English II
Room: 130/128
Email: smithnr@unit5.org
Website: www.unit5.org/smithnr
Ms. Smith
Conference Periods: 3rd & 8th
Voicemail: see website for #
The purpose of Sophomore English is to continue your education in reading, writing,
speaking and listening. Throughout the year, we will read pieces of literary merit and use
these pieces as the jumping off point for further examination. This additional analysis may
take the form of a formal essay, a personal response, an informal speech, an oral
presentation, or a group discussion. As we progress throughout the year, my goal is to help
you discover yourself as a learner, and to help you find strategies for success.
Course Overview
During each unit we will focus on a specific genre and examine the traits and purposes of
each. We will then use the content of these pieces to analyze essential questions as they
relate to our everyday lives.
Fall Semester Core Texts
Unit 1: Lord of the Flies
Unit 2: Hiroshima
Unit 3: When the Emperor
Spring Semester Core Texts
Unit 4: Shakespeare
Unit 5: To Kill a Mockingbird
Unit 6: Selections from Are you Listening?
Voices from the Middle East
Classroom Expectations
While you are in my class, I expect respect for all parties involved in your learning,
including myself, your classmates, as well as their property. Cut downs, negative
statements, or any other form of unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. In other
words, treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Attendance is a critical component for success in this class. When you are absent, you are
responsible for the completion of any class work missed. Do not come in and ask, "Did we
do anything yesterday?” Of course we did. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to track each
student down to give him/her assignments. A student has one day to make up the work for
each day missed and the teacher will be available for direction and clarification. Use the
calendar on my Unit 5 website to assist you.
www.unit5.org/smithnr
Device Distractions
I do not expect to see or hear your device during class. NO EXCEPTIONS. It does not matter
who is calling, or that you forgot to turn it off. When you enter the room, you are expected
to be dedicated to our classroom environment and your device distracts not only you, but
your classmates. Use your phone’s airplane mode if necessary.
At times, you may be allowed to listen to music while writing or working on a project.
Clear guidelines will be given at that time.
Smith 2013-14
Subject to change
Academic Honesty according NCWHS English Department:
Any plagiarism, intentional or not, casts doubt on the writer's honesty. You are guilty of
plagiarism if you do the following:
1.
2.
3.
You fail to cite a source accurately when you use direct quotations.
You do not completely reword and/or change the sentence style when you
paraphrase.
You use someone else's ideas or information or words without acknowledging that
source at all.
My Plagiarism Policy
If any portion of any assignment is not original, you will receive a 0 for the entire
assignment, no exceptions. If you are concerned about a deadline, talk to me first. Do not
resort to plagiarism when in a panic to complete an assignment.
Late Assignment Policy
A 10% reduction will be taken per day for any late assignment. This only applies on major
assignments. Homework will not be taken late. If you are having trouble with an
assignment, need assistance, or are having circumstances that are preventing you from
completing an assignment, see me. If you talk to me in advance of the date, we should be
able to work out some agreement to prevent you from losing credit. DO NOT COME TO ME
THE DAY THE ASSIGNMENT IS DUE to ask for an extension. I will be reasonable and expect
you to do the same.
Materials:
Each day you are expected to bring all necessary materials to class. These include:
-
A binder to keep all handouts and assignments (your workbook should be kept in your
binder.
Writing Utensil (pencil, pen, etc.)
Workbook and/or text book
Individual book (once chosen)
Flipped Notebook
Independent Reading
We will be devoting ten minutes to reading every day at the beginning of class. You will be
responsible for bringing your book to class every day and for being seated and reading as
soon as the bell rings. We will log our pages and books read as well as reactions to and
opinions of the books. You may choose books from the classroom, school, or public library.
The purpose of the independent reading is to build stamina in reading as well as to help
develop and improve vocabulary and writing skills. You will be graded for the work you do
with your independent reading in your flipped notebook and will have required projects
for the semester with your reading, so be sure to have your book with you each day and to
use that valuable ten minutes at the beginning of the hour.
Smith 2013-14
Subject to change
Writing
Throughout the course of the semester will be using the writing side of the notebook for
journaling, practice writing and related skills, freewriting, pre-writing, and creative
writing. This side of the notebook may not be used every day, but it will be used for your
record your development and work as a writer throughout the course of the class.
Grade Breakdown
10% Journal
This is the writing you will do in your Flipped Notebook.
10% Classwork
This category includes assignments given on a day to day
basis, in class or as homework.
20%
Minor Assignments
Listed as Quizzes in Skyward
These are the various assessments over specific skills
throughout the unit. This can take the form of quizzes,
vocabulary work, small writing assignments, etc.
40%
Major Assignments
Listed as Tests in Skyward
These assignments are summative; they determine the
mastery of a given skill. These can take the form of a
large writing assignment, presentation, performance, etc.
20%
Final Exam/Assessment
This is the final exam for the course. This may have
multiple components that will be introduced as we
approach finals.
Smith 2013-14
Subject to change