English IV: British Literature Ms.

Iyashia Williams

Phillip O. Berry Academy

OFFICE HOURS: Thursday 2:30 3:30 or by appointment SCHOOL PHONE: (980) 343 5992 E-MAIL: [email protected]

Course Introduction and Overview

What is Honors English IV?

Students in English IV will integrate all the language arts skills gained throughout their education. The curriculum both affirms these skills and equips the students to be life-long learners. Students continue to explore expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary contexts with a focus on British Literature. The emphasis in English IV is on argumentation by developing a position of advocacy through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using media. Students will: Express reflections and reactions to texts. Explain principles inspired by the curriculum. Interpret and qualify texts. Research and address issues of public or personal concern. Create products and presentations which maintain standard conventions of the written and spoken language

Elements of the course: Continuous assigned out of class readings and exploratory journals Compositions every two to three weeks which involve the revising and rewriting of multiple drafts Regular and active participation in discussions Grammar instruction Weekly vocabulary Periodic reading quizzes and unit exams

Overview of skills taught throughout the year: Reading Comprehension/ Annotation of text/ The connection between reading and writing Approaches to poetry and how to read poetry o Evaluating patterns of rhythm and poetic form o Paraphrasing and analysis of poetry o Analyzing the elements of poetry Approaches to reading and writing about short stories, novels, and drama o Evaluating literature through the elements of fiction o Characterization and authors development of character o Theme development through analyzing motifs and symbols o Reading and responding to the novel through evaluating tone, theme, character development, symbolism, etc. The writing process o Developing logical organization and coherence in writing o Responding to reading o Evaluating grammar and stylistic techniques in writing
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English IV: British Literature Ms. Iyashia Williams

Stylistic features of genres Course Units and Essential Questions: 1. The Origins of a Nation What are the qualities of a true hero? What shapes a society? Do people determine their own future? How do personal or societal ideals shape public opinion/ perspective? 2. Celebrations of Human Achievement Why does love seem so complicated? What is so attractive about power? What would a perfect world/society look like? 3. Tradition and Reason 1660-1800 What can fix societys problems? Can science tell us how to live? What is a womans role in society? 4. Emotion and Experimentation 1798-1832 What can people learn from nature? Is emotion stronger than reason? How does war change our values? 5. Era of Rapid Change 1832-1901 When is progress a problem? Can values be imposed? Is it better to escape or face reality? Why do people fear change? 6. New Ideas, New Voices 1900- Present What does it mean to be modern? How important is culture? Why is there always war?
Supplies You Will Need to Succeed Please bring the following supplies to class: Paper and pencil/pen Highlighter 1 composition notebook 100 sheets Three holed, two pocket folder

3-Ring Binder (1) (Graduation Project Portfolio) Clear plastic protector sheets (Graduation Project Portfolio)
USB (Flash Drive)

Primary Texts Holt McDougal. Literature- British Literature. Florida: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2012 CLASS COMPONENTS: I. READING Honors English IV emphasizes the reading and analysis of British Literature. Students will be assigned readings daily. II. WRITING You will be required to write a number of papers which should provide adequate practice for writing about fiction, drama, and poetry. A major focus of writing in Honors English IV will be on refining and polishing your writing. Emphasis will be on invention, drafting, and revisions with papers going through the writing process. For every major assignment, you will submit a rough draft to receive teacher feedback, peer-edit paper, and revise before final submission. Draft will be evaluated by peers and instructor. All papers must be typed, using the Times New Roman font, 12 pt, double spaced.

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All papers will required the use of quotations, use of the MLA format of introducing quotations and using internal citations. Papers must be submitted AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS PERIOD DUE. Late paperregardless of reason, including computer failure- will be penalized TEN (10) points per day, even if they are only period late. III. GRADUATION PROJECT

All Seniors are required to complete the Graduation Project. Adequate class time will be devoted to developing the product, portfolio, and oral presentation. IV. BELL WORK

At the beginning of each class period, we will begin class with a Bell Work. Bell Works are activities that are designed to get the class thinking about literary concepts and/ or review questions to prepare for the days activities. Bell Work is a quiz grade and if a student is tardy, he/she will not be allowed to make-up this activity. Students who are not seated and working on their bell work will also be penalized with a maximum of 50% for this activity. V. HOMEWORK

Homework will be given on a regular basis; however, the purpose of homework is not simply to keep the student busy. The purpose of homework is to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom and/or prepare the student for the next days lesson. Students should be prepared to complete most reading assignments at home. Please note that some reading assignments may have started in class and simply need to be finished at home. Students are expected to finish reading prior to the beginning of class. The teacher will employ various mechanisms to ensure the completion of these readings including but not limited to regular quizzes and required class work. Students will frequently be assigned long-term writing or project based assignments that will require time management so that students are not overwhelmed at the last minute by deadlines. Students can expect to write frequently. Engagement in the writing process is essential; thus, multiple drafts will be required for major papers. Papers written outside of class must be typed in 12 point font, using Times New Roman or Arial fonts only, double spaced and cited using MLA.

Homework assignments are worth 10 points unless noted otherwise. These 10 point assignments may also be graded on a check scale. When a homework assignment is returned it will have one of the following marks on it: Mark + -Late 0 Explanation The assignment was exceptional (exceeds expectations). You earn a grade of 10. The assignment was satisfactory (meets expectation). You earned an 9. The assignment was completed with minimal effort (weak, misses meeting expectation). You earned a 8. The assignment was unsatisfactory, incomplete, or error ridden. You earn a grade of a 7. The assignment was handed in late. You earned 5/10 points. The assignment was not handed in.

VI.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

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Assignments must be handed in on their assigned due dates. I will let you know at the beginning of the hour when to hand in assignments due that day. If I forget to remind the class to hand in a particular assignment on its due date, it is due at the end of the hour. If you are handing in late work, write late on the top of the paper. If you were absent when something was due and are handing it in the next day, write absent on the top of the paper. Absent papers that are not properly labeled will be given a late grade. VII. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty is referenced in the student/parent handbook. Examples of academic dishonesty include copying another students (or your own) assignment for this class at anytime. You are expected to represent your work, in all forms, honestly. Any form of academic dishonesty will result in an immediate loss of credit for the assignment and disciplinary action (referral to an administrator). VIII. LATE WORK POLICY Homework Assignments: All 10-point assignments will receive a 50% reduction if they are late (meaning the best grade you could receive would be a 5/10 (50%)). Major Assignments: For each class period a major assignment (20 points or more) is late, it will receive a full letter grade reduction (example: If you hand in an essay three class periods late, anA paper will automatically be reduced to a D). However, as long as an assignment is completed (and contains quality work) before the end of the marking period, it will receive a passing grade. o Exception 1: I will grant essay and project (although not homework) extensions if a reasonable excuse is presented and okayed by me at least one day before the due date (note: having a lot of homework or a big basketball game are not reasonable excuses). o Exception 2: If you have an excused absence on the day an assignment is due, you can hand it in the next day you have my class. Note: Being absent the day something is assigned only guarantees an extension if it is due the next day. It is YOUR responsibility to check missing assignments (by checking with me, emailing me, or checking your folder). IX. MISSED TEST AND QUIZZES If you are absent on the day a test or quiz is administered, you have 5 school days, not class periods, to make the test up without it impacting your grade. After the 5 th school day the make-up window is over, you will receive a zero on the test or quiz until it is completed. Tests or quizzes not made up by the end of the marking period will receive permanent zeros, and could dramatically hurt your grade. It is ultimately YOUR responsibility to find time to make up missing assignments. Consistently check the Test Make-Up List in the front of the room to insure you have no outstanding tests or quizzes. X. ATTENDANCE: Class sessions will be a mix of lectures with student reactions to reading and discussion. Quizzes will be daily. Tardiness to class may cause students to miss quiz, resulting in a 0. Bell Work quiz cannot be made-up.

Important Policies
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English IV: British Literature Ms. Iyashia Williams

Tardy Policy - Time Plus Instruction Equals Learning Tardies hinder the entire classroom (not just the late student) because a consistently late student interrupts everyones time, instruction, and learning. The following policy will therefore be enforced with reference to tardies: The The The The first time is a warning. second time is a call home. third time is classroom consequence. fourth and all subsequent times are referrals to administration.

English IV Standards and Expectations

Going the Distance

Expect the following: Expect to write everyday essays, drafts, blogs, journals, annotations, self-reflection, poetry responses, evaluations, arguments, interpretations, etc. Expect to write in different modes and for a variety of purposes. Expect to revise your writing through several drafts. Expect to read every night. Expect to discuss all outside reading during class. Expect to meet due dates and deadlines. Expect to eliminate digital distractions during class. Expect to have fun. This is sure to be a rewarding experience. Ms. Williams expectations To ensure a safe, equal learning space for all students, every student needs to: 1. BE READY: Be in your seat ready to work when the bell rings; Participate in class and be an active learner; No heads on the desks; No slouching; No sleeping ; No food, snacks or drinks 2. BE RESPECTFUL: Have a positive attitude; Respect your classmates, Ms. Williams and yourself; Words and behavior that are hurtful, offensive or demeaning to others will not be tolerated; Respect and value the opinions and perspectives of your peers, and they will do the same for you; Follow directions the first time they are given; No talking or movement about the classroom unless directed to do so by the teacher 3. BE RESPONSIBLE: Come to class and be on time; Bring all assignments and supplies; Seek help when you need it; Provide help when you can; Turn OFF and LEAVE your cell phones, electronic games and iPods in your backpacks. Refusing to follow Ms. Williams expectations If a student chooses not to follow behavior and academic expectations of Ms. Williams and the Academic Standards & Standards of Conduct handbook, he or she will be subject to the following: Step One- Verbal Warning; Step Two Teacher/Student Conference; Step Three Parent Contact (which may include conference); and Step Four Office Referral. Proper behavior It is important that students remember this is a learning environment and behavior should reflect that. Students, who follow all expectations, will be rewarded in several ways. More than anything, you will be ready for success in the real world. Each expectation is crafted after proper behavior in any academic, work or social setting. Exceptionally good behavior will be rewarded in the following ways: Regular praise and recognition Positive notes, feedback and phone calls Self satisfaction for a job well done 5

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What is in a Grade? The grading policy is as follows: Grades will be weighted as follows: Major Assessments, Quizzes, Writing Assignments, Formal Performance Tasks, Projects and Presentations 70% Homework, Class work, Daily/Informal Performance tasks 30% Grades will be scored as follows: A B C D F 100 - 93 92 - 85 84 - 77 76 - 70 69 - 0

The Graduation Project will be recorded as 20% of the final exam grade in a semester (18 week) course. The Research Paper: It is not possible to pass the class without completing
the research paper. Zero Tolerance: Plagiarism and/or cheating result in a zero (with zero makeup opportunity). Measurement Methods Various assessment techniques and strategies will be utilized in class such as group participation, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, e-learning, and quarterly tests . What a PEP Means to/for You Professional Education Plans are mandated by North Carolina law for any student at risk of failing his/her class. It is, consequently, a plan that communicates a students weakness and outlines the necessary support for improvement. A PEP should be taken seriously because it is the legal communication between all parties involved in the students education, explaining what the child must do in order to pass the class.

Final Thoughts
Please know that the syllabus is not written in stone. The curriculum may be adjusted, without compromising the class standards or expectations, in order to ensure all students are at their proximal level of learning . Be prepared for the challenge and enjoy the learning experience. I look forward to our year together. Sincerely and Respectfully,

Iyashia Williams
Iyashia Williams, English 9-12 Educator

Syllabus &Classroom Agreement Signature Page (This completed page is a homework grade) Please sign and return this portion of the syllabus only. Instructor: Ms. Williams Course: 6 English III British Literature

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English IV: British Literature Ms. Iyashia Williams

Semester: Fall 2013

I _______________________________, agree that I received a copy of the course Syllabus (Student Name) &Classroom Agreement for the class mentioned above. I understand the course requirements: I am expected to attend class on time daily, fully participate and not cheat. I understand this course will require considerable time and effort on my part to receive a passing grade. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Print Name of Student Signature of Student Student e-mail Date

I __________________________________, agree that I received and discussed with my (Parent Name) child the course Syllabus &Classroom Agreement for the class mentioned above. I understand the requirements: My child is expected to attend class on time daily, fully participate and not cheat. I understand this course will require considerable time and effort on my childs part to receive a passing grade & agree to be in partnership with the teacher. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ ___cell____home_____email_____work______ _________________________________________ Print Name of Parent Parent Signature Parent e-mail Parent phone number Preferred method of contact Date

Are there any issues or concerns that you would like to share with me, so that I may best serve you? Yes____ If yes, then explain on the lines provided below. No ______ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

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