English IV College Syllabus 2017

Download as doc, pdf, or txt
Download as doc, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 3

English IV British/ World Literature

Mrs. Maynard Course Syllabus

OVERVIEW

The fourth and final year of English study sets students focus on British and World Literature. The
course runs in chronological order (for the most part) starting with the very first works written in English
and wrapping up around World War II. During The second half of the course, students will read great
works of World Literature and mark the influence the British tradition has had on them. This extensive
survey will aid students in developing and refining skills including:

-Identifying, describing, and applying all conventions of standard English


-Analyzing and evaluating the logic and use of evidence in an authors argument
-Relating a literary work to the seminal ideas of its time

In addition to various readings, students will be fully engaged in the writing process. They must be
prepared for writing on demand, informal writing, conducting research, employing technology in
writing, drafting, revising, peer editing and presenting their work. As part of the study of British and
World Literature, students will find the relevance of classic, universal themes to their own lives. This
year every senior at Tahanto must participate in the Senior Exhibition.

GRADING

Assessment: will be frequent and varied. Students can expect more open response style essay quizzes
than in previous years. Whole class and small group discussions will be graded. Surprise quizzes will
be given after most reading assignments. Written work must be neat and legible. Students will be asked
to write a number of essays. Remember, grading is about receiving credit for skills you have mastered,
and learning about the areas you need to improve! Categories are as follows:

Tests/ Projects/ Formal Essays: 50%


Quizzes/Discussions/ Informal Essays: 25%
Homework/ Class work: 20%
Participation: 5% (See Rubric)

Course Grades: Please see the Student Handbook for a full explanation.
Semester 1 First Quarter: 20% Semester 2 Third Quarter: 20%
Second Quarter: 20% Fourth Quarter: 20%
Mid Term Exam: 10% Final Exam: 10%

Exam Exemptions: Students with a semester average of 90% or higher and no unexcused absences will
be exempt from mid term and/or final exams. However, you may take the exam if you want. If you
decide to take it, the exam grade is final, even if it is detrimental to your course grade.

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Absences: Please refer to the Student Handbook for the policy regarding unexcused and excused
absences.

Tardies: Four tardies are the equivalent of one unexcused absence. (More than one unexcused absence
means even if you have a 99% average you cannot be exempt from the exam. Yikes!)

Late Work: is not acceptable. I can only accept late work if the tardiness of the work is due to an
excused absence. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the definition of an excused absence. If an
extension is needed for a project or formal essay, students must seek approval in person no less than 2
days before the due date. All work must be handed in by its author in person. You may not leave class
or interrupt class to print work. Make arrangements ahead of time.

Excused Absences: In the case of an excused absence, students are to make necessary arrangements for
missed work on the first day they return to class. Please see me before or after school. You can also e-
mail a classmate or me for missed assignments. Most assignments will be posted on Google Classroom.

Computer/Internet: Computer and Internet access is required for this course.

Communication: My e-mail address is [email protected]. I encourage students to contact me with


any questions or concerns. I usually check my email regularly.

Grade Book: The online grade book is available for parents/guardians/students to access. Please note that
certain assignments, such as papers, take longer to grade, and will not be posted immediately. The participation
grade is updated at the halfway mark of a quarter and again at the end. Additionally, students grades are fluidI
reserve the right excuse/drop any grade as I see fit, should it be an appropriate action for the circumstance. If
there is no grade when checking on the current average of a student, it means I have yet to input the scores for the
class. If the grade is 0 (student did not do the assignment) or lower than expected, please talk to your child first,
and then if you have any further questions, e-mail me.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Class Participation: All students opinions welcomed and encouraged! All are expected to contribute to
our positive learning environment every day. Every student will have the opportunity to read aloud,
work in assigned groups, and participate in class discussions.

Writing Assignments: Revision and editing of your own work and the work of your peers will be an
important part of the writing process. Your ability to analyze complex literature will be further
expanded. This will help to prepare you for college. All essays are to be typed and double spaced in a
twelve-point font.

Reading Assignments: The material presented in this course will be pretty challenging. Reading
assignments will be frequent. You are expected to keep notes, and write questions about all assigned
reading. Not understanding the material is not an option.

Senior Exhibition: More information is forthcoming. The schedule is to be determined as we need to


book the auditorium for significant periods of time.
Please acknowledge you have read the syllabus by filling out and returning this form only. Please share
this document with your parents/guardians and keep the rest of the syllabus for your records.

Student name_____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name(s)____________________________________________

Home Phone Number______________________________________________

E-mail (if applicable)______________________________________________

Any other important information I should know:

______________________________________ ___________

Parent/ Guardian signature Date

______________________________________ ___________

Student signature Date

You might also like