO for late work.
Contemporary Fiction
Mrs. Krick - Room 241 - - 538-2040
Classroom Rules:
1. Be responsible for yourself, respect others and do your best!
2. All guidelines in the student handbook will be strictly adhered to ~ dress code, etc.
3. Be in your seat, with your materials out, BEFORE the tardy bell rings.
4. Bring AR book, assigned novel (when there is one), the textbook, student handbook, paper and something to write with every day.
5. I DON’T ACCEPT LATE WORK! Turn in all work on the date it is due...partial credit is better than no credit. On extended projects where the due date is given when the project is assigned, it is DUE on that day, regardless of your attendance at school that day. No exceptions will be made.
6. There is NO EXTRA CREDIT!
7. No electronics devices including but not limited to cell phones, palm pilots, MP3 players, DVD devices, etc. Items that are out/on during class will be confiscated and turned in to the office.
8. If you are gone for any reason, you are responsible to ask for missed assignments and notes. I will not remind you. “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse for missing an assignment. (You have 24 hours for each day you are gone to make up missed assignments if your absence is excused.)
9. An excused tardy must be accompanied by a note signed by an administrator, staff or faculty
member ~ NOT A TA.
10. You may only leave the classroom with permission.
11. No food (that includes candy) or beverages, other than water, should be brought into the class room. Water will only be allowed as long as bottles are disposed of properly.
12. We are in a beautiful new school...DO YOUR PART TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!
{Please sign and return}
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It is important to me that you know what your child is doing in English. Please look over the syllabus, sign below and have your student return it to me by Monday, September 8th.
Student: ______
(Print Name) (Signature) (Date)
Parent/Guardian: ______
(Signature) (Date)