Pre-AP English II 2012-2013 Course Syllabus Penny White Room #86 E-mail: penny.white@warren.kyschools.us Schedule: 1 st block: English II 2 nd block: Pre-AP English II 3 rd period: SWORD 4 th period: Planning 5 th period: Pre-AP English II Course Objectives: Pre-AP English II is designed to meet the criteria set forth in Kentucky s Core Content, College Readiness Standards, and the Program of Studies. During this course, students will 1. learn to enjoy, appreciate, and recognize the elements of literature. 2. demonstrate an understanding of grammar, mechanics, and usage. 3. use new vocabulary words in context. 4. analyze critical interpretations of literary works. 5. write a well-developed essay, using a strong thesis as the basis. 6. research a given topic by using technology and other sources and correctly documenting all sources by adhering to the MLA format. 7. to develop skills of literary discussion in terms of speaking, listening, and writing. 8. write various portfolio-related pieces which will be compiled in the students tenth grade working portfolio. 9. demonstrate various reading strategies while being introduced to new literary works. 10. be adequately prepared for their choice of junior English class and for real-world application. *Because this is a Pre-AP course, we will move at a faster pace than the English II class, and you will have more independent study. In a Pre-AP class, there will be multiple projects happening in the course simultaneously, and you will have more outside reading as well as the in-class reading that we may be covering at the time.
Overview of Content: The following is a list of possible selections that will be read throughout the course of the year. Literature: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom Animal Farm by George Orwell Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Night by Elie Wiesel Antigone by Sophocles Medea by Euripides Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Various short stories and poetry from textbook *Occasionally throughout the year, the students may view a film of an acceptable rating based upon one of the above literary works read and discussed in class. These films may include (but are not limited to) Tuesdays With Morrie, Death of a Salesman, Oprah Winfrey interview with Elie Wiesel regarding his Holocaust experiences as depicted in his novel Night, Julius Caesar, and To Kill A Mockingbird. Writing: Journal writing Formal speech (on-demand practice) Personal Memoir / Short story (portfolio writing) Literary Analysis Essay (portfolio writing) Constructed Responses for EOC prep Other practice on-demand and open response writing activities Grammar: Review parts of speech Parts of a sentence Dependent / Independent clauses Subject-verb agreement Phrases and Clauses Mini-lessons of mechanics, punctuation, usage, and spelling throughout the year as needed Vocabulary: We will practice learning grade-specific PSAT words as well as vocabulary within the context of various literary units. Students will also review and learn new literary terms as provided by the College Board. Practice PLAN / ACT / EOC tests: Sophomores take the PLAN test in the fall. This test is a good predictor of how students will perform on the ACT they take for our state assessment during their junior year; therefore, we will take practice English / Reading ACT tests throughout the year this year. This will also help students achieve the ACT score they need to get into the college of their choice. We will also be taking many practice EOC (End of Course) tests that will help prepare students for this state exam that will be given at the end of the English II course. This exam will count as a portion of their over-all English II grade.
Presentations: At various times throughout the year, students will be involved in group and individual projects which will entail standing up in front of the class and presenting their findings to their peers. *At the teacher s discretion, the above information may be substituted or changed based on the availability of materials or modification of policy / curriculum. Necessary Supplies: Dividers for your three-ring binder which will be supplied by the school (sections for the English II section of your binder should include in-class reading notes, EOC practice, grammar / portfolio writing, vocabulary, and a miscellaneous section) Flashdrive Loose-leaf notebook paper Blue or black ink pens Highlighters Small post-it notes for annotation purposes Pencils Colored Pencils Grades: Grades will be determined on a point system. Your total points divided by the total possible earned points will determine your grade. Grades may reflect homework, quizzes (including pop), tests, projects, presentations, participation, writing, etc. Please make an effort to keep up with your own grades throughout the course of the semester. The grading scale will follow the Warren County policy: A=90-100 C=70-79 F=0-59 B=80-89 D=60-69 Homework and Tests: Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Smaller homework assignments will not be accepted late after one day. These include answering questions over a short story, reading notes, etc. Larger assignments such as essays, portfolio pieces, etc. will be accepted late, but ten points will be deducted for each day it is late. In the event of an excused absence, it will be the student s responsibility to check with me to see what was missed. The student will have three days to make up any missed assignments. Late work must be handed directly to me to receive any credit. Please utilize ESS to make-up missed tests / quizzes. Cheating: Cheating WILL NOT be tolerated in my class. Cheating is stealing anyone else s work and calling it your own. This includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student; text messaging, downloading from the Internet, plagiarism, and/or using cheat sheets. If any of this behavior is observed, you will receive a zero on the assignment or test and disciplinary action may follow.
ESS: Extended school services ar offered each Thursday from 2:30-4:00 pm. Students may make up quizzes, tests, or receive free tutoring services during ESS sessions. Tardies: You must be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings. Check in at the front office if you are late to school or first period. Classroom Rules: Students will: 1. Follow all school rules. Cell phones and ipods are NOT allowed to be used in the classroom. They must be out of sight and turned OFF. If a cell phone specifically is seen or heard or used in my classroom, it will be taken immediately and turned in to the front office. 2. Be respectful of teachers, students, materials, etc. Do not bother others belongings (this includes your fellow students or myself as your teacher my belongings or desk or computer)! This also includes being courteous and considerate; profanity will not be tolerated. 3. Be prepared (on time, work complete, supplies ready, no sleeping, etc.) Please bring your textbook, a writing utensil, and notebook / paper to class daily. Students will NOT be allowed to go back to the locker to get materials needed for class. Discipline action may be a consequence if the student comes to class without necessary supplies, including his / her textbook. Also, please make sure to put your first and last name on ALL assignments, tests, quizzes. All assignments must have name, class period, and date. 4. Be willing to learn and participate. This will make the class much more exciting and beneficial for all. 5. No whining / complaining allowed. The only attitude that is allowed in my classroom is a positive one. If you have a legitimate concern, please see me privately, and we will discuss the matter in a mature manner. I look forward to working with each of you this school year. I am positive that we can work together to have an exciting educational year! I will do my best to help each and every one of you achieve success and meet the goals set. Please feel free to ask questions, or request extra help. I am available before and after school and during my planning period to talk or meet with you and your parents. Let s all work together for a GREAT year! Mrs. White
Teacher / Student & Parent or Guardian Agreement It is so important that the teacher, student, and parent / guardian work together to make this a successful educational experience. Please read and sign below to signify the beginning of this academic endeavor. I have read and understood the syllabus. I agree to comply with the rules and procedures and meet all expectations. _ Student signature date I have read and understood the syllabus. I agree to support the student and Mrs. White while trying to meet all expectations for a successful year. Please remember that this contract is also your permission / consent form to view any films that may be shown related to our content. Parent/guardian signature date Email address Phone numbers (home, work, and/or cell) Address