English 10 Honors Syllabus

English 10 Honors Syllabus 2017-2018

Terri Douglas [email protected] (256) 428-8050 ext.218 Office Hours – T,W,Th 11:35 – 12:05 (by appointment if necessary)

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The English 10 Honors course is designed for highly motivated students who have already acquired the grammar and reading skills expected of tenth graders. During the course, we will be studying American literature to 1900 as well as World literature that influenced the development of American literature. Students will read and demonstrate understanding of a range of reading materials and will apply essay writing skills in various modes. Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and group activities; in addition, they will conduct research to construct meaningful research projects.

MATERIALS: Text: Pearson on-line (1 inch) 3-ring notebook with pockets for handouts College-rule loose-leaf paper Pens and pencils Highlighters

LITERARY FOCUS: Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about poetry, short stories, novels and plays. The major works covered during this year will include:

Warriors Don’t Cry (summer reading) The Scarlet Letter Selected Short Stories by Poe Julius Caesar Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass As I Lay Dying (time permitting)

We will also be reading other collections of poetry, prose and speeches related to the early American literature era.

WRITING & LANGUAGE FOCUS: Students will use all components of the writing process as they brainstorm, draft, revise content, and edit for publication. Students will be writing in expository, narrative and persuasive modes. Journals, quick writes, reader responses and peer editing will also be used to facilitate writing. Improving essay writing skills and related grammar elements will be emphasized during this year as will the basics of rhetorical writing and analysis.

GRADES: (Per HCS Policy) Grades are determined based on the following procedures: *60 % Summative Assessment: Writing assignments (essays, tests, projects) *40% Formative Assessment: In-class assignments/homework/quizzes

Assignments are weighted (with points) according to the nature of the assignment.

The grading scale for Huntsville City Schools is 90-100 A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; below 60 F.

If a student does not complete an assignment, a grade of “1” will be used as a placeholder in INOW.

For work turned in late, the following percentages reflect the highest possible grade that may be earned.

1day late = 70% 2days late= 65% 3 days late = 60% 4 days late = 55% 5 days late = 50 % 6 days late = 45% 7 days late = 40% 8 days late = 35 % 9 days late = 30 % 10 days late = 1 EXTRA HELP: Any student can request a teacher/student conference, before or after school, at any time that he/she feels the need. If you are having trouble in class, PLEASE take advantage of this. Parents are also welcome to set up a conference with the teacher.

UNITS OF STUDY

Unit 1 – American Beginnings: Origin and Heritage Unit 2 – Voices of the Revolution: A Nation is Born/Ancient Revolution Unit 3 – The American Imagination: Storytellers Unit 4 – A Nation Divided/American Masters

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MRS. DOUGLAS’S CLASS

 Respect yourself, the teacher, and others  Put forth your best effort  Be prepared for class each day  Follow directions when given  Pay attention, participate, and ask questions (CELL PHONES SHOULD BE PUT AWAY DURING CLASS)  Take responsibility for your actions  Check Edmodo for homework and assignments (especially if you miss class)  If you are having problems with an assignment, LET ME KNOW

I look forward to a rewarding year in which all students will be stimulated to do their very best – academically and otherwise. My goal is to learn about my students as individuals and to use this knowledge, as much as possible, to help them further their education. I believe I am very approachable and hope that students and parents are willing to share any concerns that they might have about what we are doing in class. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting and working with each of you.