Mrs. Elizabeth Erickson

Language Arts 3-4(H)Room: 605

Course Description: English 3-4 Honors is an introduction to world literature. Students will be exposed to a variety of work from European, American, Latin American, Asian, Russian and African authors as well as the history and philosophies that influenced those authors. Students will examine and apply composition formats to real life experiences. Language, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening activities will be integrated throughout the course of study. English 3-4H is aligned with district and state standards and supports the school-wide effort to increase student achievement.

Course Objectives: By the completion of this course of study, the student will know or be able to:

-analyze both classic and contemporary world literature

-read actively

-think analytically and creatively

-express understanding through a variety of writing experiences

-use vocabulary and grammar skills to enhance oral and written communication

Grading Policy: Grading is standards based.

Reading: 25%

Writing: 50%

Speaking/Listening: 15%

Language: 10%

Semester Finals will be term papers (the semester final is a separate category and is calculated at end of semester). The semester grade is made up of 80% weight to all grades prior to final and 20% weight given to final exam(s)

Plagiarism or cheating will result in a grade of 0%

Scale:

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

59 or lower = F (no credit given)

Inflated grades are issued by the administration and will be reflected in the student rank.

Powerschool Access

The Powerschools site allows parents/guardians and students to access the student’s grades, attendance, and other information. If you need your access information, please stop by the front desk during business hours. You will need a photo I.D. The web address is:

Powerschool Access: The Powerschools site allows parents/guardians and students to access the student’s grades, attendance, and other information. Powerschool access information is the same as last year. If you did not receive your access information, please stop by the front desk during business hours. You will need a photo I.D.The web address is: ps.dvusd.org/public

Make-Up Work Policy

Upon return to class after an absence, a student has one school day for each day missed to make up work/test assigned during his/her absence regardless of the number of days absent. For example, if a student is absent on Thursday and Friday, he/she will have Monday and Tuesday of the following week to make up work and must turn in the work that was assigned during the days absent on Wednesday.

Coursework and assessments assigned prior to the absence(s) may still be due on the date assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to check with teachers immediately upon return for work missed and possible adjustment of due dates. Teachers may choose to schedule an appointment with the student to arrange due dates as needed.

Long Term Project Policy

Long term projects are assignments given at least two weeks in advance. Teachers should note that the assignment is a long term project in the written instructions provided for the students. Long term projects are due on or before the date assigned, even if the student or teacher is absent on the due date.

See the Student Handbook for additional details.

First Semester Writing will focus on expository papers including literary analysis, persuasive, classification, functional and expository essays.

Second Semester Writing will include literary analysis, and a research paper using one of the types of expository practiced over the course of the year.

Both semesters will include systematic vocabulary and grammar study, as well as reinforcement of communication skills in presentations, discussions and dramatic interpretation, both in small group and whole class settings.

Additional Reading: Wide reading of quality literature is essential for all college-bound students. Major pieces of literature may include, but are not limited to, Short Stories, Brave New World,We, Antigone, Things Fall Apart,A Tale of Two Cities, Poetry, and Macbeth. Students may need to buy or check out from the public library their own copies of Brave New World, We, Things Fall Apart, and A Tale of Two Cities. In orderto explore other literature,students are required to readfour outside novels (one per quarter). Specific directions and dates will be announced in class.

Suggested Materials:

  1. Blue or black pens and pencils
  2. Highlighters
  3. Loose leaf college-ruled paper and an English notebook
  4. 4 outside novels (One per quarter)

IF YOU NEED HELP: Students,please feel free to make an appointment to see me after school when we can talk about ways to help you succeed in your school year.

Communication

Please contact the teacher for any student concerns. It is crucial that teachers, parents, and students maintain open lines of communication. Contact information is provided at the top of the first page.

Adherence to the Boulder Creek Academic Integrity Code

All students enrolled in Language Arts 3-4 Honors will adhere to the framework and guidelines set forth in the Boulder Creek High School Academic Integrity Code. Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated. The purpose of this code is to promote a positive learning environment for all involved. As humans, we will make mistakes as we grow. It is understood that we can learn from those mistakes and become better individuals in the future. Any student who violates this code will be referred to the Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook and assignment of appropriate consequences. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Code in its entirety for definitions and examples of plagiarism and cheating and strategies on how to avoid these infractions.

Classroom Behavior Expectations and Consequences- PBIS

/ Learning Environment
Prepared /
  • Bring materials
  • Come prepared to learn

Respectful /
  • Respect others, their property, equipment, and the facility

Integrity /
  • Complete your own work
  • All electronic devices are off and out of sight

Discipline /
  • Arrive on time & be in your seat
  • Behave appropriately and use courteous language
  • Keep food and drink outside

Everyone United /
  • Encourage confidence
  • Cooperate and collaborate

Additional and/or more specific listing of rules at:

If you wish to donate items to the classroom, the following items are always appreciated: tissues, hand sanitizer,used novels when we are finished with them in class.

Thank you and have a great year!

Your signature indicates that you have reviewed both the syllabus and the ancillary novels list.

Please sign, date and return this bottom form to your teacher.

Student’s Name: ______

Student’s Signature:______Date:______

Parent’s Signature:______Date:______

Parent/Guardian Ancillary Novel Communication

Dear parents/guardians:

Below is a list of novels that will supplement the adopted curriculum in this year’s language arts class. This document is intended to inform parents/guardians about the ancillary novels that will be used in this course. Please indicate below if you would like the teacher to contact you regarding ancillary novels.

Novel Title: We Author: Zamyatin

Content/Rationale: Set in the twenty-sixth century AD, Zamyatin's masterpiece describes life under the regimented totalitarian society of OneState, ruled over by the all-powerful 'Benefactor'. Recognized as the inspiration for George Orwell's 1984, We is the archetype of the modern dystopia, or anti-Utopia: a great prose poem detailing the fate that might befall us all if we surrender our individual selves to some collective dream of technology and fail in the vigilance that is the price of freedom. Suggested translation: Clarence Brown. Students need to purchase or check out copy from library (limited availability). Mature content.

Novel Title:A Tale of Two CitiesAuthor: Dickens

Content/ Rationale:Against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Dickens unfolds a masterpiece of drama, adventure, and courage featuring Charles Darnay, a man falsely accused of treason. He bears an uncanny resemblance to the dissolute, yet noble Sydney Carton — a coincidence that saves Darnay from certain doom more than once. Brilliantly plotted, the novel culminates in a daring prison escape in the shadow of the guillotine. . Students need to purchase or check out copy from library (limited availability).

Novel Title: Things Fall ApartAuthor: Achebe

Content/Rationale: Things Fall Apart tells two intertwining stories, both centering on Okonkwo, a “strong man” of an Ibo village in Nigeria. The first, a powerful fable of the immemorial conflict between the individual and society, traces Okonkwo’s fall from grace with the tribal world. The second, as modern as the first is ancient, concerns the clash of cultures and the destruction of Okonkwo's world with the arrival of aggressive European missionaries. These perfectly harmonized twin dramas are informed by an awareness capable of encompassing at once the life of nature, human history, and the mysterious compulsions of the soul. Students need to purchase or check out copy from library (limited availability).

Novel Title: Brave New WorldAuthor: Huxley

Content/Rationale: Aldous Huxley is rightly considered a prophetic genius and one of the most important literary and philosophical voices of the 20th Century, and Brave New World is his masterpiece. From the author of The Doors of Perception, Island, and countless other works of fiction, non-fiction, philosophy, and poetry, comes this powerful work of speculative fiction that has enthralled and terrified readers for generations. Brave New World remains absolutely relevant to this day as both a cautionary dystopian tale in the vein of the George Orwell classic 1984, and as thought-provoking, thoroughly satisfying entertainment. Mature Content. Limited availability at BCHS bookstore. Student purchase of book recommended.