10th+Grade+Syllabus


 * Ms. Walker **  ** Email-lwalker@abschools.org **   **__ Website __**__ - http://mswalkerab.wikispaces.com __   ** English II 2011 - 2012 **

__ Course Description: __ In this course, we will study American literature. We have four themes for the year and will examine how these themes connect to our lives, poetry, short stories and novels.

__ Course ____ Readings ____ : __ In English II, we will explore historical concepts, literature and contemporary culture that fit each thematic unit. The units include:

// The //// Glass //// Castle // by Jeannette Walls “Self Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson “Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau “Road Not Taken” and “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost
 * Identity **

// A Raisin in the Sun // by Lorraine Hansberry Book Clubs “Narrative of a Life” by Frederick Douglass “Indian Education” by Sherman Alexie Poetry by Hughes, Brooks, and Angelou
 * Injustice **

// The Crucible // by Arthur Miller // Life as We Knew It // by Susan Beth Pfeffer // Dead Poet’s Society // “Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Poetry by Whitman
 * Loyalty **

// The Catcher in the //// Rye // by J.D. Salinger “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards Poetry by Bradstreet, Poe, Longfellow and Whitman
 * Happiness **

__ Classroom Expectations: __

**Rules** 1. Respect your own intellect and ability to succeed.

2. Respect everyone in the class. This includes listening while others speak and valuing the backgrounds, ideas and personal choices of others. 4. Follow the guidelines for Academic Integrity.

Turn off and put away all cell phones and electronic equipment **//before the bell rings.//** If I **//see or hear//** equipment during class, I will take and keep it for the remainder of the school day.
 * Electronics **

__ Materials: __

You need a three ring binder with lined paper. You will receive handouts and packets, which you should keep in your binder for easy reference. I will provide you with a journal that you will write in frequently in class and for homework.

__ Class participation __ :

Each quarter, participation counts for part of your grade. This grade is based on how much you contribute to class discussions and group work. I also expect to see respect, genuine interest, curiosity and willingness to engage in the material.

__ Homework: __

Homework is a way for you to better understand the course work; thorough completion of homework will bring you greater success with tests, essays and projects. I will check homework during class, and you will only receive credit if you adequately complete the assignment. When appropriate, I will give half credit for late homework. Your final homework grade will result from the amount of homework assignments that you completed.

__Final Grades:__

// Approximately 70% of your grade will consist of the following: //

Writing, Tests, Projects, Presentations

//Approximately 30% of your grade will consist of the following://

Quizzes, Homework, Participation

__ Attendance and Make-Up Work __ :

Regular attendance is necessary for success in this course. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to contact me and/or check the website for make up work. If you arrive late to class, be sure you have a pass.

I expect you to hand in assignments on time. **I will deduct 5 points from your grade for each day that a major assignment is late. If you are in school during a test, in-class essay, or quiz without an excused absence, you will receive a zero for that assignment.** I realize that you have personal problems or concerns in your life. If I speak with you or your guidance counselor about a personal issue, I can make exceptions to the late policy.

__Extra Help:__

I encourage you to seek help from me and from your peers. If you need help, I am available during 3rd and 4th period every day, 2nd period on Tuesdays and 8th period on Mondays. I am also available after school by appointment.


 * Welcome! I am looking forward to a great year! **