MT.

HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Syllabus
English 12 Honors
Ms. Samantha Duvall
Samantha_Duvall@hcpss.org
Office Hours: Periods 2 & 5 (Room 136/137)
Course Description:
This demanding and intensive course provides students with the opportunities to closely examine
works by major authors from historical, thematic, and structural perspectives. Critical reading of
selected works allows students to deepen their understanding of rhetoric, style, and purpose.
Writing assignments focus on critical thinking and include exposition, analysis, and argumentation.
In addition to out-of-class writing assignments, students are provided with regular opportunities to
respond to writing prompts (both formal and creative) in timed settings.
Required Supplies:
Bound journal (spiral/composition)
Pens, black/blue and red
Highlighters
#2 Pencils
Loose Leaf Paper
Small section in Binder or dedicated English folder
Post-it notes
A note about technology:
We will be using technology inside and outside of class. Time will be given for students to access
the internet outside of class for required assignments. We will be using Edmodo and Turnitin.com
for class assignments and as a repository for class notes and instructions. All HCPSS schools are now
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Phones, laptops, and tablets may be used in class ONLY when
designated by the teacher. Phone use outside of these times will result in confiscation, studentadministrator conferences, and phone calls home.
Class Texts/Major Assignments:
Students will be expected to annotate selected texts. Students are welcome to buy their own
copies of the novels or can make notes in the school texts with post-it notes.
First Quarter
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
College Essays

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Second Quarter
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Research Paper
Third Quarter
A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Senior Writing Project
Fourth Quarter
The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Other selections of novels, poetry, and non-fiction will be integrated into each quarter.
Course Overview
The four English 12 modules provide a general structure for the course and invite flexibility for the
teacher to present each module separately each quarter, combine two modules for a semester
delivery, or select two modules, one for each semester. The module descriptions are provided
below.
European Origins: Tensions between Humans and the Divine focuses on foundational texts.
Students will explore the innate struggle between mankind and the concept of supernatural or
divine preeminence. Students will spend time developing an understanding of the instructional
text, digging deeply into the text to unlock explicit and implicit meaning and to make inter-textual
connections.
Renaissance and Beyond: Hubris, Emotions, and Reasoning addresses the Greek concept of hubris
as it relates to Shakespearean texts and works by iconic Romantic and Victorian poets. Students
will explore a rich variety of genres such as drama, odes, pastoral lyrics, elegy, and dramatic
monologue.
Clash of Ideologies transitions students to a more global perspective of literature and focuses on
conflicts that arise from differing ideologies concerning war, religion, gender roles, social classes,
and philosophy. Students will explore literature through various cultural lenses.
Modern Voices: Self-Actualization allows students to read fiction in which characters struggle
through the process of self-actualization, emerging as empowered or demoralized individuals.
Students will analyze the setting and characters of the anchor text to determine how the writer
makes conscious choices in order to convey the development of the protagonist and the greater
theme of emerging identity. Students will examine the central conflict and the historical context
of the work that construct the impetus for or barrier against the characters self-actualizing
moment.

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Learning Objectives
All units of study for this course address the following major outcomes for the term:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The students will demonstrate the ability to respond to a text by employing various
personal experiences and critical analysis.
The students will demonstrate the ability to compose in a variety of modes by
developing content, employing specific forms, and selecting language appropriate for
a particular audience.
The student will demonstrate the ability to control language by applying the
conventions of Standard English in writing and speaking.
The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate the content, organization, and
language of texts.

Classroom Expectations
Preparation for Class
Students are expected to come to class prepared. This includes having completed assignments
ready for submission as well as bringing the necessary materials to class. Any supplies or texts
borrowed from the teacher should be returned.
Leaving Class
Students may only leave the classroom in emergency situations. Students must have their agenda
books signed by their teacher in order to leave the classroom.
Respect
A cooperative classroom can only function when respect is mutual. This includes respect of
property, peers, and self. Please consider this when making decisions in the classroom.
Lateness to Class Policy:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Offense
1st Offense
2nd Offense
3rd Offense
4th Offense
5th Offense

Consequence
Student-teacher conference
Parent phone call by the teacher/parent conference
After-school detention with the teacher
Detention assigned by the administrator
Administrative discretion

Class Cut Policy:

Offense
a. 1st Offense
b. 2nd Offense
c. Additional Offenses

Consequence
Parent Contact/Detention
Parent Contact & Saturday School Assignment
Discretion of Administrator

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Grading Policy
All grading will be done according to the Howard County standard scale:
A = 90 100%
B = 80 89%
C = 70 79%

D = 60 69%
E = below 60%

Averages will be based on the total number of points earned out of the total number of points
possible. Grades will be rounded up to the next letter grade if they are 0.5% or higher (ex: 89.5%
will be rounded to 90% and will receive an A).
Assignment
Homework
Classwork
Papers
Annotations
Discussion board/Class participation
Projects
Quizzes
Tests
Senior Writing Project

Point Ranges
10-30 points
10-30 points
100 points
50 points
10-30 points
50-100 points
10-30 points
50 points
200 points

1. Homework: Homework is to be completed independently and at home. Reading and

annotating are considered homework assignments. Submission of some homework assignments
must be completed through Turnitin.com. Unexcused late assignments may earn a maximum of 50%
credit. *Please keep in mind that while the teacher will accept late work in this manner,
accumulating grades at 50% credit still equates to a failing grade.
2. Reading and Annotating Texts: Note-taking is graded, and those notes are required to be in the
texts. The alternative to owning the novels is to use a school-issued copy and annotate using PostIt notes.
3. Discussion Board and Class Participation: Turnitin.com hosts a discussion board that we will use
throughout the year. You will be graded for the quality and timeliness of responses on the
discussion board. Class participation will be monitored to ensure that each student is contributing
equally to the development of the class. Edmodo also has a discussion board and that may be used
occasionally for polls and quick responses.
4. Major Assessments: In-class essays, take-home essays, multiple choice tests, and extensive
projects will be worth more points than regular homework assignments. They will be deducted 10%
per day they are late. (See sections 5-9 for the breakdown of assignments.)
5. Tests and Quizzes: Tests will be announced. Announced and unannounced quizzes will be
given. Quizzes will cover reading assignments, vocabulary assignments, and skill exercises. Always
complete homework assignments in order to be prepared for unannounced quizzes. If a test or quiz
is given during an unexcused absence, the student will receive a zero for the assignment. If the

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

student was absent and unexcused on the day a test or quiz is announced, the student will be
expected to take the quiz.
6. Projects and Presentations: Projects and presentations will include group and individual
completion.
7. Compositions: Literary analysis and reflection essays will be assigned throughout the year.
8. Research Paper: Students will complete a research paper that goes beyond literary analysis.
9. The Senior Writing Project: This graduation requirement consists of quarterly reflections and a
final project, all of which is designed to help the students reflect upon their four years of writing.
**Unless otherwise indicated, electronic copies of work will not be accepted. Be sure to arrive at
school early enough if you need to print work in the Media Center before class starts. Any
assignments not submitted during your class period will be considered late. DO NOT EMAIL papers
or assignments to the teacher. Email them to yourself if necessary.
Attendance Policy
A student may make up work and receive a recorded grade for an excused absence only. Upon the
students return to school, it is his/her responsibility to present promptly a written note from
home explaining the absence.
It is the students responsibility to determine what he/she missed while absent. A student is
permitted the same amount of time to complete missed work as the amount of time he/she was
absent. Assignments not completed within this time frame will not receive full credit. Exceptions
may be made in cases of serious illness or other extenuating circumstances.
Quizzes, projects, presentations, tests, and compositions that have been assigned prior to a
students absence are to be taken, submitted, and/or presented on the students first day back in
school. Students may not make up a test during class time but must instead make arrangements to
take the test after school. Make-up tests will be different and possibly more difficult than the
original.
For each day a project, presentation, and/or composition is late, a letter grade will be deducted
from the total score. Late assignments submitted and/or presented after the fifth day will not be
graded. Late assignments will only be accepted for full credit in the event of an excused absence.
It is preferred that students make arrangements to send long-term projects and compositions into
school on the assigned due date.
According to Howard County policy, consideration for denial of credit is mandated when unlawful
absences constitute 5% of a course (9 days total for a class meeting daily, 4.5 days total for a class
meeting every other day).

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Honor Code
Rationale
The goal of all good instruction is to provide opportunity for all students to learn. We expect
students and staff to maintain high standards and strive for continuous improvement. Academic
integrity is an essential component of this process. In addition, we expect students to take
responsibility for their actions and make appropriate choices that promote academic honesty and a
positive learning environment.
This Honor Code document defines academic dishonesty, plagiarism and computer misuse. The
examples provided do not represent a comprehensive list.
The progression of discipline will be implemented concurrently across all departments and
cumulatively throughout a students career at MHHS.
A students disciplinary record is considered during the application process for all honor societies.
A violation of the Honor Code may impact a students continued participation in any honor society
and may impact a teachers choice to complete recommendation letters for college, scholarships,
and other programs.
a)

b)

Definitions and Examples

Academic Dishonesty
i)
Definition:
(1)
Cheating - giving, receiving, or accepting assistance on any form of
academic assignment or assessment.
(2)
Assessment - any form of academic assignment or assessment.
Assessments include (but are not limited to) projects, quizzes, or tests
ii)
Some Examples of Academic Dishonesty:
(1)
Verbally sharing information during or after assessments
(2)
Using non-verbal gestures or cues during an assessment to share
information
(3)
Copying an assignment in whole or in part from another student
(4)
Unauthorized use of study aides, notes, books, data, electronic devices
(ex. calculator) or information during an assessment
(5)
Passing assessment information from one class to members of another
class
(6)
Use of any electronic devices (cell phones, calculator, ipod) to
compromise any assignment or assessment
(7)
Presenting collaborative work as independent work and independent
work as collaborative
(8)
Fabricating data, information or sources in an attempt to pass off madeup material as the result of genuine efforts
Plagiarism
i)
Definition: Plagiarism is presenting the ideas, words or phrases of others as
ones own without acknowledging the source along with proper in-text citation
and use of quotation marks or indentation as appropriate (MLA or APA
guidelines) as well as bibliography/works cited.

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

ii)

c)

Some
(1)
(2)
(3)

Examples of Plagiarism:
Copying and pasting directly from the Internet
Taking an idea from Spark Notes and using it as an original idea
Failing to include citations for information taken from research

Computer Misuse
i)
Definition: Computer Misuse is defined as any violation of HCPSS Policy 8080:
Acceptable Use of Technology. HCPSS technology is intended for instructional
use and school-related business. Any violation of the Acceptable Use of
Technology policy will be addressed as outlined below.
ii)
Some Examples of Computer Misuse:
(1)
Accessing data for which users do not have privilege
(2)
Accessing information prohibited by the provisions of this policy and
these implementation procedures
(3)
Knowingly deploying computer viruses or software with malicious intent
(4)
Violating copyright laws or the privacy rights of others
(5)
Plagiarizing
(6)
Accessing technology via another users account credentials or
facilitating unauthorized access
(7)
Using technology on the HCPSS network that is not in compliance with
current HCPSS computer standards unless approved in writing by the
Superintendent/Designee.
(8)
Bullying/harassment through social networking sites
Consequence and Reflection

a)

First Offense
i.
Zero on the assignment
ii.
Teacher contacts parent/guardian
iii.
Teacher informs administrator

b)

Second Offense
i.
Zero on the assignment
ii.
Teacher contacts parent/guardian
iii.
Teacher informs administrator
iv.
Administrator and counselor meet with student
v.
Saturday School assigned

c)

Third and Subsequent Offense

i.
Zero on the assignment
ii.
Teacher contacts parent/guardian
iii.
Teacher informs administrator
iv.
Further action/consequence at the discretion of the administration

MT. HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL

9440 Old Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-313-2880 (F) 410-313-2543 www.hcpss.org/mhhs

Parent/Guardian and Student Acknowledgment Form

DUVALL 2014

Dear Parent/Guardian:
Please fill out this sheet, detach it and send it back to class with your student. Have your student
place the front pages in his/her notebook for later reference.
Student Name: ______________________________________
Home Address:

____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
______________________________________

Student Mode of Transportation: (circle one)

Bus

Parent Automobile

Student Automobile

Walking

Parent/Guardian(s) Name(s): ____________________________________

Name(s): ____________________________________
Home Phone: ______________________________________
Home Phone: ______________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________________________________
Work Phone: ______________________________________
Work Phone: ______________________________________
E-Mail Address: ___________________________________
E-Mail Address: ___________________________________
Student Signature*:__________________________________Date:________________
Parent(s)Signature*:___________________________________Date:______________
*Signature indicates that the student and parent have read these policies for English 12 Honors with
Ms. Duvall and understand the penalties for any violations.