ENGLISH 12                                                                                      Mrs. Brown

British Literature                                                                                 GHS Room 127

Periods 2, 3, 4, & 5                                                                              2005-2006

                                                                                               

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

“This course presents the cultural development of British Literature and literature of other cultures stressing major literary forms, themes, and techniques in an interdisciplinary approach.  The student will develop expository and technical writings.  Comprehensive oral presentation and research projects will reflect organizational skills, audience awareness, and appropriate vocabulary/grammar” (YCSD, Secondary Program of Studies Registration and Information Guide).

 

TEXTS:

The English Tradition, Prentice-Hall

Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition Complete Course

Selected novels and supplementary texts

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

Please noteàChanges and modifications to this syllabus will be made at the teacher’s discretion.

The presentation of literature in this course will follow the chronological arrangement of the textbook.  Each quarter, students will read a variety of literary genres and authors.  Students will also complete writing assignments (formal, documented papers & informal papers), oral presentations, vocabulary and grammar activities, memory work, and homework assignments related to each unit.  Students will also read and compose technical writing.  Technology is an integral part of English 12, and students will be expected to use various software programs as well as online and database sources for research and study.

 

First Semester

§         Historical information relevant to the development of English language & literature

§         Literature: Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, Seventeenth Century

§         Major Works:  Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew

§         Writing, oral presentations, memory work, vocabulary, journals, various homework, tests, quizzes, projects, and extra credit

 

Second Semester

§         Historical information relevant to the development of English language & literature

§         Literature: Seventeenth Century, Restoration & Eighteenth Century, Romantic, Victorian, Modern, & Contemporary

§         Major Works:  The Importance of Being Earnest, Pygmalion, Animal Farm, Brave New World

§         Writing, oral presentations, memory work, vocabulary, journals, various homework, tests, quizzes, projects, and extra credit

 

GHS GRADING SCALE:                               CALCULATING SEMESTER GRADES:

A                      92-100                                                              quarter grade  X   2

B                      84-91                                                                quarter grade  X   2

C                      75-83                                                                + exam grade   X   1

D                     67-74                                                                Total / 5 = Semester grade

F                      66 and below                            Final grade= each semester counts 50%

 

EVALUATION:

20%                 Daily work (including classwork, homework, and participation)

35%                 Quizzes, journals, memory work, informal writing assignments

45%                 Tests, projects & presentations, formal writing assignments

Assignments that combine these elements will be detailed for the student.  For instance, a major project may include classwork grades as well as a writing or presentation grade.

*A variety of extra credit opportunities will be provided during the year.*

 

Participation Rubric:

Participation is just one component of your daily work grades.  Below is a general description of the expected participation in this course.

 

 

 

A

Student is consistently on-task, attentive during instruction and discussion, and actively participates in discussion, classwork, or groupwork.  Student accomplishes assigned objectives and tasks according to instructions given and contributes to the class in positive ways.  If this student finishes a task ahead of the group, he/she begins work on other outstanding tasks for this course on his/her own initiative.

B

Student is on-task, attentive during instruction and discussion, and actively participates in discussion, classwork, or groupwork a majority of classtime.  Student may get somewhat off-task, but will not need to be redirected more than one time.  This student may offer fewer or less insightful contributions than an A student, but still engages in discussion.  Student accomplishes assigned objectives and tasks according to instructions given and contributes to the class in positive ways.  If this student finishes a task ahead of the group, he/she begins work on other outstanding tasks for this course but may need to be prompted to do so.

C

Student is on-task, attentive during instruction and discussion, and participates in discussion, classwork, or groupwork some of the time.  This student offers few contributions to discussion or classwork/groupwork or offers superficial contributions.  Student may accomplish assigned objectives and tasks according to instructions given, but work is below expectations or incomplete.  If this student finishes a task ahead of the group, he/she must be instructed to work on other outstanding tasks and may need more than one prompting to do so.

D

Student is periodically off-task and inattentive during instruction and discussion.  Student does not participate actively in discussion, classwork or groupwork.  Student makes little or no progress toward completing assigned tasks.  Student may be disruptive or counterproductive to goals of class.  Student may require disciplinary action.

F

Student is regularly off-task and inattentive during instruction and discussion.  Student does not participate in discussion, classwork or groupwork.  Student makes little or no progress toward completing assigned tasks.  Student may be disruptive or counterproductive to goals of class or disregards instructions.  Student requires disciplinary action.  Quick way to an F:  sleeping, skipping, disregarding class rules/instructions.

 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

The GHS English Department has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding cheating, plagiarism, and sharing or copying homework.  In such instances, a referral to an administrator will be made without exception and when multiple students are involved, all can expect such action.  Academic dishonesty may also result in a grade of “O” on an assignment.


MATERIALS:  The following items should be brought to class daily unless otherwise noted.

ü      GHS Agenda—This is your hall pass as well as a place to record assignment information.

ü      Writing Utensils: Pencil and/or pen with blue or black ink. All assignments should be completed in pencil or blue or black ink unless otherwise specified by the teacher.  Failure to do so may result in point deductions on the assignment.

ü      Required textbook (as indicated by the teacher).

ü      3-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper.  It is suggested that you divide your notebook into sections including Journal, Class Notes, & Assignments.  Students should subdivide class notes and assignments in a way that fits their personal organizational styles.

ü      Highlighter, whiteout product, and personal hole puncher, stapler, etc. are supplies that are recommended but not required. A hole puncher, stapler, tape dispenser, and pencil sharpener for class use may be found at the back wall of the classroom.

 

CLASS RULES:

1.       ALL GHS RULES & POLICIES APPLY AND WILL BE ENFORCED.

2.       Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to others at all times.

3.       Students are expected to arrive at class prepared—this means on time with the appropriate materials, with all homework and assigned reading completed, and ready for discussion.  CLASS BEGINS WHEN THE TARDY BELL RINGS.

4.       Please refrain from eating in class.  Eat snacks & lunch during lunchtime! (EXCEPTION: You may have water in a plastic spill-proof container. Clean up after yourself.)

5.       Students are encouraged to take restroom and water breaks between classes or during lunch, and such breaks during instructional time will be discouraged.

 

ATTENDANCE, MAKEUP, and LATE WORK POLICIES:

Students are expected to be familiar with the GHS policies regarding attendance, tardiness, and makeup work as outlined in the Student Handbook.  THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR SENIORS!!! 

 

IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHAT NOTES AND ASSIGNMENTS WERE MISSED DURING AN ABSENCE.  Students should get notes, assignments, etc. from a classmate.  Check the class folder & notebook section for your class (located on the front board) for information. 

 

IMPORTANT:  Make-up work is not accepted in the case of unexcused tardies, unexcused absences, or suspension except in accordance with YCSD policy.  In such instances, a student may complete work and submit it to keep up with material, but a grade of “0” will be recorded.  This includes unannounced quizzes and other work given during class time or previously assigned work that is collected on the day of an absence as described above. 

 

Late work will occasionally be accepted on daily work assignments. Five (5) points will be deducted per calendar day, and assignments will not be accepted later than the next class meeting (2 calendar days for a 7th period class).  Most major assignments and long-term assignments will NOT be accepted late except in the case of unexpected, excused absences.

 

SENIOR FINAL EXAM EXEMPTIONS:

Seniors may earn an exemption from the final examination in this course, but all students are required to take the midterm examination.  Refer to the Student Handbook for specific exemption criteria.  While academic performance in this class is factor in determining exemption, be aware that students’ good citizenship and attendance are also considerations.