Honors English 11 Syllabus

Honors English 11 – Syllabus – Mr. Leventhal [email protected]

Goals:  To solidify or develop independence in the reading and analysis of complex texts to ensure the ability to develop clear themes, making reading connect to other literature and—more importantly—to life.  Further develop an understanding of how and why intellectual, cultural, physical, and political concerns of the times are reflected in American writing.  Explore how the American writer’s contributions have worked to define and reveal the American identity?  Improve clarity and support in critical essays and use great works of literature as models for our own narrative writing.  Master the essentials of grammar and usage to improve your ability to communicate effectively.

Literature Continuing development of critical reading strategies for use in analyzing significance of particular works:  American Literature  Theme of American Identity  Social/Historical Context of Literature

Novels Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zora Neal Hurston The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain Short Stories – Ernest Hemingway The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald Of Mice and Men– John Steinbeck Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close – Jonathan Safran Foer Independent Research Novel

Plays (time permitting) Othello – William Shakespeare The Crucible – Arthur Miller Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller

Short Stories, Essays and Poetry Selections representing each major literary period in American history will be studied using fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and primary sources.

Writing Continuing development of the five domains of writing: Focus, Content, Organization, Style and Conventions. --Journal Responses --Literary Research/Criticism Paper on an American novel of your choosing --Expository essays (in-class and out-of-class) --Personal/narrative essays --Creative pieces --Timed writing pieces in preparation for standardized tests and college expectations Oral Presentations Continuing development of focus, content, organization and comfort while presenting in front of large and small groups.

Paired Short Story and/or Novel Presentation – 1 per year

Vocabulary and Grammar

 Completion of Sadlier-Oxford vocabulary program level G  Word root and word form study  Study of usage and punctuation  Preparation for SAT  $12.00 to CRHS South Activities - English

Grading

 Each marking period will contain four or five vocabulary tests worth 20% of your grade  Writing processes and products, tests, quizzes and homework assignments worth 80% of your grade  Your diligence, reliability and participation will be the determining factor in borderline situations.

Assignments and Tests

 This course is a literature based course; the largest percentage of your homework will be the active and critical reading of a wide variety of texts; you must do that reading to be successful in this class. You will annotate everything that you read. You will be expected to think deeply about everything that you read. You will be expected to actively participate in small and large group discussions about that literature. You will be expected to write about that literature formally and informally.

 Average reading per week: 100 pages  Average number of written assignments per marking period: 3+  Average number of vocabulary tests per marking period: 4.5  Average number of formative assessments (quizzes, short essay, short answer etc.) 8+

Supplies

 Notebook and pocket folder or three ring binder devoted to this class. You will received a copious number of handouts throughout the year; be prepared to keep them organized!  A pen or pencil and paper  Required novels (I prefer that you purchase your own copies of the novels if possible; otherwise, school copies will be provided) Procedures

 Complete all assignments and turn them in on time.  Any information covered in class should be noted and organized.  When you return after an absence, it is your responsibility to make up all of your work. Ask your class partners for information and interpretation of notes and assignments.  All missed tests are to be made up within one week. I am available before school every day (6:45 on) and after school until 3:00pm- sign up for clinic time.  Arrive with a positive attitude. Be prepared, organized, alert, receptive and enthusiastic.  Enjoy the opportunity to learn a lot about literature, writing, each other, and ourselves.

Council Rock School District strongly encourages parents to survey the outstanding collection of challenging literature contained within our program. Much of the content presents important and complex ideas that encourage critical thinking. Any connection discussed in class is made that much stronger by the conversation and connections that are made at home. We invite you to discuss any of the elements of our courses with your child’s teacher.