Fall & Spring Course Syllabus

Mrs. Mesdjian – Room 263 Fall & Spring Course Syllabus Theme: Discovering one’s place in society

Literature: “There Will Come Soft Rains”, “A Sound of Thunder”, “The Pedestrian” – Ray Bradbury The Language of Literature – Selected short stories and poetry Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury The Martian Chronicles – Ray Bradbury (supplemental) Animal Farm – George Orwell Lord of the Flies – William Golding Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare Holt Handbook – Daily grammar lessons/excercises

What to expect in this class: We will begin each day with a grammar lesson so that students can become more proficient in writing. Following this, we will be reading and discussing works of literature. In the fall semester, we will focus on short stories, especially those of Ray Bradbury, looking at plot, character, setting, tone, and thematic elements. We will also discuss the time periods in which the literature was written, focus on how the literature applies to our own lives, and respond to the literature in journal entries and formal essays. Once we have discussed short stories, we will focus on longer pieces of literature, including novels and plays. Aside from the reading, we will also study vocabulary and practice public speaking through group projects/presentations and speeches. By the end of the spring semester, you will be a more proficient reader, writer, and speaker.

Daily Materials and Supplies: Textbook Spiral notebook 3-ring binder Lined paper Blue or black ink pens Highlighters

Mrs. Mesdjian – Room 263 • [email protected] Classroom Guidelines & Expectations

These simple rules will ensure a positive learning environment for you and your peers:

1. Be on time. 2. Complete your work. 3. Show respect. 4. Participate in class.

1. Be on time. Be in your seat when the bell rings with your materials ready to go. An agenda will be provided on the white board daily. You are expected to start immediately on the grammar assignment listed on the white board. You will lose points if you need constant prodding to get started. Further, if you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you will be marked tardy and you will face detention after your fourth and successive offenses. 2. Complete your work. Assignments will be written down on the white board in each day’s agenda. The majority of your assignments will be done in your spiral notebook. Your successful completion of assignments in your notebook will dictate the success / downfall of your grade. In addition to the notebook assignments you complete both in and out of class, you will need to read an assigned supplemental novel at home. Failure to do this will result in your failure to finish your independent reading assignments. Incomplete work will heavily weigh upon your grade. 3. Show respect. You are expected to behave in a respectful and courteous manner. This means you are expected to listen when instructions are being given or when another person is speaking. You must refrain from using foul or vulgar language in class, whether directed at another student or otherwise. You are required to keep your hands, arms, and legs to yourself. Be cautious of other people’s belongings, just as you would want others to be careful around yours. You will be sent to your GLC if you behave inappropriately in class. 4. Participate in class. Occasionally, you will be called upon to read a literature excerpt, answer a reading comprehension question, participate in a discussion, or make an oral presentation. In order for the class to be a stimulating and academically motivational place, you are required to do what is asked. You will oftentimes work in a small group, sharing ideas and expressing your point of view. Good attendance is also a key factor in active classroom participation. Failure to be an active participant in class will weigh on your participation points and will ultimately have an impact on your grade.

Mrs. Mesdjian – Room 263 • [email protected] Notebook Contents

Journal Entries—Will explore themes in the literature, often drawing upon comparisons with real-life scenarios. Journal entries will be assigned periodically as a 5-10 minute writing prompt at the beginning of class.

Personal Journal Entries—Will explore and reflect upon personal issues as a means of finding one’s inner voice. Personal journal entries will be assigned periodically as a 10-minute writing exercise at the beginning of class.

Reading Comprehension Questions—Will demonstrate one’s understanding of the literature and the connections that can be made with real life, other literary works, film, art, music, etc. Reading comprehension questions will be assigned at the end of class or for homework.

Graphs & Charts—Will serve as visual aides to create another means of understanding the literature and will serve as jumping-off points for essay writing.

Notes & Drafts—Will be essential items in the notebook, focusing on test-related material and essay requirements.

Notebook Grading Standards

100 pts—Notebook contains all entries, entries are clearly marked with the date and assignment title, journal entries are thoughtful and thoroughly developed, reading comprehension questions are answered in complete sentences with thoughtful and reasonable conclusions, graphs, charts, notes, and drafts are complete.

90 pts—All of the above, missing one entry or lacking clarity/thoroughness in an entry.

80 pts—All of the above, missing two entries or lacking clarity/thoroughness in two entries.

70 pts—May be missing two entries or is missing assignment titles and dates, shorter journal entries than desired, incomplete sentences on reading comprehension answers, incomplete graphs, charts, notes, or drafts.

60 pts—Missing three or more entries or is missing assignment titles and dates, shorter journal entries than desired, incomplete sentences on reading comprehension answers, incomplete graphs, charts, notes, or drafts.

0-50pts—LATE GRADE – or - Sub-standard performance on all aspects of the notebook, and/or is missing 1/2 of the entries.

Mrs. Mesdjian – Room 263 • [email protected] Mrs. Mesdjian’s Grading policy & Rationale

94 – 100% = A 90 – 93.9% = A- 87 – 89.9% = B+ 84 – 86.9% = B 80 – 83.9 = B- 77 – 79.9% = C+ 74 – 76.9% = C 70 – 73.9% = C- 67 – 69.9% = D+ 64 – 66.9% = D 60 – 63.9% = D- 0 – 59.9% = F

Grades are calculated by totaling all assignments in the following categories: class-work, homework, notebook, tests/quizzes, projects, participation, and essays.

Tests/Quizzes missed because of an absence or involvement in a sport, USB activity, extra-curricular activity, etc. need to be made up at lunch by appointment with Mrs. Mesdjian.

Late class-work, homework, notebooks, essays, or projects will be collected up to one week past the due date for half-credit.

Participation is calculated by the number of times a student volunteers to read, respond to a question, or engage in classroom discussion. Double participation points may be earned by fulfilling designated community service projects provided by Mrs. Mesdjian.

Grades are automatically rounded as determined by the AERIES program.

Mrs. Mesdjian – Room 263 • [email protected]