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SYLLABUS
ENGLISH IV - Literature and
Composition
2008 - 2009
Teacher: Ms. Scanlan
Classroom: 239
Telephone: (815) 464-4265
E-mail: cscanlan@lw210.org
Course Description:
This year-long course focuses on
reading, writing, and thinking about ideas. Students will be given the
opportunity to study significant works of literature which compel them to
examine the human experience from both a historical and thematic approach. The
goal of English IV is to continue the academic preparation for students to
enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. The
course focuses on study skills, expository and persuasive writing, and an
in-depth study of British literature. We will be reading novels, short
stories, poetry, and non-fiction from the canon of British literature and
beyond. Students will be requested to purchase a number of paperback books in
order to booknote their texts.
Textbooks:
Issued Textbooks:
Elements of Literature: Literature of
Britain:
The Last Lecture,
Randy Pausch
Vocabulary Workshop, Level G
Paperbacks to be purchased by Student
1st Semester:
Beowulf,
translated by Seamus Heaney
Hamlet,
William Shakespeare (Folgers Library Edition)
2nd Semester:
Frankenstein,
Mary Shelly (1831 Version)
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
Brave New World,
Aldous Huxley
The Curious Incident of the Dog in
the Night-Time, Mark Haddon
20th century novel TBA
** Additional books may be added to the
list.
Most books are available for purchase at
the LWE bookstore. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the
bookstore for availability and purchase books in advance of class deadline.
Books must be presented in class on due date and brought to class each day
throughout the unit. Book checks will be noted on grade report.
Required Materials:
Notebook or folder for English class
only, loose-leaf paper, black or blue pens, pencils with a good eraser, and
highlighters. Notecards will be needed for vocabulary. I also request that
you use your planner to record assignments that I often give several days (or
weeks) in advance.
Course Requirements:
Senior high school students are required
to manage their own schedule in order to allow themselves time to learn while
completing work as assigned. Student grades will suffer greatly for late
and/or missing work, making organization and time management a large priority
for this course. Students are encouraged to use the Lincoln-Way East
Academic Planner and the classroom calendar for this purpose. My
website will also be a valuable tool in keeping students organized for class.
If, at any time during the course, students feel they need additional
instruction, they should set up a meeting with the instructor. As all
students are entering the course with different backgrounds and abilities in
the subject matter, it is expected that each student make an effort to seek
instruction in the areas they feel appropriate.
Grading Procedures:
Students are expected to keep a record
of their own grades and assignments. In addition, grades will be posted on
line by mid-quarter progress and at the end of each quarter/semester.
Students and parents can access grade information by following the "my
student" link on the LWE homepage using the passwords distributed via mail.
The school wide grading scale is used (see handbook).
Assignments:
All assignments are due at the beginning
of class on the assigned due date. Late work will be accepted one day late
with a 50% reduction. After one day, late assignments will not be
accepted. Please note: there will be some long-term assignments given in
advance that will not be accepted late. I will announce this to the class in
advance so students will be successful in submitting these assignments on or
before the due date.
Absent Work:
If you were present on the day an
assignment was given, that assignment is due on the day you return to class.
Any day you are absent, it is fully your responsibility to obtain
make-up work before or after class and submit all make-up work according to
school policy. Please consult your student handbook. Work not made up within
the allotted time will result in a zero. If you have any questions regarding
make-up work, please see me before or after class.
Quizzes/Exams:
Expect quizzes during each unit. Expect
unit exams and semester final examinations. Talking or communication of any
type during tests and quizzes will be considered cheating and will be handled
as such. The procedure for excused absences on days of quizzes/exams is as
follows: If a test was scheduled for the day the student was absent, the
student should be prepared to take the test on the day they return to school.
Failure to make up a scheduled test/quiz will result in a zero. Most quizzes
and exams can be made up before or after school, but it is fully your
responsibility to arrange a time with the teacher.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is essential in the
intellectual life of any school. Thus, academic dishonesty, such as cheating
and plagiarism, is cause for disciplinary action. The first instance of
academic dishonesty will result in a zero. Subsequent instances will result
in more severe penalties. See the student handbook for definition of
plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
Classroom Rules - All school rules
are in effect and will be enforced. The following behaviors will not be
tolerated and discipline referrals will be issued for:
1. continuous class disruptions
2. disrespect of any kind toward
teacher or students
3. use of water bottles or cell
phones
4. sleeping in class
Note: tardies will be issued to students
who are not in the classroom when the bell rings or for students who enter the
room but return to their lockers for materials or supplies. Students who
make classroom disruptions due to tardiness will be issued referrals.
Final Note:
This class is designed to prepare you
for college, and so will require your diligence in preparing for each class
session. I will expect that you read the assignments, complete all written
work, and be prepared to take notes in class and contribute to class
discussion. Your success in this class will be directly related to the effort
you expend, both before and during class.
In addition, I will continually hold you
responsible for the content taught in this course, and I will be asking you to
“use” what you have learned. Remember, the biggest key to your success in
this class is to be an active learner from day one and partipate positively
in class.
I am available to meet with you before
or after school in order for you to be successful in this class. I look
forward to working with you this year!
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