IB English 2 Course Syllabus
Ronald W. Reagan College Preparatory High School
2011-2012 School Year
Instructors
Ms. Lassila: lassilj@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Mr. Lelinski: lelinsac@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Mr. Luedtke: mrluedtke@gmail.com
Course Description
IB English 2 involves the study of literature, language structure, vocabulary, composition, speech,
drama, and poetry, culminating in three major developed assessments: World Literature Essay 1 and
Essay 2, as well as the Oral Commentary. The assessments are primarily external in nature (although
the commentary is done “in house”), meaning they are assessed by someone other than your instructor
who is IB certified. The assessments greatly affect your ability to receive college credit before attending
a university. Deadlines will be given in plenty of time and MUST be met in order for work to be
submitted to IB for scoring. Instructors may help develop a topic and offer “coaching,” but the
creation, analysis, and submission of work is entirely up to the student. The critical analysis of
literature, drama, and poetry promotes understanding not only of important societal themes, but also
of individual authors’ unique styles. Paper 1 and Paper 2, which are tests taken in May, assess the
student’s ability to synthesize concepts developed throughout the IB career.
Course Objectives/Course Competencies
By the end of this course, students will:
 Complete both World Literature Essays of 1000-1500 words each with complex analysis and
proper citations.
 Critique a text of 20-40 lines both orally and in writing.
 Identify and understand devices (both figurative and emotional) authors use to communicate
purpose, emotion, and situation.
 Identify strengths and weaknesses in their own analysis of literature.
 State intent before writing an analysis and defend it.
 Connect to shared experiences all humans face (the human condition).
 Expand vocabulary in order to find the best means of expression.
 Understand figurative devices in film and critique the value of such efforts.
Class Structure
Most class periods are divided into two parts. One part focuses on studying a work that will be used in
completing the World Literature 2 Essay and the Paper 2 Test. The other part focuses on studying a
work that will be used toward the completion of the Oral Commentary. These studies will be assessed
through journal-writing. The organized student will be able to use completed journals to provide
direction for IB projects. For this reason, CITATION IS CRUCIAL. In addition, vocabulary
activities will be supplementary and done primarily outside of class, although they will be assessed in
class.
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Class Rules & Expectations
Be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.
 Respect yourself:
o Be in your seat, quiet, and ready to learn when the bell rings; students who come to class
late without a pass will receive a detention.
o Come to class prepared—bring required books, pen/pencil, notebook, and homework.
Coming prepared also means having reading assignments completed and participating in
class discussions.
o Complete all in-class assignments during the time provided, and turn in all
assignments/homework by the due-date.
 Respect others:
o Allow the teacher to teach and the other students to learn.
o Remain in your seat unless you are given permission to leave your seat.
o Take care of non class business on your own time. Avoid asking to go to the bathroom,
the office, guidance, etc. Once you are in class, you stay in class.
o Raise your hand to talk, and do not interrupt others when they are talking.
 Respect property:
o Leave other people’s belongings alone unless you have permission to use them.
o Keep your cell phone, MP3 player, and other electronic devices at home or in your
locker. If they are seen or heard, they will be confiscated. Even if you are using them
while they are in your pocket, purse, etc., they will be confiscated.
o Keep book-bags, large purses, and hats in your locker. If you come to class with any of
these items, you will be sent to put them in your locker, and if you are late to class, you will
receive a detention.
o Clean up your supplies, your desk, and any other materials you use before leaving the
classroom each day.
 Follow all additional school rules.
Attendance
Attendance and timeliness are of the highest importance. If a student is absent or excessively tardy 10
or more times during the school year (excused or unexcused), he or she may fail IB English 12. If a
student is tardy or absent, it is his or her responsibility to see the teacher for missed assignments.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using another individual’s words or thoughts and passing them off as one’s own.
Copying—whether it is only one sentence or an entire paper—is considered plagiarism. Any assignment
that contains plagiarized material will receive a zero. If you are uncertain about incorporating resource
material into an assignment, ask before submitting it.
If you allow another student to copy your work you too will receive a zero on that assignment.
Consequences
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Consequences for positive behavior: recognition and praise from teacher, positive call/note home,
candy or other “treat,” and personal/academic success.
Consequences for negative behavior: warning, individual conference, classroom detention, call/note
home, and/or office disciplinary referral.
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Required Materials
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Pen or pencil (Bring one every day! I will not provide any.)
1 notebook for opening activities, note-taking, and other learning activities
Loose-leaf paper for submitting early sets of journals and other assignments
1 binder or pocket folder for saving ALL class handouts and work
Computer disk or USB drive
Tutoring Time
Please see me outside of class if you need tutoring or additional help with the course material. I will
make myself available before or after school, during ELO, or during my lunch period, if necessary.
Please make an appointment with me if you need any help at all.
Grading Policy
As an International Baccalaureate school, the purpose of assessment and grading at Reagan is to
measure student progress in mastery of Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
objectives. For each course objective, students have multiple opportunities to show evidence of
mastery. Evidence includes writing assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, presentations, and more.
Students will receive one of the following grades for each piece of evidence:
 Advanced: The student exhibits exceptional mastery of the course objective.
 Proficient: The student provides evidence of mastery of the course objective.
 Basic: The student provides evidence of a beginning understanding of the course objective.
 Minimal: The student attempts the task but provides no evidence of mastery of the course
objective.
To help students achieve mastery, they will be given:
 Opportunities to practice with no penalties attached to the practice
 Descriptive feedback that addresses their progress toward meeting the objectives
 Clear expectations
 Rubrics for assessing mastery
As new evidence is collected, scores on old evidence are replaced, providing a cycle of continuous
improvement and monitoring. This system produces high levels of student engagement and ensures
that the final grade reports what the students know and how well they perform the objectives. There is
no penalty for low performance at the beginning of studying an objective; students are assessed on their
highest level attained in the process, not an average of all grades. This focus on continuous
improvement helps to build self efficacy in all students. See chart below.
Common Scale
Meaning
Percentage
Conversion
(done by ESIS)
100
Report Card
Conversion
(done by ESIS)
90-100= A
AD
Advanced or 4
PR
Proficient or 3
85
BA
Basic or 2
65
0-89= B
70-79= C
51-69= D
MI
Minimal or 1
50
1-50= U
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Course Layout per Tri-Term
The layout cites major works to be studied. Please note that each semester is divided into two nineweek terms. You will take a final exam at the end of each semester.
Semester One:
Unit One:
 1984 by George Orwell
 Poetry/review elements of poetry
 Poetry by Langston Hughes
Unit Two:
 Memed, My Hawk by Yashar Kemal
 Poetry by T.S. Eliot (the explication process)
 Oral commentary practice
Unit Three:
 Hamlet by William Shakespeare
 Oral commentary practice
 World Literature Essay 1 Due
Semester Two:
Unit Four:
 Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
 Walden by Henry David Thoreau
 World Literature Essay 2 development and revision
Unit Five:
 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
 The Great Gatsby and/or short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
 World Literature Essay 2 Due
Unit Six:
 IB Paper 1 and Paper 2 preparation
 Study level two of the Hero’s Journey
Final Notes
In addition to assignments listed on this syllabus, you will have regular homework assignments and
quizzes. Also, new topics, papers, or projects may be assigned as the year progresses. This syllabus is
set-up as a guide to assist you in what to expect from this class; you will be informed in-class and online
if additions or omissions are made regarding major topic areas or assignments.
IB meets or exceeds the criteria established by the state in order to prepare a student for college.
Therefore, the IB criteria will be the basis for the assessment model for this course.
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Please detach this page and return it to Ms. Lassila (English) by Friday, August 26.
Student Section
I, __________________________________, have read and understand my responsibilities as a
student in this class. I agree to attend class regularly, follow all rules, participate in all class activities,
and complete all assignments to the best of my ability. In addition, I agree to help create an
atmosphere of learning so that all students may learn and the teacher may teach without distractions.
I plan to achieve a grade of ____ in this class. I will accomplish this goal by (complete 1-3):
1. ______________________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________________
Student signature: __________________________________________________________________
Student email: _______________________________ (Please write the address you check most often.)
Parent /Guardian Section
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Thank you for entrusting me with the education of your student. I would appreciate your taking an
active role in your student’s education. Please use ESIS Parent Assist to monitor your student’s
attendance and grades. I will update grades at least once a week, and the school will send a report card
home after every nine weeks of class. If you would like emails and/or calls from me regarding your
student’s progress, please provide your information below. I am looking forward to partnering with
you to provide the best possible educational experience for your student!
Please make sure your student has all required materials as soon as possible.
Parent/Guardian Name(s): ___________________________________________________________
Email (best way to communicate with me): _______________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ (Is this a home, cell, or work phone? Please circle one.)
Do you have any concerns I should be aware of (related to your student’s education)? Please explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please sign indicating you have read and agree to the content of this syllabus.
Parent or Guardian signature: _________________________________________________________
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