English 11 is a course designed to focus on American literature, from the time of the Native Americans through the end of the twentieth century. While we will obviously not have the time to read every selection, it is my hope that you will be exposed to a good representation of writings from each time period of our nation’s history. In addition to selections from the text we will also read or view The Scarlet Letter, The Glass Menagerie, Our Town, and A Separate Peace. The Honors Class will also read The Crucible, Moby Dick (portions), Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and My Antonia. The English 11 textbook will probably be used in writing a literary essay and in reviewing key grammatical concepts. Several activities, including bi-weekly word lists and quizzes, will help you prepare for the ACT and SAT tests, usually taken the end of this school year.
The opportunity to earn extra credit will on occasion be given for additional readings and book reviews/reports. Also, for Honors students wishing to earn an H or an H-, an extra short analytical paper will be required, to be turned in the seventh week of the quarter. For this first quarter the assignment will deal with The Crucible. For the second quarter the assignment will be an extra book review of your choice.
Grading will be weighted approximately as follows:
Literature tests and assignments. . . . . . . . . . 30%
Writing folder/writing assignments. . . . . . . . 30%
Final Drafts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
Grammar Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%
Word Quizzes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
The classroom rules are very simple:
1. Respect each individual and his or her property.
2. Listen when the teacher or another student is given the opportunity to speak. Your opinions are highly valued, and it is only a matter of respect and kindness to give your full attention to others (The Golden Rule).
3. No eating in the classroom (this is a school rule, after all!) Gum chewing is allowed if done so discretely; also, you may carry a bottle of water to class.
4. Tardies are not acceptable; three will result in a detention. If you are not prepared for class this will also count as one half of a tardy. In other words, have your book, notebook, and writing utensil.
5. No use of technology unless it directly relates to class activities. One warning and then a detention.
The opportunity to earn extra credit will on occasion be given for additional readings and book reviews/reports. Also, for Honors students wishing to earn an H or an H-, an extra short analytical paper will be required, to be turned in the seventh week of the quarter. For this first quarter the assignment will deal with The Crucible. For the second quarter the assignment will be an extra book review of your choice.
Grading will be weighted approximately as follows:
Literature tests and assignments. . . . . . . . . . 30%
Writing folder/writing assignments. . . . . . . . 30%
Final Drafts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
Grammar Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%
Word Quizzes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
The classroom rules are very simple:
1. Respect each individual and his or her property.
2. Listen when the teacher or another student is given the opportunity to speak. Your opinions are highly valued, and it is only a matter of respect and kindness to give your full attention to others (The Golden Rule).
3. No eating in the classroom (this is a school rule, after all!) Gum chewing is allowed if done so discretely; also, you may carry a bottle of water to class.
4. Tardies are not acceptable; three will result in a detention. If you are not prepared for class this will also count as one half of a tardy. In other words, have your book, notebook, and writing utensil.
5. No use of technology unless it directly relates to class activities. One warning and then a detention.