YORK HIGH SCHOOL

Syllabus 2007-2008

Instructor: Ms. Barnett Telephone: 757-833-2481

Fax# 757-898-8235 E-Mail: abarnett@ycsd.york.va.us

1. Course Title: Freshman Seminar

2. Text(s): Write Source: A Book for Writing, Thinking and Learning
Reader’s Handbook: A Student Guide for Reading and Learning

SRA Reading Laboratory

3. Course Description: Freshman Seminar is designed to assist students develop skills to
facilitate social interactions in school both in and outside of the
classroom setting; relate academic achievement to educational and
professional goals for the future; develop skills to facilitate academic
success; apply knowledge of the reading process, reading strategies,
and vocabulary skills to comprehend textbooks, nonfiction, the
Internet, and graphics as well as a variety of selections read for
enrichment; and use the writing process to prepare narrative,
expository, and research texts with correct grammar, capitalization,
punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing.

4. Competencies: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to accomplish the
following Standards of Learning:

9.1-The student will plan, present, and critique dramatic readings of literary selections.
9.2-The student will make planned oral presentations.
9.3- The student will read and analyze a variety of literature.
9.4- The student will read and analyze a variety of informational materials (manuals, textbooks,
business letters, newspapers, brochures, reports, catalogs) and nonfiction materials,
including journals, essays, speeches, biographies, and autobiographies.

9.5- The student will read dramatic selections.
9.6- The student will develop narrative, expository, and informational writings to inform,
explain, analyze, and entertain.
9.7- The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
sentence structure, and paragraphing.
9.8- The student will credit the source of both quoted and paraphrased ideas.
9.9- The student will use print, electronic databases, and online resources to access information.

THIS SYLLABUS MAY BE MODIFIED DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR

5. Course Outline:

First Semester

A. Social Skills
School Community
Self-Concept/ Visualization
Listening
Verbal/ Non-verbal Communication
Group Work
Conflict Resolution

B. Study Skills
Learning Skills
Time Management and Organization
Cornell Note-taking
Test Preparation
Test Taking

C. Reading
The Reading Process
Reading Know-How
Reading for Enrichment
Reading Textbooks, Nonfiction, the Internet, and Graphics
Vocabulary
D. Writing
The Writing Process
Elements of Writing
Narrative Writing
Expository Writing
Research Writing

E. Final Project

Exams: Jan. 22 - 25

Second Semester

A. Writing
The Writing Process
Elements of Writing
Narrative Writing
Expository Writing
Research Writing
B. Preparing for Life After High School
Academic Achievement
Educational and Occupational Exploration
Setting Career Goals
Seeking Employment
Successful Employment
Exams: June 9 – 12

Course Requirements: Here are the supplies you will need EVERY day:
A three ring binder, loose-leaf paper, and blue or black ink pens.

6. Attendance Policy: To comply with Virginia State Law, students are expected to attend
school everyday and be on time unless there is an illness or death in
the immediate family. Refer to your student handbook about lateness
and attendance policies.

7. Evaluation:
Homework 10%
Class work 20%
Test/essays/projects 40%
Quizzes 30%

8. Classroom Procedures and Expectations for English Class:

PLEASE:

1. DO – be polite, courteous, mature, and respectful to all.

2. DO – raise your hand and wait to be called on.

3. DO – stay in your seat.

4. DO – work to the bell.

5. DO – bring your textbook, materials, and notebook everyday.

PLEASE:

1. DON’T – sleep.

2. DON’T – eat or drink in the classroom.

3. DON’T – be disrespectful either in speech or action.

4. DON’T – use profanity or rude gestures.

5. DON’T – groom yourself in the classroom.

WHY? This is your education – work hard for it. Each item about either adds to or detracts from YOUR education. The rewards, benefits, and losses go to YOU.

9. Homework/Make-up work:
You are responsible for doing the assignments. You’ll know when they are due. If you have an excused absence, then you can make up the work. If your absence is unexcused, you can accomplish work, but the grade cannot be counted.

10. Classwork/Homework

Upper left corner, respecting the margin, should have your name, date, and period. Work is to be legible and neatly done in ink. Homework is individual work not group work. Use parts of the question in your answer. Skip a line between answers. Use standard loose-leaf paper. Rough Drafts: skip every other line and write on both sides of the paper. Final Versions: Write on every line and write only on one side of the paper. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation all count.

WHY? This is your job. Following directions is an important skill.

This is a team effort. As the teacher, my job is to create a classroom environment where you can learn. My goal is that you work at your highest potential at all times, earn the best grades you can, and move on to English 10 and eventually to your future as an adult. As the student, your job is to work hard and care about yourself and your future. I look forward to a great year. Please come to me if you have any questions and please don’t hesitate to let me know if you don’t understand something we have done in class. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!