English II
Excellence is not a skill it is an attitude!!!

 

2011-2012 Syllabus

Instructor:    Mr. LeMay, English Teacher

                        Room: 202

                        Email: mlemay@newmancchs.org

Textbook:  Garden Ten, Prentice Hall Literature, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Course Description:

Various NOVELS are taught with an emphasis on theme development.  Some outside research related to novels is required.  Short stories, poems and Shakespeare plays are also included in the literature segment.  Symbolism in literature is introduced.  Students are required to write a few major papers each semester.  Descriptive writing and literary analysis are part of the curriculum.  The vocabulary series is continued and application is stressed through required usage.  Strong writing skills and a grade of B+ or higher at this level, along with teacher consent, are necessary for Junior T.A.P. English.

Writing:

We will spend time learning the six traits of writing: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, and Conventions.  We will work on both proper grammar and vocab usage in context of writing.  We will also spend time citing credible sources to help solidify the opinions and thesis represented in the writing.  Overall the papers and assignments throughout the school year will help to progress each student’s writing and citation technique.

Reading:

We will read 4 to 5 novels throughout the year which include the following: Lord of the Flies, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Puddin’Head Wilson, and Night.  We will also study Shakespearean writing by reading the play Othello.  The class will be expected to stay up to date on readings, so we can have complete participation in studying the chosen novels for the course.  We will also spend time reading short stories from the English Textbooks, focusing on mainly setting and theme.  Each student will experience a broad range of what is read and will be able to focus on theme development.

Classroom Expectations:

  1. BE PROMPT
  2. BE PREPARED
  3. BE PRODUCTIVE
  4. BE RESPECTFUL

Course Requirements

  1. Textbooks and Novels: Everyone will be issued a textbook or a novel.  It belongs to the school, treat it with respect.  Do not write in it and keep it covered.  You must bring your book to class every day, unless told otherwise.
  2. Notes and Materials: Everyone will need to have notebook paper and a folder for handouts.
  3. Pens: Bring at least 1 pen to class everyday.  I will not provide them for you.  You may use only blue or black ink for assignments, tests, and quizzes.

Class Activities

Lecture/Discussion – this will involve note-taking, class discussion, and in-class work.  We will have interesting topics to discuss, thus involvement is critical to one’s success in the class.

Homework – You will be asked to complete homework for class.  This includes work out of the book, reading, writing, presentations, and group activities/debates.

Quizzes – You will be given quizzes over previously assigned readings and notes.

Tests – You will be assessed over information that we cover during the semester.  You will know what will be covered prior to the day of the test.

Videos/DVD – We will use videos appropriate to what we are learning to help guide class discussion and progress.

Papers - The format for writing requires the following: double spacing, size 12/ Times New Roman font, proper heading in upper right hand corner, and proper source documentation when necessary.

Notebook Check

Everyday when you come in to class you are to write down the learning goals to make sure you know what is to be accomplished for the day.  You will then be graded for the days you have recorded the learning goals.

Assignments

  1. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for full credit.
  2. 24/50 RULE: If you do not have an assignment completed at the beginning of the class period, you have 24 hours to complete the assignment to receive 50% credit.
  3. If you are present the day an assignment was given but absent the day it was due, the work will be due the day you return.  If you are absent for multiple days a deadline will be issued for missed assignments.
  4. Tests and quizzes will be made up the day you return from your absence.  If you are gone multiple days you will need to schedule a time when you can make up the work.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  This includes cheating on exams, copying homework, or turning in any other work that is not your own.  This is a serious offense and will result in an automatic zero.  In most cases, parents will also be notified.