English IV Course Syllabus
Instructor: Michelle Nelson
michelle.nelson@spart5.net
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide instruction in selected reading of major English writers
from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. This course covers key works, authors, genres,
literary history, and criticism. Preparation for the workforce will also be provided through this
course.
Course Objective and Standards:
Standards for twelfth grade English IV will be covered. At the end of this course, you should be
able to:
1. Trace the development of the periods, writers, and genres of English literature since the
Anglo-Saxon period.
2. Apply knowledge of English history, the lives and times of the writers, and literary
terminology to the literary periods, genres, and works.
3. Make significant comparisons and contrasts among the various literary periods, genres,
authors, and works.
4. Analyze and interpret passages from representative works from each of the literary
periods.
5. Identify and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the most significant authors and words
from each period.
6. Write clear, well-developed papers that demonstrate your knowledge of significant
literary themes and/or techniques, integrating specific support from many literary works,
and effective use of grammar rules.
7. Write or create a well-developed and documented research paper/project.
Course Topics (The units listed below are subject to change.) The following units will be
studied during this semester:
August-September
Anglo- Saxon Period
Medieval Period
Literary analysis essay: Medieval romance
Pronoun Usage
Clauses and sentence structures
1
October
Medieval period
Renaissance period
Hamlet
Subject- Verb Agreement
Literary Analysis essay (with documentation)
November
Romantic period
Frankenstein
Modifiers
Cumulative review of grammar
Research paper/ project
December
Modernism
Pygmalion/ My Fair Lady
Cumulative review of grammar
Vocabulary units are given weekly. The students will complete vocabulary activities for
each unit. Each unit of literature is taught in chronological order. The grammar units are taught
according to Standard Written Rules of English.
Text and Required Supplies:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Textbook: Collections.
Novels: Frankenstein, Brave New World, 1984
Drama: Hamlet, Pygmalion
Notebook paper, a blue or black pen, and #2 pencils
3 ring binder with dividers labeled: vocabulary, grammar, literature notes,
research/writing
2
Grading Plan: Methods of Assessment:
Tests utilizing a combination of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay
questions.
Quizzes utilizing a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Various projects
Homework checks
Exams: Mid-term and Final
In my English IV classes, the students will have a major test on each unit covered. In
addition, they will be tested on each novel that we read as a class. Homework will be
assigned and checked at least twice a week. The students will have quizzes on the text
reading assignments. Projects will be assigned throughout the semester and counted as a
major grade. The student will also be offered at least one opportunity to earn extra credit
during the semester. The students will be required to take a mid-term and final exam.
The final grade for English IV will be based on all work completed over the course of the
semester. The work will consist of classroom work, vocabulary quizzes, unit tests,
homework assignments, research projects, a mid-term exam, a final exam, and any other
work evaluated. Each assignment will carry a certain weight (maximum number of
points) and will be evaluated on a point system. Major assignments, such as unit tests
and essays, will result in more available points than would a minor assignment such as a
quiz or homework. The mid-term will count as two test grades. However, the final exam
grade will carry a required 20% weight in the student’s final average per school policy.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be ready and prepared.
A.
Begin each day by completing bell work. (This will be put on the board.) You
must be in your seat working on bell work when the bell rings.
B.
Be on time. You should be in your seat before the tardy bell rings. If you
place your books and belongings on your desk and leave the classroom,
you are still tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings.
C.
Be prepared each day. (book, binder, paper, pen or pencil)
D.
I encourage you to bring a personal electronic device to class as we will use
them; however make sure that you are using them at appropriate times and not
during instruction. IF YOU ARE USING YOUR DEVICE DURING
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME WITHOUT PERMISSION YOU WILL
RECEIVE DETENTION.
E.
Use the restroom or go to the office and your locker during appropriate times
2. Respect Others.
A.
You will only leave the room after dismissal by me. The bell does not
dismiss you. There will be no packing up and congregating at the door in
anticipation of the bell.
B.
Take care of school property. Do not write on the desks or damage other
school property.
C.
Sleeping in class is not allowed
D.
Assignments from other classes are not to be worked on during this class.
3
E.
Do not get up and wander around the classroom. Sharpen pencils at the
beginning of class. Stay in your seat while I am teaching.
F.
Be respectful of others and their belongings
G.
Do not talk while I am talking.
3. Give your best effort.
Late/Make-up Work Policy
1. Late work is not acceptable. Late work will be graded at a starting point of one
letter grade less per late day. This applies to all writing assignments, and projects.
2. Homework must be ready at the time it is checked with no exceptions. I do not
accept late homework.
3. If projects and or writing assignments are left at home, I will accept them as long
as I have them by the end of the day. If they are submitted the following day they
will lose a letter grade for being late.
4. Make-up work policy-Per the James F. Byrnes handbook, students with excused
absences have 5 days to make up work. On the 6th day the grade will be zero. It
is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for assignments and to
schedule time to make up tests or quizzes.
5. I will be available for extra help or make up work on Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons and Wednesday mornings at 7:30. If you cannot attend at those
times you will need to see me to schedule another time.
Communication
1. If you need to contact me you may reach me at 949-2355. This is the main number for
Byrnes. I have fourth period planning, so if you call earlier I may not be available. Please
leave a message on my voicemail, and I will return your call.
2. My email address is michelle.nelson@spart5.net
3. I use Remind101 to inform students about upcoming assignments.
4
Parents,
I am excited about the opportunity to work with you and your student. I believe
that we will have a great year. If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact me. Please sign and return page five. The students may place pages
1-4 in the front of their binder for future reference.
Thank you,
Michelle Nelson
Student signature: _______________________________
Parent signature: ________________________________
Preferred method of contacting you:
E-mail: ________________________________________
Phone number: __________________________________
5