Course description:
This survey course is designed for the college-bound student. Students will read and examine a variety of literary, historical, and philosophical works from colonial times through modernism. Composition and grammar instruction will target advanced writing skills, including persuasion, expository, timed writing, and literary analysis. Vocabulary development will be emphasized as well. The curriculum and instructional strategies for this course are differentiated in content, pacing, process skills emphasis and expectation. This course is appropriate for students who are highly motivated, have demonstrated high achievement and possess a strong work ethic.
Materials:
· Texts:
- Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience
- Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workbook level F
- Parallel readings
· Pen (blue or black ink) and a #2 pencil
· Three-ring binder with dividers and loose-leaf notebook paper
· Student planner
Parallel readings:
The Georgia Performance Standards requires students to read 25 books or one million words per year. The parallel readings for this course will assist in meeting this requirement, as students will read three books to supplement our textbook studies. Each selection is available in the Pope Media Center; however, the school’s supply of class sets is limited. Please be aware that once all copies available have been checked out, each student is responsible for acquiring his or her own copy either by personal purchase or through a local library. The following selections will be read during the year:
1) The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail
2) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
3) Biography TBA
Compositions:
Students will complete several major writing assignments for this course including technical/research and timed essays. We will work on all major papers in class, but some assignments will need to be finished at home. If a student does not have access to a computer at home, computers are available in the media center before or after school, or in the Writing Lab after school.
Attendance and Make-up Work:
It is critical that students attend every class period to be successful in this class. If a student must be absent, he or she is responsible for checking the class blog to obtain any assignments. All quizzes or tests missed must be made up within one week of the assignment date. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange time for make-up work. For homework and other in-class assignments, students will have the same number of days missed to make up the assignment. See p. 26-27 in the student handbook
Late Work:
Every assignment should be turned in on the due date. You should talk with me before school if you foresee a problem with completing an assignment on time. Late assignments will be deducted 10 points for each day.
Redo Policy: Redo opportunities will be given on major writing assignments only; students will have 7 days (1 calendar week) from the day the original graded essay is handed back to redo the assignment and receive a grade. Students must attempt to improve anything specifically mentioned by the teacher in the annotations / commentary of the graded paper. If a student fails to do so, it is up to instructor discretion whether or not to accept the redo assignment. If a student fails to do the original assignment, they forfeit the redo opportunity. (The redo is not a 2nd chance to complete the first draft of a paper.) Students may not redo quizzes, tests, projects, or daily / homework assignments.
Videos:
We may occasionally view curriculum related films and film clips (G, PG, and PG-13 only). A parent’s signature on this syllabus indicates permission for your son or daughter to view these movies.
Standards Based Grading Policy:
Point values for assignments will vary based on length, complexity and effort of each assignment (i.e. not every assignment is worth 100 points).
Categories:
30% Reading and Literature/Reading Comprehension (includes summative assessments on literature units)
30% Writing and Conventions (includes essay assignments and research project)
15% Listening, Speaking, and Viewing (includes performance assessments such as Literature Circles)
0% Common formative assessments
5% Vocabulary
15% EOCT
Academic Integrity:
Cheating on any assignment will result in a zero for the work and a U in conduct. This includes plagiarism. The grade-level administrator and parents/guardians will be contacted.
Extra Help:
Extra help is available in the mornings and during AO in Room 308. Students may also receive help by appointment. If you are having trouble with an assignment, do not hesitate to talk with me about your concerns. I am here to help you succeed. Be proactive. This is your responsibility as a student!
Classroom Expectations:
· Be respectful of all students, teachers, and property.
· Please, no eating, drinking (other than water), or personal grooming in the classroom.
· Absolutely no electronic devices (ipods, cell phones, iphones, etc.) for personal use are permitted in the classroom. .
· Check Typepad for assignments
· You are expected to bring your vocabulary book, parallel novel, binder, a blue or black pen, and a pencil to class every day.
· Please do not lose copies of handouts that I give you. If you lose a copy of a handout, you can print a copy from my typepad site.
· Please be in your seat at the beginning of class and wait to be dismissed at the end of class.
· You may only use the restroom or water fountain when you have your agenda with you. It must be filled out completely before you ask me to sign it.
Behavior Expectations:
· The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
· Be kind and courteous to all peers and adults.
· Bring a positive attitude to class each day and you will be on the road to success!
Georgia Performance Standards
11th Grade English Language Arts Performance Standards are posted on my Typepad site and are located at
http://gadoe.georgiastandards.org/english.aspx Please review the standards for 11th grade English course.
Parents and Students,
I am looking forward to a very successful and productive semester! Please read the documents above carefully. Please sign below indicating that you have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations and behavior expectations. Students, please keep this in your class notebook or binder for reference.
Thank You,
Ms. Beth Ragland
I have read the above classroom expectations, procedures, and policies. I am aware that grades will be posted on Pinnacle. I also understand that Typepad will be used to communicate classroom activities.
Please contact Ms. Ragland by email at if you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester.
Students name ______(please print) Class period/block ______
Student Signature ______Date ______
Parent Signature ______Date______
Parent email address _______
Phone number ______