Rm. 321
(714) 626-4535
Class website: www.bookteacher.org
The purpose of this course is to give you a solid background in the proper use of the English language, both written and spoken. To achieve this objective, we will analyze American literature; practice interpretation and the writing process; explore parallels between literature and art; strengthen critical thinking skills; and engage in public speaking. We will adhere to the California Language Arts Content Standards and state criteria, which you can access at the following link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/BE/ST/SS/enggrades11-12.asp
v You will reflect on and make connections to our society, the world, and humanity through assigned reading, writing, and discussion.
v You will continue the development of writing skills through interpretive essays, research projects, vocabulary, and creative assignments.
v You will continue to compile your written work in a writing portfolio to monitor your progress and growth.
v You will analyze plays, poetry, short stories, and novels in the core curriculum.
v You will explore different perspectives in class discussion and group situations.
v You will be studying Ethan Frome, The Great Gatsby, The Glass Menagerie, Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, Fahrenheit 451, various short stories, poetry, the research process, and SAT vocabulary.
Each assignment will be worth a number of points based on its complexity. Your scores can range from ten to fifty points, depending on the assignment. Tests and projects are typically worth fifty points, though major projects can be worth seventy-five to one hundred points. Homework varies from ten to thirty points. Your grade will be determined by point accumulation as well as effort and participation. You will lose points for not coming to class prepared, e.g., unfinished homework or necessary class materials. Always be diligent.
Totaled grades will be determined using the following scale:
90-100%= A 80-89%= B 70-79%= C 60-69%= D 0-59%= F
Grades will be posted intermittently throughout each semester. I neither weigh nor round-up grades. The grade you earn is the grade you will receive.
I do not accept late work unless you have an excused absence. It is your responsibility to find out the assignments on the class website and print what you missed during your absence. You will have two days to make up the work for every excused absence. Handouts will be available online.
When you turn in work after an excused absence, boldly write the date/s you were absent at the top of your make-up assignment as well as the day you are turning it in. Make-up tests will be given Fridays during class, unless otherwise designated, and must be taken the Friday following your absence (even if you are absent on a Thursday). Tests that are not made up will be marked zero, no exceptions. It is your responsibility to ask for the test when you walk into the classroom on Friday. Reading checks cannot be made up.
Since I do not accept late work, it is important to stay on top of your assignments. Your handouts will include guidelines for the given assignment and due dates. Please take any additional notes on the handout and keep it in your notebook. You can always refer to the assignment handout and know what to do and when it is due. If you are ever unclear on my expectations for an assignment, please ask me to explain. I am happy to help you understand what you need to do.
You will be required to reflect on, interpret, or directly respond to the literature we are studying through writing assignments and/or discussion. You will be graded on class participation. Class discussion is a significant part of this class because it enriches and enforces what you are learning. It also makes things interesting!
You will be responsible for a group of SAT vocabulary words each week, on which you will be quizzed every Friday.
You will be expected to take notes on every unit lecture. The information that I provide in class will be helpful when it comes to writing essays and studying for tests; therefore, you should be ready to take meaningful notes at any time. It is important to copy your homework partners’ notes if you are absent.
Attendance is crucial to your success in this class. Every student must come to class regularly and on time. You will receive one benefit of the doubt for your first unexcused tardy, but any thereafter will result in disciplinary action, including possible detention and/or a call home.
Please have your parents read and sign this document next to your signature. Detach the signature portion of this page and turn it in to me. Keep this course description in your English notebook at all times.
By signing, I indicate that I understand all class requirements and acknowledge the consequences for failing to meet them. I understand that, while this course description provides a detailed explanation of class requirements, I am encouraged to seek clarification of them from the teacher. I also understand that it is important to discuss with the teacher any difficulties I may be experiencing in meeting class requirements so that workable solutions to the problems may be found.
Parent name (Print):
______________________________________
Parent signature:
______________________________________
Your name (Print):
______________________________________
Your signature:
______________________________________