Mrs. Kelly SajoneEnglish Department
maqua Area HS

LA 11 honors: British Literature

Course Overview
Language Arts 11:British Literature is a survey course that provides students with an in-depth study of major British works. Throughout the course, students will examineall literary forms including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and dramawithin the historical context of each particular work. Thematic connections will be drawn across a variety of selections as we explore the evolution of the British, Scottish, and Irishliterary identities. In addition to the in-class and independent reading assignments, vocabulary, grammar exercises, and formal and informal writing assignments will be supplemented.

Course Texts and Major Units
The major course text is McDougal Littell’sLiterature – British Literature (purple). Significant works or authors that will be read include Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, William Shakespeare (surprise!), Queen Elizabeth I, Jonathan Swift, Robert Burns, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, T.S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas, James Joyce, and Winston Churchill. Independent Reading will be assigned based on availability and relevance of novels. Such selections could include, but are not limited to, 1984 (George Orwell), Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), and Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen). Many of these classic works (both textbook selections and novels) can be found online for free, or should you wish to purchase your own copy, they are also available for a relatively low cost on Amazon.

Materials
You will need the following on a daily basis: a notebook/folder or binder/looseleaf for class notes, a pen or pencil, and course texts. You are expected to have these items with you when you enter class.

Grading
Quarterly grades are based on the point-system. The number of points accumulated over the course of the quarter will be divided by the number of points offered. Bonus points may be awarded for quality and frequency of class participation.

Final grades are calculated based on the following breakdown: 20% of each quarter grade (80% total), 10% of the mid-term exam grade, and 10% of the final exam grade.

You are reminded to check your grades online on a weekly basis; quarterly progress reports are made available approximately halfway through the quarter.

Daily Participation
Points are made available to students who BOTH attend class AND participate during class. Participating entails having course materials, remaining on task, paying attention, VOLUNTEERING to read, and answering questions even if you are not entirely sure you are correct. If you try your best each and every day, you will be rewarded. You will face point forfeiture for any inappropriate behavior.

Homework Philosophy
Homework must be completed in entirety to receive credit. Partially completed homework results in a zero. Late homework is unacceptable. Homework must be surrendered at the beginning of class; no homework will be accepted after I have collected it at the beginning of class. If you are absent, you must check your class folder or tray to retrieve any paperwork. Ask me for clarification on assignments if necessary. In most cases, outstanding work will be due the following class day; accommodations will be made for extenuating circumstances.

Essays
Essays must be typed and formatted appropriately. Due dates are assigned approximately two weeks in advance; there should be no problem in typing, printing, and handing in your essay on time unless you procrastinate. Do not wait until the night or morning before class to print your paper – I do not accept excuses in regards to printer problems. Late essays will receive a one letter-grade reduction per day. Absences do not extend the deadline; I expect your essay to be emailed to me if you are absent the day it is due; additionally, a printed copy must be provided to me when you return. There are no exceptions to this rule.Be aware that failing to hand one in an essay or plagiarizing it will likely result in a failing grade for the quarter.

Cheating/Plagiarism
Any student who is caught plagiarizing from any source (including him or herself, or other students!) will be given a zero and will not be permitted to resubmit the essay. If a student is caught plagiarizing another student’s paper, both students will receive zeros. Any act of plagiarism is also a guaranteed write-up, andparents/guardians will be notified. Cheating on quizzes, tests, or any other type of assignment will result in an automatic zero for all parties involved.

Quizzes, Pop-Quizzes, and Tests
You will receive approximately three days’ notice prior to a test and usually one day’s notice prior to a quiz; however, be aware I do use pop quizzes both at the beginning of class periods and at the end of class periods. Students requiring accommodations will receive them as necessary. It is your job as a student to ensure that you are adequately prepared for these assessments. Read, take decent notes, study, and participate and you should do well. Tests must be completed within the timeframe of the 42-minute class period; nobody will be granted extra time. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or test, you will take it the next day you are present.

Exams
An exam will follow each unit. Midterms will take place near the end of the second quarter, and finals will take place near the end of the school year. These exams are CUMULATIVE - keep all course materials in a folder or binder so you can access them prior to these exams. If you throw out or misplace any materials, be aware I will not provide you with another copy.

Extra Credit/Bonus Points
There is no end-of-the-quarter extra credit assignment. Work hard from the beginning of the year and you won’t need extra credit opportunities; however, there may be bonus points available to students throughout the course of the quarter. Take advantage of them.

Contact Information for Parents/Guardians
Please email me at your earliest convenience with questions or concerns you have about your son or daughter. You can expect a response usually within twenty-four hours during the school week.

Our signatures verify that we have read the Language Arts 11 Honors: British Literature course syllabus and understand the expectations of the student, as well as course policies for grading, cheating, homework, exams, quizzes, etc.

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Student Name (Print)Student SignatureDate

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Parent/Guardian Name (Print)Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

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Parent/Guardian #2 Name (Print)Parent/Guardian #2 SignatureDate