English 10 Syllabus

English 10 Class Syllabus                                                                                                                                    Mrs. Stiles          

 

Course Description: This course is designed to provide all students with the skills necessary to communicate effectively through listening, writing, speaking, and reading the English language.  The emphasis is on literature with works that develop central themes and issues in order to prepare students for the New York State Comprehensive Regents Examination.  Students will use their language skills to comprehend and develop the ideas and values presented through the literature. 

 

Required Textbook:

McDougal Littell, The Literature of Language

As well as short stories and plays from the text, anticipated novels and plays for the 2006-2007 School year include:

To Kill a Mockingbird                                   Fahrenheit 451                               Of Mice and Men

Frankenstein                                                A Midsummer Nights Dream            Antigone

Greek/Roman Mythology


Plus you will read TWO additional novels outside of class  - one novel for each semester.  You will receive a list of the suggested readings.  A critical analysis essay will be due for each.

Supplies:

 

1.                  Notebook – 3 to 5 subject: exclusively for English

2.                  Pens – blue or black ink only

3.                  Highlighter

4.                  Binder - 2” to keep in the classroom

 

 

Grade break down:

1.       35% = Essays, research papers, and portfolio: You will have an essay for each novel and each unit completed.  Also, you will have several additional essays that focus on various styles of writing.  You will accumulate 13-16 essays in your portfolio and all essays will be kept in a portfolio.  A portfolio analysis will be graded at the end of the school year.

 

2.       25% = Tests: You will be tested on all major works and vocabulary.

 

3.       30% = Quizzes and Homework: Will be given (usually) weekly on textbook chapters and vocabulary.  Quizzes will be added together to create a percentage of 100.  For example, you may have five quizzes on To Kill a Mockingbird, each worth 20 points.  Add all five together it will equal a 100. Assignments will be given daily.  I randomly collect homework for a grade. 

 

4.      10 % = Class work and class participation.  Grammar exercises, vocabulary, and notes.

 

Final Examination, Analytical Essay, and Annual Portfolio Analysis:  You will take a cumulative this examination (30%) in June that will include the English 10 Benchmark.  You will be assigned an analytical essay (30%) in mid-May that will require you to develop a thesis based on the literature you have read this year and support your statement.  And, you will complete a portfolio self-assessment (40%).  These three items are averaged together and considered the final for the class - 20% of your annual grade.

 

Classroom Procedures and Policies

Homework and/or class assignments will be given daily and due when stated.

·         For each assignment given to you, I will list my expectations in a clear and precise manner.  You will know exactly what I want.  If you do not understand what is expected of you, it is your responsibility to tell me. 

·         For every literature unit you will be given a calendar reading schedule.  This will have the reading/homework assignments for the duration that we each novel.  Keep the reading schedule in your notebook.  A copy of this will be posted in class.

·         I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK! Failure to turn in your work will earn you a quick F.  Any student who chooses to put himself or herself in that position will earn a parent/teacher conference. 

·         If you are having major problems, come see me privately to work out a plan to get your work done.  See me before school, after school, or during your lunch.  I WILL NOT DEVOTE CLASS TIME TO SPEAK WITH YOU ABOUT LATE WORK.    If you are too shy, please have a parent contact me so we can work out a plan to ensure your success in English 10.

·         If you have a reasonable excuse for not having your work completed see me before school or after school only.  I am available during homeroom, and 2:15 to 2:45.

 

If You’re Absent . . .

§         It is your responsibility to see me about make up class assignments and tests the day you return to class.  

§         If you’re absent during a quiz or test: 

ü      See me the day you return to schedule a time to make up the test.

ü      You have one week to make up the test.

ü      If the test is not taken after the week, a zero (0) grade is given.

§         If you’re absent when a project or assignment is due:

ü      The assignment is due the day you return.

§         If you’re absent from class, but in school at some point during the day:

ü      You must bring the assignment to me before you leave or upon arrival to school. 

ü      Otherwise, it is considered a late assignment.

·         Lessons, Sport Activities, and Field Trips:  If you are absent due to anything school related, see me BEFORE the activity to hand in an assignment or schedule a quiz/test make up.

      *****I give you, the student, complete responsibility in getting your assignments to me.  I will not track you down to get missing work.

 

Grade Checks

Approximately every three weeks you will receive a print out of your progress in English 10.  This print out is to share with your parent/guardian.  At report card time there will not be any surprises.

 

Other Classroom Rules:

You are required to follow the regular school wide rules (stated on the last page of the student planner), as well as the following:

 

1.      Essay submission to www.turnitin.com and the recording final grade:  All essays must be submitted to this program.  During the first month of school all students will be set up with an account, and shown how to submit essays to the website.  This website can be accessed by any computer with Internet.  Essays will be graded when received. 

 

2.      Talking during class: While I am giving a lesson or if a classmate is giving a speech/presentation, all students should be paying attention, not talking.   We want to demonstrate politeness, courtesy, and respect for our classmates.  Three warnings earn a referral to the office.

 

3.      Be polite:  Put downs, insults, and name-calling will not be tolerated – even if you think you are only joking.  Any negative comments about any one will earn you an after class conference.   

 

4.       Restroom use: Do your best to use the restroom during passing periods.  I will not excuse you from class unless it is an extreme emergency.

 

5.      Cheating:  Cheating is not tolerated on any homework, quiz, or test.  Copying of another’s homework is considered cheating – even if it is homework for another class.  Students will receive a zero for the first offense.  A second offense will receive a zero on the assignment and a phone call home.  Third and subsequent offenses will receive a zero and a referral.

  

Please share this  information with your parents. 

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