1

English/Language Arts II Honors

DCPS Course #13035
North Dorchester High School
Instructor: Mr. Michael Pagliaro
Email: pagliarom@dcpsmd.org

Room: B-8
Period: 1-2, 3-4

Course Description
This tenth grade course is the second in a series designed to continue to develop and refine
reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. It addresses the Common Core State Standards
for English and offers a challenging experience to students with strong reading and writing
skills. The pace and content of this course equip students to succeed in courses that demand
effective writing and critical reading, and to met the challenges of many postsecondary
career and educational opportunities. The course includes some preparation for college
entrance tests, and requires students to write an informative research paper. This course
requires students to take the High School Assessment in English/PARCC test that is
required for graduation. Prerequisite English/Language Arts I.
Goals
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
Analyze literature based on fundamental features of literary criticism.
Respond creatively and critically in a variety of methods to thematic content.
Control language by applying the conventions of Standard English and rhetorical
techniques in writing and speaking.
Evaluate the content, organization, and language of various texts.
Course Requirements
Students must complete the following activities:
Read complete texts independently and respond to the text in writing.
Participate in a variety of writing experiences: persuasive compositions,
comparison and contrast compositions, character analyses, informative essays, and
personal narratives.
Research a topic and write a research/synthesis paper according to specific
guidelines.
Complete weekly vocabulary and grammar activities and tests.
Use the writing process for all essays, and type final drafts according to MLA
(Modern Language Association) format.
Complete visual, spatial, and performative activities individually and in groups
Take a final exam that will count 10% of the final grade.

Texts
Orwell, George. Animal Farm
Wiesel, Elie. Night
Shakespeare, William. "The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar"
Selected shorter works from:
Allen, Janet et al. Holt McDougall Literature, Grade 10. Orlando, Fl; Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, 2012.

Required Materials
1. Binder: one section dedicated for English class
2. Journal or spiral notebook (cloth-bound is okay)
3. Writing utensils (pens are okay)
Units of Study
Unit Description

Manipulating Structure for Effect

Units:
1. Plot, Setting, Mood
2. Characterization and Points of View
3. Narrative Device and Theme

Quarter
Q1
(August 26October 29)

Writing Focus:
- Narrative Writing
- Analytical Writing
Major Assignments:
Short Story

Message and Meaning

Units:
4.: Symbolism
5. Author's Perspective and Purpose
6. Argument and Persuasion

Q2
(November 1January 19)

Writing Focus:
- Informative Writing
- Persuasive Writing
Major Assignments:
Animal Farm
Debate

Sound and Sense

Units:
7. The Language of Poetry
8. Author's Style and Voice
9. Historical and Cultural Context
Writing Focus:
- Analytic Writing
Major Assignments:
Poetry Analysis Project
Night

Q3
(January 22March 30)

3
Unit Description
Drama and Media
Units:
10. Greek Tragedy and Medieval Romance
11. Shakespearean Drama

Quarter
Q4
(March 31-June
10)

Major Assignments:
"The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar"
Final Exam

Grading Policy (Per Quarter)

Mid-term and final examinations, benchmarks, a writing portfolio, quizzes, tests, homework,
and class work will all contribute to the students grade. Grades will be averaged using a
70% summative (tests, projects, and quizzes) and 30% formative (class work, homework,
warm ups) system.
Categories

Percent of Total Term Grade

Assessments

70%

Other Criteria

30%

Examples of Types of
Assignments
Tests, Quizzes
(minimum 4 per term)
Class work
Participatory grades
(minimum 9 per term)

How Your Grade is Determined This Year

Q1
Percentage
Y1

45%

Components of Course Grade Calculations

Q2
Midterm
Q3
Q4
Final
Exam
Exam
45%
10%
45%
45%
10%
Semester 1 (S1)
Semester 2 (S2)
50%
50%

Course
Grade
%100
100%

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the un-credited use of another author's words in your work, whether
intentional or unintentional. Plagiarism will result in having to re-do the assignment and
parent contact.
Homework & Late Policy
All students have been assigned textbooks and have access to an online and physical
textbook for reading assignments outside the classroom. Parents and students should
expect daily homework assignments that include reading and/or writing.
Every day an assignment is late (save for an excused absence) will result in the loss of
%10 of points, to a maximum of %50 (5 days late).
If you have any other questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to let me know. I am here to
support your success.