English IV Syllabus 2013-2014

Class Facebook: Mrs. Combs Senior English Email: ccombs@putnamcityschools.org Phone: 789-4350 ext. 2149

Extra Help: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m.) or by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to prepare students to function as informed, productive citizens in our society and to realize personal fulfillment by the reading the language of great literature and exploring the images, techniques and ideas of great writers. As the student reads the literature, he/she will attempt to discover its relevance to life and express thoughts about it. Additionally, this class aims to prepare students for post-high school endeavors, both career- and college-related. Students will comprehend the following objectives regarding literature: Literature offers a parallel in understanding ourselves and society. Literature emulates human circumstances and state of being. Literature deals with universal themes. Students will work throughout the year to answer the following questions: How does literature contribute to the understanding of self and society? How does literature emulate human circumstances and condition? In what ways does literature express universal themes? Must heroes be flawless? How have historic events shaped the literature of a period? Can we learn anything from authors from a time and place that is nothing like the world we live in? UNIVERSAL THEMES OF STUDY Rites of Passage. Loss of innocence. Betrayal in various forms: includes self-deception and misconception The individualist in revolt against social conformity, or in conflict with the rules of society. The past as a loss, a value, an obsession, or escape. Conflicting loyalties: Youre in trouble if you do; youre in trouble if you dont. The tragic vanity: A characters attempt to perfect society or his/her part in it.

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY To meet the needs and abilities of all students, classroom activities will include teacherled, student-led, small group, individual, and project/presentation based instruction. Current events, student interests, real-world experiences, music, and technology will be used regularly in order to enhance student engagement and support instruction and learning. Full participation, high quality work, and assignment completion are required. SUPPLIES/MATERIALS NEEDED Binder Notebook Paper Pen or pencil Post-it Notes Highlighters CLASS ATTENDANCE Students who are consistently absent, truant or tardy are typically the ones most likely to actually fail a class. Most students can manage at least a C if they attend and put in an effort. Frequent absences cause students to fall behind and often affect grades. Students who are absent are responsible for finding out what information and assignments they missed. REMEMBER that it is the students responsibility to make up missing assignments after an absence or tardy. REQUIREMENTS Participation is necessary for a successful completion of this course. This course focuses on written and oral communications and college and career readiness as a learning process. Independent reading, completion of assignments and projects, and appropriate behavior in the classroom are also necessary for the completion of this course. School rules and classroom rules always apply CLASS DISCUSSIONS Your beliefs about how the world operates might be challenged however, you will not feel singled out, picked on or silenced. Please recognize that it takes courage to speak in front of a class and treat your classmates with respect. I refuse to tolerate derogatory, ignorant or hateful remarks. I am also subject to these rules. JOURNAL REQUIREMENTS There will be daily journals written in the first 10 minutes of every class. You are required to write for the entire time. Journals will be checked weekly however, the day may vary. ALL journal entries will be graded for completion. IF A STUDENT IS ABSENT, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO MAKEUP THE JOURNAL FOR THAT DAY.

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS Projects: Several of the units culminate in a major project for which students have ample preparation time, and are expected to work outside of class. Informal Writings: Each unit will present opportunities for students to engage in creative writings, responses to in-class essay questions, or paragraph-level responses. Homework: Each unit will also include smaller, but still important assignments. These may include anticipation guides, viewing guides and comprehension worksheets. GRADING SCALE 100%-90%: A 89%-80%: B 79%-70%: C 69%-60%: D <59%: F Grades will not be rounded up. You earn what you earn. So work hard and give it your best. EXTRA CREDIT I offer extra credit infrequently, so it should never be depended on to bring up a students grade significantly I will give students regular feedback on their grades and progress in the class, but students and families are welcome to monitor grades on ParentConnect at any time. LATE WORK, MAKEUP WORK, TARDY AND ABSENCE Late work will be accepted when 1. It is turned in within three calendar days of the original due date. This work will be penalized 50%. 2. Make-up Work/Retesting: a. Make-up work is the students responsibility. If a student misses class on the day of a test, he/she should expect to make up the test within a reasonable amount of time established by the instructor b. All other make-up work must be done within the allotted time, according to school policy. Students should not expect to make up tests, quizzes, etc., during class time. c. Students missing class for extra-curricular activities should arrange for making up work prior to the anticipated absence. **Students are expected to utilize teacher web pages for assignment updates, resources, and makeup work. 3. Students may not receive credit for unexcused absences. 4. Homework due on the day the student returns to class, and assigned prior to the students absence, is expected to be complete when the student returns to class; otherwise, it is considered late.

5. Bell work assignments must be made up. It is up to the student to speak with peers or talk to me during the appropriate time in order to get the writing prompt or other assignment. THE ADMINISTRATIVE STUFF Stuff is a word I would expect you to avoid in your formal, highly intelligent writing. However, it is fitting in discussing the minutiae of our day-to-day existence. Come to class prepared and on time. Putting your stuff done does not equate you being on time each day. You may bring food and beverages to class as long as you consume them like a human being, not a wild creature, and as long as you pick up after yourself. Every day, there will be a short Warm Up article. You will have about 10 minutes from the beginning of class to complete it. Coming late to class or not completing your Warm Up article means you wont get your points. My classroom is a No Whining Zone. Students who miss class for any reason are responsible for missed work. See the class Facebook page (listed at the top of this page) for missing assignments. Deadlines are firm. Work turned in late due to an absence will be counted as late unless the student has an excused absence. It is my expectation that when you need help, you will seek me out. Speak to me after class, after school or by email (listed at the top of this paper). Im here to help you get through this year and graduate, so please ask for help when needed. Simply not doing the work will result in a grade of ZERO. Write your name on all assignments. If you fail to take the effort to write your name, I will fail to take the effort to grade it. No Name papers get thrown away. If you have a disagreement about decision Ive madeyou are always free to disagree with my decisions. I will not tolerate and argument over these items in class since class time is for learning. The best time to talk to me is before or after during school, during my planning period, or you may write me a note or an email. I dismiss you from class, not the bell. FINALLY...I will do all that is in my power to help you succeed in my class. I feel honored to be a part of your SENIOR YEAR. My main goal is to encourage and support my students. I am dedicated to teach you how to become an effective writer and about British literature. However, I also believe we need to learn life lessons as well. When you need help - or even think you might - just ask.