ENGLISH 12(A) Expository Composition & Honors:
FALL 2012
MRS. HADDAD
"What we are today is a result of our own past actions; whatever we wish to be in the future depends on our present actions; decide how you
want to act now. We are responsible for what we are, whatever we wish ourselves to be. We have the power to make ourselves”.
Throughout this course, students will read, interpret, analyze, and apply knowledge of the structures, themes, and elements of American fiction and
nonfiction. Examining letters, journals, diaries, and speeches, students will trace the history of the development of American literature. They will also
consider the influence of mythical and classical texts on American authors. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to
the study of American literature and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Representative of the California Standards
Unit
Instructional Focus
Essential Questions: Are you believable?
R1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon roots
Should it be legal for a company to base hiring
and affixes to draw inferences concerning the meaning of scientific
decisions on the appearance of their applicants?
and mathematical terminology. LS1.5 Distinguish between and use
Readings: The Language of Literature(McDougal)
various forms of classical and contemporary logical arguments,
Supportive Readings: 12th Grade Expository
including: a. Inductive and deductive reasoning.
Reading and Writing Student Textbook
Expository
WS 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of discourse
Precise Reading: The Rhetoric Op-Ed (Ethos,
Writing
(e.g., purpose, speaker, audience, form) when completing narrative,
Pathos and Logos)& Going for the Look
expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing assignments.
Writing: Expository
2.3Verify and clarify facts presented in other types of expository
Themes: Ethics & Morals
Vocabulary: Different sources
texts by using a variety of consumer, workplace, and public
Art: Famous Fashion Designers
documents.
Essential Questions: Is fast food a healthy choice?
LS1.1 Recognize strategies used by the media to inform, persuade,
What are the traits of a good fast food restaurant?
entertain, and transmit culture (e.g., advertisements; perpetuation of
Readings: The Language of Literature(McDougal)
stereotypes; use of visual representations, special effects,
Supportive Readings 12th Grade Expository
language).W1.3 Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained,
Persuasive
Reading and Writing Student Textbook
persuasive, and sophisticated way and support them with precise
Precise Reading: Fast Food Who’s to Blame
Writing
and relevant examples.
Writing: Expository & Persuasive
WA2.6 Deliver multimedia presentations: a. Combine text, images,
Themes: Health & Wellness
and sound and draw information from many sources (e.g.,
Vocabulary: From Textbook
television broadcasts, videos, films, newspapers, magazines, CDArt : Modern(Judy Chicago)
ROMs, the Internet, electronic media-generated images).
Essential Questions: Why does society have laws?
2.1 Analyze both the featuresLRA3.3 Analyze the ways in which
How are victims of crime protected by the law?
irony, tone, mood, the author’s style, and the “sound” of language
What effect does violence in the media have on
achieve specific rhetorical or aesthetic purposes or both. 2.6EC
teen crime?
Critique the power validity &truthfulness of arguments set forth in
Readings: The Language of Literature(McDougal)
public documents; their appeal to both friendly & hostile audiences;
Supportive Readings: 12th Grade Expository
Reflective
and the extent to which the arguments anticipate and address reader
Reading and Writing Student Textbook
Writing
concerns and counterclaims(e.g., appeal to reason, authority, pathos
Writing: Reflective
& emotion)2.3WA Write reflective compositions: b. Draw
Themes: Crime & Punishment
comparisons between specific incidents and broader themes that
Vocabulary: Different sources.
Art: Post Modern
illustrate the writer’s important beliefs or generalizations about life
Essential Questions: Why the wilderness is
2.2 Write responses to literature:
considered beautiful? Do we need other people to
a. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the significant
give meaning to our lives? What is the difference
ideas in works or passages.
between passion and obsession?
b. Analyze the use of imagery, language, universal themes, and
Narrative
Readings:The Language of Literature(McDougal)
unique aspects of the text.
Supportive Readings: 12th Grade Expository
Writing
2.4 Make warranted and reasonable assertions about the author's
Reading and Writing Student Textbook
arguments by using elements of the text to defend and clarify
Precise Reading: Into The Wild
interpretations.
Writing: Narrative Writing
3.2 Analyze the way in which the theme or meaning of a selection
Themes:Value of Life; Man vs. The Wild
Vocab :Different sources
represents a view or comment on life, using textual evidence to
Art: Hudson River School
support the claim.
Essential Questions: What is the relationship
LS1.6 Use logical, ethical, and emotional appeals that enhance a
between laboratory testing on animals and animal
specific tone and purpose.2.4 Make warranted and reasonable
abuse, and what should be done to protect
assertions about the author’s arguments by using elements of the
Analytical
laboratory animals from undue suffering?
text to defend and clarify interpretations.
Readings: The Language of
Writing
2.3Verify and clarify facts presented in order types of expository
Literature(McDougal)
texts by using a variety of consumer, workplace, and public
Supportive Readings: 12th Grade Expository
documents.
Reading and Writing Student Textbook
Precise Reading: Value of Life and The Last
Meow
Writing: Analytical
Themes: Life and Death
Vocabulary: Different sources.
Art:Contemporary
Prepared by A. Haddad.
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Craig Walzer: Out of Exile
Stephenie Meyer: Twilight
John Krakauer: Into the Wild
David Baldacci: Wish You Well
For Advance Composition/ Honors
 Robert Pirsig: Zen & The Art of the Motorcycle
Maintenance
 Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Gray
 Ian McEwan: Atonement
Dear Students and Parents:
My name is Ms. Haddad and I will be your son/daughter English teacher for this school year. The purpose of this letter is to inform you about the
course objectives, expectations and procedures. I would like to do everything possible to provide students with the opportunity to have a
successful school year. The following information is provided so you may assist in this endeavor.
Course Description:
The major emphasis to this course during the fall semester for 12th graders will be on meeting the state standards for reading comprehension
and vocabulary, persuasive writing, expository essay and literary analysis writing. Our goal is to become more sophisticated readers, more
attentive to voice, style, language and more skilled and inferring meaning and making links between texts and our lives. Students are expected
to know their ESLRS.
ESLRS
An effective Communicator: able to read, write, converse and listen for a variety of purposes
An Information Manager: able to locate, access, organize, evaluate and apply information in a complex and technological world.
A problem solver, able to apply a variety of thinking, creative and computing skills to produce solutions for practical and theoretical problems
A productive member of society: able to demonstrate healthy, responsible behavior and to work collaboratively and respectfully in a linguistically
and culturally diverse community.
A lifelong learner: able to set educational and career goals, to develop a realistic strategy to achieve those goals and to apply content
knowledge and critical thinking skills to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Materials Needed:
 Notebook (preferably spiral with plastic cover 150 pages)
 Composition book (different than the notebook)
 Pens ( only work on blue or black ink will be accepted )
 Highlighter, pencil, eraser, color pencils, ruler and glue sticks
THE ABOVE ITEMS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IF YOU DON’T HAVE THEM, YOUR ABILITY TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS
WILL BE IMPAIRED
Course Requirements:
 Good attendance (unexcused absences result in zeros)
 Responsibility for make-up work (the student is responsible for asking about work missed and for making up any tests in a timely
fashion.)
 A book to read in addition to the ones assigned in class (summary of chapters due every Friday)
 A research paper
Grading Scale:
F
DD
D+
CC
C+
BB
B+
AA
A+
Below
60%
60-62
63-66
67-69
70-72
73-76
77-79
80-82
83-86
87-89
90-92
Method of Determining the Grade for Each Marking Period:
 30% Notebook (completed with work done in class and homework)
 30% Tests (vocabulary and/or grammar tests, composition book and smaller writing assignments)
 40% Daily assignments (this includes SSR on Fridays, reading, note taking, group work
 Major projects will have separate percentage and rubric (this include but not limited to group work)
(Credit will be given as the teacher sees fitting)
Class Procedures:
 Students will be on time and be prepared to work when they enter the classroom.
 Students will bring materials with them to class
 Textbooks (both literature and writing)
 Notebooks
 Blue or black ink pen
 All the materials stipulated on the materials list
 If homework is missing student will stay after school and receive a call home
 Students will respond politely to the instructor and to each other.
 Students will make every effort to pay attention and stay on task (no sleeping, talking or (girls) applying makeup).
 Students will complete work on time (late policies will be enforced).
93-96
97-100
(Please note that the above procedures are the expectations of a work place. My goal is to treat each of you in a professional manner, as
though I were your supervisor. I consider your education a team effort. Your role and my role are both important to your success.)
The Design of a Typical Lesson in Mrs. Haddad’s Class:
Note: Because we study literature, writing, research methods, grammar, and vocabulary, lessons vary from day to day. Some typical
patterns are given below:
 On a typical Monday, we will focus on homework, reading and vocabulary, leading to a test on a given Friday.
 Literature will be the main focus of the class. Reading assignments are crucial, along with the special vocabulary used in the discussion
of literature. A typical class that features a literary selection will involve a discussion of the selection, examples from the selection
(especially ones that feature the application of literary terms), and a discussion of how the writer and piece represent the period of
literature with which they are grouped. In addition, worksheets, written responses, outlining, paraphrasing, and critical analysis will be
used from time to time on several of the reading selections.
Discipline Policy:
 Be on time
 Treat everyone with respect (including you!)
 Stay on task (no sleeping, disruptive talking or foul language is allowed)
 If student is disrespectful he/she will be warned first, then sent to the Dean’s office and a call home will follow.
 Follow school rules (all school rules will be observed in my classroom, which means no phones or IPods)
 Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable and result in grades of zero on any work so compromised (you are also encouraged
to have fellow students proofread your written work before you revise)
 2 bathroom passes will be given for the entire semester
Honor Code:
Students are expected to abide by the Honor Code (as stated in the Sylmar High School Handbook). Your dedication to the Honor Code will
be verified by signing your name on all assignments and by writing the sentence: “I have neither given nor received help on this test.” Learn
this sentence and duplicate it exactly, with correct spellings.
*PLEASE NOTE: LATE WORK AND MISSING WORK
The letter grade refers to points earned if a student doesn’t do an assignment it has very damaging effect on the grade. One missing
assignment can lower the grade in the class and several missing assignments will make it impossible to pass the class. After the assignment
is due a whole later grade will be deducted for everyday the assignment is late. If you are absent you have one day to make up the
work.
PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! ! If you are caught cheating or copying someone else’s work, you will be written up and a
note placed on your permanent records!!
What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is using other’s ideas and works without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. To avoid
plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use: Another person’s idea, opinion, or theory. Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings, any pieces
of information that are not common knowledge, quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words; or paraphrase of another
person’s spoken or written words.
If you have any questions regarding class policies or the course material or any other issues related to your child’s performance in class, please
do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at school at (818) 833-3700
Sincerely,
Mrs. Haddad
Please indicate that you have read this syllabus and content letter and understand the above policies.
Date: _____________E-mail _____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: _____________________________________Student Signature: ___________________________________________
Parent Name: _______________________________________Parent Signature: __________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________Cell Phone:________________________Emergency Phone:________________________
**Students after the syllabus is sign by your parents please glue the entire course outline in your notebooks ( For a Grade)