English 12
Syllabus
Ms. Woodruff, Instructor
Course Description:
English 12 provides students with experiences in reading and writing and responding to great works of literature and contemporary nonfiction pieces. Students will develop a mature writing style, critical listening techniques, and an effective oral presentation of ideas.
Goals:
Students will:
- Read a variety of literature to understand an author’s craft and appreciate it.
- Write formal essays and other creative responses to literary pieces.
- Explore and create personal reactions to various genre including fiction, poetry, nonfiction and literary works.
- Develop and practice formal Standard English grammar in writings and speeches.
- Study and expand vocabulary.
- View, analyze and evaluate the validity and credibility of various media.
Work load and academic expectations:
We are here to learn, please conduct yourself accordingly.
Classroom Activities:
- Listening to lectures
- Participating in discussion
- Watching films
- Working on computers
- Participating in group activities
- Working independently
- Taking tests
- Writing essays
- Writing journals
- Grammar activities
- Reading literature and responding to it
- Projects
- Presentations
Expectations:
- Take notes on reading and lectures
- Raise hand to speak
- Stay in seats
- Everyone participates
- Speak in a low tone when working in groups
- Complete all tasks on time
All assignments must be submitted at the time they are due. Homework comes in at the beginning of class ONLY. No late papers are accepted. No muss, no fuss.
Website:
Students will learn how to create and publish their own website. Content must be school approved.
Written assignments:
All assignments turned in must be neat and complete. Scribbles on turned-in assignments will not be accepted. You must take the time and effort to present your work legibly and professionally. In-class writings can be edited using a single line through the word to omit; that is acceptable and looks neat. Do not scribble or use a circular motion; that looks sloppy. When in doubt, ask me before you turn in your work. Your journal is your place to “think off the top” and respond immediately to the journal prompt. While the responses in your journal can be more informal, they still need to be complete for full credit. Sloppy turned-in assignments will lose 10% off the grade earned. Homework is subject to the 10% rule and may be returned ungraded if too sloppy to read.
Required Texts
Elements of Literature, Sixth Course, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Absences:
If you have an EXCUSED absence from this class, you can make up the work for the missed day. It is up to you to ask for the missed work the next time you return. The assignment is the DUE THE NEXT CLASS WE MEET. No late papers are accepted. You MUST NOT interrupt class to ask for the work. You need to ask before class or after class or during lunch or after school. No muss, no fuss.
Classroom Expectations:
I come to class everyday ready to teach and learn. Therefore, I expect that you come to class ready and willing to participate in the learning objectives every day you are here. Otherwise, my classroom goals and yours may not coincide, which creates disharmony. To maintain the best learning environment, please follow the rules posted in the room and conduct yourself like the young ladies and gentlemen I know you are.
Grading:
You will know your grade status at least once a week. Every assignment will be graded using this percentage scale. You can keep track of your own grades, too! No surprises.
100-94 = A 93-90 = A-
89-87 = B+ 79-77 = C+ 69-67 = D+
86-84 = B 76-74 = C 66-64 = D
83-80 = B- 73-70 = C- 63-60 = D-
Below 60 = F
I will also use a check system. A check +(plus) means that you did it exactly the way I wanted it, a check means that you were on the right track but not quite there, and a check- (minus) means that I recognize that you attempted the work but it isn’t there yet. 20% of your grade is participation points. Four points will be awarded a day. You will lose points by disruptive behavior, having to be reminded about following rules or being on task, tardiness, late work, unexcused absence, not participating.
Cell phones and other distractions:
Please turn off your cell phones and other technical devices during class time. Your presence in class is appreciated and your attending behaviors are necessary to keep you and your peers on task. Thank you.
Plagiarism and other cheating:
If you copy another classmate’s words on your paper or an author’s words, you are plagiarizing and it’s cheating. You are stealing from the original author of the words AND you are cheating yourself of the opportunity to have your own thoughts and ideas. Don’t do it; I do not tolerate it. You will earn an F on a paper that contains plagiarism.
Help and Assistance:
I am here to help you succeed in your English 12 class. My goal is to teach and encourage you to be the best writer and speaker that you can be. If you need one-on-one help with the challenges of this course, please come to me before school or after school and ask for the help you need. Sometimes 10 minutes is all it takes to understand a concept or clarify an assignment. Please seek out help. I’m here.
Classroom Rules:
1) Always give every task your best effort
2) Cooperate with people in class
3) Raise your hand if you have something to say or need help
4) During independent work, work quietly at your desk until your work is completed.
5) Use School appropriate language
Consequences:
· Verbal warning
· Personal conference
· Seat moved
· Call home
· Referral to Dean
Rewards:
· 100% club sticker
· Student of the Week Award
· Verbal praise
· Prize drawing
· Free time
Procedures:
1) To get your attention: Teacher says “Hey Class!” and students reply “Hey What!” and are quiet.
2) Beginning of class: Come into the class, get your materials ready, sit down and quietly start the bell ringer.
3) End of class: Sit quietly in your seats until the teacher dismisses you.
4) Collecting Assignments: Homework is due after the bell ringer. Class work is due at the end of class.
5) Hall passes: Must have an agenda. Passes given at teacher’s discretion.