Course Syllabus

Language Arts 2: College Preparation

Ms. Williams

Room 203

(714) 986-7580 ext. 11203

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”Pablo Picasso

Course Description and Objectives

Course Objectives: This class is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of reading, writing, speaking/listening, and language along with the skills of analysis, interpretation, and synthesis. The curriculum is based on the ELA Common Core Standards, and will include literature, informational texts, and multi-media (art, video, music, etc.).

Behavior Expectations and Classroom procedures

All students will: 1. Come to class on time and prepared to participate as an active learner.

2. Be seated and ready to begin before the bell rings.

3. Complete all assignments on time.

4. Be courteous and respectful to all.

5. Use academic and appropriate language in class.

6. Follow all rules and expectations included the EDHS handbook.

7. Follow all established classroom routines and procedures as discussed in class.

Test Taking in Class:

Do not violate the testing environment. This can include, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Having your phone out and visible for any reason, including checking the time.
  2. Communicating with anyone in class verbally or nonverbally
  3. Using unauthorized study materials during a test.

If you have questions about what is permissible, please see me for specifics.

Possible Behavioral Consequences:

1.Verbal Warning

2.Seat Changes

3.Conference

4.Detention

5.Parent Contact

6.Referral

7.Removal from Class

In addition, tardies will be handled as follows:

1st is a warning. Second and third are detentions. A referral will follow for every tardy after.

Grades

Grades are based on written assignments including major projects, essays, literature tests, grammar tests, vocabulary quizzes, oral presentations, and the final exam. Assignments are not weighted.

Final quarter and semester grades will be based on a total points system. I will round grades at the semester only; do not depend on this to improve your grade. Please keep all work returned as proof in case there is a grade discrepancy. Grades will be posted on Aeries. Please use this as a tool to monitor your progress. If there are questions or concerns about your class performance, please see me so we can work to improve your class grade. Scale:

A=90-100% B=80-89% C=70-79% D= 60-69% F= 59% and below

Course Content: Literature

Texts: Students will read 2-5 major works per semester, in addition to short stories, poems, literary criticisms, and non-fiction works. Alternative texts may be provided for core novels about which parents/guardians express concerns.

We will be using a new textbook this year from the publishers Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Materials will be provided and students will have access to an interactive website we will use throughout the school year.

Course Content: Class work and Homework

Writing:experience in argumentative (DBQ), literary analysis (interpretation), narrative, expository (informational), research writing of a social issue/need of interest (MLA format) & informal writing (poetry & quickwrites); freshman component of Senior Project during Semester 2.

Speaking & Listening: experience in oral presentations, note-taking, & class /group discussions.

Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis to practice and reinforce the concepts learned in class. Reading will also be assigned as homework and students will be held accountable for those assignments. Some work will be required to be typewritten in MLA format. Handwritten assignments require your name, teacher name, class period and date to be placed in the upper right hand corner.

Classwork/Essays/Projects: All paperwork will be handed out in class and student will receive 1 copy. Students who are absent the day an assignment is assigned are responsible for asking for the assignment. All assignments must be MLA formatted.

Essays will be expected to have the following:

MLA Format

●Must be typed (final draft)

●Must use 12 point Times New Roman font

●Double Spaced

Late Work Policy: Late work will receive automatic 50% deduction with the exception of essays or other major projects (100 points or more). Essays and or major projects will automatically be deducted 10% per day, including weekends, until one week after the essay/major project is due. Students may also email any major writing projects or essays to prior to the due date before their class period without penalty as long as they submit a paper copy within 24 hours of the due date. If a paper copy is not submitted at that point, the 10% deductions will apply. Remember, earning partial credit is always better than a zero.

Make-Up Work/Absence Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work he/she missed during an absence and to arrange make-up tests or in-class written assignments with the teacher. Handouts may be available on the google classroom and/or in make-up work file in class. Furthermore, students are allowed one day per each excused absence to make up missed work without a penalty. If the assignment is given prior to the student’s absence, the assignment is due the day the student returns. For prolonged absences, please submit a homework request.

Extra Credit Policy: There will be minimal opportunities for extra credit. Most importantly, they must have completed and turned in all required assignments before being able to complete extra credit work.

Necessary Materials

It is of the utmost importance that you come to class ready to participate as an active learner. In order to do this, you must bring the following supplies to class on a daily basis:

●3-ring binder with a section for Language Arts 2

●Lined notebook paper

●Pencils and erasers

●Pens (blue or black ink only)

●Highlighter

●Flashcards (any size, lined or unlined is acceptable)

●Assigned novels, reading assignments, handouts, etc.

●SSR novels (no magazines, newspapers, or comics; must be comparable to reading a novel)

●may choose to purchase assigned novels & plays for the purpose of keeping personal notes/commentary in them. However, these will be provided to every student for reading purposes.

●writing portfolio

Hawk Strong!