University of Pennsylvania s8

10th Grade American Literature - Honors Course Information and Expectations

Teacher: Mr. Benjamin Whitermore English Department Office Room 248 Phone: (610) 240-1000 ext 2397 E-mail: [email protected] (preferred)

Below are the general expectations of Honors American Literature. It’s important from the outset that you, your guardian(s) and teacher understand what is expected so that all members of the class can learn as much as possible.

COURSE OVERVIEW American Literature Honors is a rigorous, year-long survey course of American literature. This year, we will read several novels, short stories, poetry and dramas. Our goal in the course is to understand both the literary merits of the texts we study, as well as those significant historical events in American history that helped to shape its literature. To fully appreciate and effectively analyze each text, you will need to understand its background—the author, historical events, etc. Be prepared to read text independently, to make notes about these texts, to see connections between texts, and bring observations and analysis to class discussion and writing.

Our major works this year will include the following (other texts may be added with time permitting): . The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne . A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving . The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald . The Crucible by Arthur Miller . Native Son by Richard Wright . Prentice Hall Literature: The American . A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Experience Williams . Self-selected novels

This year, you will continue the work you began in 9th grade to sharpen your writing skills. Grammar, usage, and vocabulary study will be emphasized. Writing assignments include both analytical (5-paragraph essay) and creative writing responses.

GOALS 1. To improve and excel in our reading, writing, and speaking skills in accordance to the Pennsylvania Standards for the Language Arts 2. To understand the connection between literature and the human experience 3. To sharpen our critical thinking skills as we analyze a variety of texts 4. To learn from each other as members of a committed, open-minded community of scholars

MATERIALS Each student will be provided with a text book as well as copies of the novels we will be reading and any other prose that is not included in your anthology. Do not lose your textbook, or you will be responsible for the replacement fee.

In addition, you will receive any necessary worksheets, study guides, grading rubrics, or assignments. To be successful, you will need to be organized, so be sure you have a separate notebook or binder (preferred) for English class. If you choose to have a notebook, be sure you have a place to keep handouts from class.

BRING TO CLASS You must have the following items each day, or risk a grade reduction.  Your text for that day’s work;  Your English notebook (a loose leaf binder with pockets for holding handouts);  A pen or pencil

CLASS ATTENDANCE You are expected to arrive in class on time, prepared and ready to contribute. Excessive lateness and unexcused absences will result in grade reduction according to the Conestoga policy.

Conestoga High School Department of English 2015-2016 ASSIGNMENTS Types: For each unit, you can expect to have a test, a writing project, (pop) quizzes, reading response checks, vocabulary, and/or other writing assignments. You will find that you will be working on a writing assignment at all times during the year. You can also expect homework each night, including the weekends.

Format: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments must be typed and double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 point font. Assignments that do not follow the prescribed format will be penalized. I will not accept an assignment that is handwritten.

Make-up Assignments: According to school policy, a student has 2 days to make up work newly assigned on the day of an excused absence. If you intentionally cut a class period, you will be reported to your grade level administrator. Please review the school policy on class cuts. If you are absent on the day a project is due or a test is given, be ready to hand in work or take the test upon your return. It is your responsibility to come to me if you have been absent.

Late Work: Assignments must be handed in at the start of class on the due date. Work not submitted within 10 days will receive a grade of 0.

“ Computer Problems” : This is not an excuse. You need to be prepared with a “Plan-B” when an assignment is due (ex. flash drive, email, etc). Remember, you can access your school files at home (vpn.tesd.net). Otherwise, using Google docs allows you to access your files anywhere you get Internet access.

GRADING Each marking period, your grade will be computed on total points. Some examples of graded assignments are

Tests/Quizzes—Tests will be announced. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Writing—You will be required to complete analytical and creative assignments. Participation/Preparation—You will be required to come to class prepared having completed any homework assignments, including reading and written homework.

Turnitin.com You will be required to submit writing assignments to www.turnitin.com prior to coming to class. You are responsible for setting up your portfolio on the website. When submitting assignments, you are responsible for obtaining a receipt of submission. In other words, "I thought I sent it" is not a valid excuse. If you aren’t sure that the paper was submitted, you may also submit a paper copy to me in class.

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism is a serious academic concern. Plagiarized assignments (intentionally or unintentionally plagiarized) will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. The assignment will then be forwarded to the Dean of Studies for review. Since you have already learned how to document researched material, there is no excuse for plagiarism. If you do not remember how to document according to MLA style or you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism, see your Hacker style manual (copies are in the library) or dianahacker.com.

Unless an assignment is designed to be a collaborative one, you are required to complete your work individually. Again, the use of Cliff’s Notes, Spark Notes and other summaries is a form of academic dishonesty, as is discussing test questions. Students found in a situation of academic dishonesty will receive a punishment from the Dean of Studies and a zero on the assignment in question.

Conestoga High School Department of English 2015-2016