English 10 Course Syllabus

Ms. Fitzgerald

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Course Description:

This course continues to follow Common Core expectations to develop tenth-grade students’ ability to critically analyze a variety of texts and media through individual analysis, group discussion, and written responses. The course curriculum and assessments are designed to prepare students for higher level English courses and testing. Students will develop close reading skills by reading a variety of both literary fiction and nonfiction and informational texts, focusing on an authors’ arguments and purposes within the overall context of the writing. Students will gain skills necessary for competent writing by completing a variety of writing assignments,, focusing on the structure of academic writing, the mechanics of language, and the clarity of expression.

Course Goals:

Students will:

  1. Develop clear and coherent written and verbal language skills using a wide range of media and styles.
  2. Read and comprehend a wide range of fiction and nonfiction in grade appropriate materials.
  3. Solve problems and think critically by effectively completing challenging group and individual projects and assignments.
  4. Understand the complexities of global and societal issues through reading, writing, discussion, and oral and multimedia presentations.
  5. Write clear and concise essays that support theses with evidence and convey information from primary and secondary sources.
  6. Improve personal levels of achievement in reading and writing

Key Texts: (Subject to Change)

Anthem by Ayn Rand

Night by Elie Wiesel

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Expository Reading and Writing Course modules for 10th grade

Required Materials:

  • Student planner (provided by NCTTHS)
  • Single subject spiral notebook (for this class only)
  • Notebook paper
  • Pen or pencil (mechanical recommended)
  • Binder for all classes, with a section designated for English Language Arts

Classroom Expectations:

1. Be in class on time with necessary supplies and a positive attitude.

2. Be a productive, non-disruptive participant in class.

3. Respect the work, property, and opinions of others.

4. Use the restroom during passing period (never first or last 20 minutes of class).

5. Follow school-wide expectations (e.g. food/hats/electronics/language)

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Plagiarism: intentionally or knowingly presenting words, ideas, or work of others as one’s own work. This includes copying information obtained online without crediting the source, using a work or portion of a work written or created by another but not crediting the source, or paraphrasing another’s work without giving credit.
  1. Cheating: includes unauthorized “cheat sheets,” copying from one another, looking at another student’s exam, opening books when not authorized, obtaining advance copies of exams, or use of unauthorized electronic devices.

1st violation:

  • Student receives no credit for assignment
  • Student may redo the assignment
  • Parent or guardian is notified

2nd violation:

  • Student receives no credit for assignment
  • Parent or guardian is notified
  • Referred to Mr. Lutgen for afterschool detention

3rd violation:

  • Referral to Mr. Lutgen for possible suspension

Tutoring:

Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 (additional times may be arranged, if necessary)

I am typically on campus until 3:30 every afternoon, so I am available for turning in/picking up work or for quick questions.

Parent Page: Please sign and return, acknowledging that you have read the policies and procedures outlined in the English 10 Course syllabus.

Student Name ______

Student Signature ______

Parent Name ______

Parent Signature ______

Best phone number to call: ______

Does the student have access to a computer at home? ______Internet? ______

Throughout the year, the following films may be used to supplement the literature:

  • Hotel Rwanda (2004-PG-13)
  • The Boy in Striped Pajamas (2008-PG-13)
  • Life is Beautiful (1997 PG-13)
  • Worse than War(documentary)(2009-Unrated)
  • Lord of the Flies (1963-PG)

Choose One:

______I want to be notified beforehand about supplemental films used in this course.

Specific concerns:

OR

______I give my student permission to participate in any film assignments, including the above titles (G through PG-13).

______(signature)

Questions/Comments/Concerns: