English 12 Syllabus 1
COURSE SYLLABUS - ENGLISH 12
Ms. Heather Boni – K-218
Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
COURSE CONTENT
The course content and curriculum are designed in accordance with the New Mexico State Standards for 12th Grade Language Arts. These standards can be perused online at the Public Education Department website: http://www.ped.state.nm.us/standards/documents/stand_mcnlps.pdf. English 12 will focus on reading and writing skills, lessons in literary and professional composition, and the study and analysis of world literature in context. This class is designed to prepare the student for classes at higher levels as well as for practical use in the student’s life. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, classwork and behavior.
MATERIALS
Following is a list of the textbooks and other literary works that may be used in class. All books will be checked out from the Manzano HS bookroom; students will not need to purchase them.
English 12 Syllabus 1
Prentice Hall Literature and Prentice Hall Writing
and Grammar
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The Stranger by Albert Camus
No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Night by Elie Wiesel
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brönte
English 12 Syllabus 1
Supplementary Materials → documentary films on authors, or those that provide important social/historical context for a work of literature
In addition to the assigned readings, following is a list of films that might be considered (in whole or in part) for viewing to supplement the literary selections:
English 12 Syllabus 1
Hamlet (Zefferelli, 1990, rated PG)
Hamlet (Branagh, 1996, rated PG-13)
The Trial (Orson Welles, 1963, not rated)
The Good Earth, (1937, not rated)
Kafka (Soderbergh, 1991, rated PG-13)
Hamlet* (Almereyda, 2000, rated R)
Europa Europa* (Holland, 1991, rated R)
* by parent/guardian permission only, more information to follow
For more information on the films or their content, you might visit the internet movie database at www.imdb.com. In some cases, the Motion Picture Association of America has given the foreign film a rating. For more information about the ratings system, you might visit www.mpaa.com or www.tvguidelines.org.
GRADING POLICIES
Each student is expected to actively participate in all classroom activities and discussions, and turn in all assignments in a timely fashion. Unexcused absences and tardiness will also affect the student’s grade. Grades are determined based upon the following categories of work: 1) Class Participation/Attendance (up to 100 pts. each 6 wk. grading period); 2) Homework; 3) Tests/Quizzes; 4) Compositions/Projects; 5) Written Final Exam & Oral Final Exam (together, worth 15% of the total GPA for each semester). Each assignment merits a certain number of points based on the importance and difficulty level of the work involved. At the end of each grading period, all the points earned are added up and divided by the total number of all possible points to determine the Grade Percent Average. The GPA is translated into letter grades as following:
90%-100% = A-/A 80%-89% = B-/B 70%-79% = C-/C 60%-69% = D-/D below 60% = F
Grades are updated and posted on Basmati at least once every two weeks. These grades can be accessed on the internet via the MHS Homepage (http://manzano.aps.edu). I encourage any parent with questions or concerns about student grades, at any time in the semester, to contact me at Manzano (x2380).
Request for extra credit may be considered by the teacher but such an opportunity is not guaranteed. Students should NOT rely on extra credit opportunities to make up for missed assignments. At no point will extra credit comprise more than 5% of the total GPA.
RULES, POLICIES, PROCEDURES
Behavior → Behavior expectations are clearly stated in the MHS Student Handbook. It should be noted that Ms. Boni strictly enforces the MHS no-cell phone policy. Any cell phones or other electronic devices seen in K-218 will be confiscated immediately. Most importantly, please demonstrate respect for self & others at all times. Disrespectful behavior includes, but is not limited to: talking out of turn, using offensive or rude language, sleeping during class, disregarding rules, policies or procedures, disrupting class with comments or gestures, chronic tardiness, and refusing to participate in a meaningful way. Students are to remain seated until the end of the period; students are dismissed by the teacher, NOT by the bell.
Tardy Policy → As it is a major priority here at Manzano to discourage tardiness, the tardy policy is strictly enforced as follows:
- MINUS 20 pts. each Unexcused Tardy
- 4+ Unexcused Tardies = accumulating point deductions PLUS Referrals, calls home
All points are deducted from Class Participation points, and are calculated for each 6 week grading period. Be forewarned that chronic tardiness can and will negatively affect the GPA.
Make-Up Work → Students are allowed to make-up work after absences WITHIN THE ALLOTTED TIME as negotiated with Ms. Boni (General Rule: missed 2 days = 2 extra days to complete make-up work). Any make-up work not completed within the allotted time will receive no credit (0 points). Always contact Ms. Boni immediately after an absence to arrange make-up work.
Late Assignments → All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Any assignments turned in later that same day will be considered late and will receive ½ credit only. Likewise, late work turned in one day late will be worth ½ credit only. Unless an extension is granted by Ms. Boni, no late work will be accepted for a grade after ONE SCHOOL DAY PAST DUE DATE.
Special Requirements → A successful research paper is required for all seniors to pass
2nd semester English 12.
A Word of Advice → As your teacher, I want you to succeed. However, it is ultimately the students’ responsibility to motivate themselves to attend class regularly, complete assignments in a timely manner, and ask questions when there is confusion or curiosity. To ensure this year is a valuable learning experience, make the most of the time and resources offered to you. Remember, whether you succeed or fail is up to you.
Please sign below to indicate that you have received, read and understood Ms. Boni’s syllabus for English 12, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009.
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