Sophomore English: 2009-2010

Ms. Elliot elliote@loswego.k12.or.us

Room 207: Preps: A4 & B3

Additional Help Sessions: M – F 7:00 a.m.; T & Th until 3:30 p.m.

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to your sophomore year of high school! Most of you have a year of LOHS under your belts and should be feeling more confident than you did this time last year. In its own way, the sophomore year is a challenge. You know the system and have a new class of freshmen under you, but it’s still another year until it’s time to make college plans and two years until graduation. Together, we’ll do our best to make it a good and successful year for us both.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The sophomore curriculum is designed to focus on our cultural heritage. We will explore “the heroic” and themes of accepting individual responsibility and making ethical choices in the literature we read and write about, as well as in our personal lives. We will examine the foundation of our culture and literary symbolism in Greek mythology and Biblical parables, and apply them as we trace the ultimate quest: human search for self from these ancient beginnings through modern day examples. We’ll read short stories, novels, drama, and poetry targeting these interrelated themes.

This course builds on your background in the study of literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Specifically, you will further develop skills in:

· Reading – comprehension, interpretation, and developing critical responses

· Writing – writing as a process, MLA research format, and modes of expression with emphasis

on expository, narrative, and persuasive

· Listening – active, accurate, and critical listening

· Speaking – class discussion, presenting arguments, delivery, presentation skills

· Thinking – logical, critical, and creative

· Study skills –organization, goal setting, time management

GOALS:

1. Understand and appreciate the role of literature in shaping and reflecting culture.

2. Understand the influence changing Western culture has had on the ways people make choices.

3. Recognize the origins of Western literature, literary allusions and recurring patterns in current literature, and the role they play in moral and ethical development in humankind.

4. Participate in group discussions, classroom activities, and assignments.

5. Understand and use the writing process.

6. Write short essays in the narrative, expository, and persuasive modes, and an MLA guided research paper.

7. Further refine and develop more complex written and oral communication, recognizing varying audiences and applying necessary conventions.

8. Develop and implement an effective personal system of organization to meet deadlines.

UNITS OF STUDY: Tentative order and schedule of progress:

1. Greek Mythology 5 weeks 7. MLA Research Paper 4 weeks

2. Personal Odyssey writing 2 weeks 8. Macbeth 4 weeks

3. Biblical Literature 4 weeks 9. A Separate Peace 4 weeks

4. Of Mice and Men 4 weeks 10. The Kite Runner 3 weeks

5. Expository/persuasive writing 2 weeks 11. Final Project 3 weeks

6. Arthurian Legends 3 weeks + 2 Final Exam Weeks ending Sem. 1 & Sem. 2

Texts: All texts/novels will be checked out to you and will be your responsibility. Return after exams each semester.

MATERIALS:

· A Notebook w/paper you can easily organize and get assignments in and out of efficiently.

· Pens/pencils/at least one or two colored markers and a highlighter

· Assignment notebook, electronic organizer, or other organizer

· Homework assignment and text

Bring all of these materials to class on a daily basis.

Materials check (5 pts.):

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

RESPECT – That’s a KEY word for me!

· for/toward others – including classmates, guests, subs, and me

· for property – take care of your things and your things only; do NOT write on desks

· for self – do your best; accept consequences of your actions

Your success in this class will be greatly enhanced IF you are conscientious about the following guidelines:

· Conduct yourself in a civilized manner

· Come to class on time ready to learn

· Do not disrupt others’ learning

· Turn in all work and do so on time

Should you choose to act out or follow your own agenda, there will be consequences for your actions. They are as follows:

ZERO TOLERANCE = Immediate referral/administrative intervention

· ANY racial/ethnic slurs or sexual harassment

· ANY threatening remarks

· ANY physical violence

DISRUPTING THE LEARNING PROCESS or similar offense = “Consequence Ladder”

· talking out of turn/bothering your neighbor

· chronic requests to visit bathroom/health room/locker

· chronic excuses for missing homework deadlines or incomplete homework

· food/drink in class (other than water)—1 warning, then referral

“Consequence Ladder” = 1^st offense = verbal warning

2^nd offense = separation from problem

3^rd offense = discipline referral

PLAGIARISM = masking others’ work as your own. This is a serious offense. Not only will the first offense result in a zero on the assignment, you will earn a referral, a phone call, and you will lose my respect and trust. Consequences escalate for 2^nd+ violation. Examples:

Ÿ Copying homework

Ÿ Using research material without proper citation

Ÿ “Borrowing” portions or full essays or other written material from another

Cell Phones/Music Devices: None. Period. I see/hear them; I will turn them over to Mr. Lovelin. He will keep them for no less than 24 hrs.

IN ADDITION, ALL SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS WILL BE ENFORCED.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is crucial to your success! Because of our block schedule, every day missed is equivalent to two regular school days. Besides making up missed assignments when you are absent, missing a class does not allow you to be part of the discussion or lecture that day which cannot be made up.

Absences: It is your responsibility to initiate arrangements for and completion of make-up work.

· E-mail me elliote@loswego.k12.or.us or see me for assignments and to arrange a make-up session before or after school.

· If a quiz or test is NOT made up within a week, it will revert to a ZERO. This is your responsibility!

· In general, you will receive one day to make up an assignment for each excused absence; see late work policy.

· If you were present on a day a test/quiz/essay was assigned, the original due date will hold.

· Talk to a classmate to help fill-in information missed.

· Pre-arranged absences: see me and pick up work before you leave. Work due upon return.

· Work may not be made up for unexcused absences.

Tardies: Be on time!

3^rd tardy = verbal warning 4^th tardy = referral

BE SURE YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY!

HOMEWORK & LATE WORK POLICY:

Homework will continue to make a significant impact on your grade, particularly through 1^st semester; 2^nd semester, homework grades will shift to discussion participation grades, preparing you for your junior year.

F You are expected to use an organizer (planner)

F it is your responsibility to write assignment due dates from the homework board and fulfill

expectations.

F Late work will be penalized each day; at 1 week late, a complete assignment reverts to 50% credit. After 1 week, homework will not be accepted.

ASSESSMENTS & EVALUATION:

General Assignment Weights—Homework/In-class Discussion: 10 pts., Quizzes: 20 pts., Tests/Essays/Projects 50+ pts.

90 – 100+ = A- - A+: Exceeds expectations, consistent high quality work, outstanding participation

80 – 89 = B- - B+: Above average work, complete and good quality, consistent participation

70 – 79 = C- - C+: Average work, developing skills/understanding, should participate actively

60 – 69 = D- - D+: Poor quality work, need to apply effort, seek additional help, not participating

Below (F): Enough Said