RHS ~ English 11B Syllabus
Mr. Hoffman ~ Rm 229
thomas.hoffman@district196.org
I. Course Description:
This course will thematically explore the literature that has shaped our
understanding of what it means to be an American; it will help you develop an
understanding of America’s literary, cultural, and intellectual heritage. You will
recognize the rich diversity of cultures in America, as well as our shared common
values by focusing on the themes of "Dream vs. Reality.”
The aim of English 11 will be to master the skills of reading literature critically,
communicating effectively, and producing original writing. Students will be
expected to utilize creative expression through literary analysis, writing,
presentations, research, and team projects. In addition to reading and writing
effectively, students will hone their participation and listening skills. As these
skills are developed, students will be expected to produce individual and group
projects that reflect creativity and understanding of the subject at hand. You will
develop composition strategies by analyzing and personally responding to
literature, theatre, and film.
II. Course Objectives
Here are the skills that you will learn during English 11B:
• Grammar and Punctuation
1. Apostrophes
2. Subject-verb agreement
3. Parallel structure
• Literature
1. Irony
2. Foreshadowing
3. Theme
4. Imagery
• Writing-Argumentative Essay
1. Anticipate opposing views
2. Prioritize important points
3. Select opposing and supporting claims
4. Develop thesis statements
5. Identify fallacies in logic
• ACT Prep
1. Pretest, Practice, Post Test
III. Course Details:
Literature: Black Boy by Richard Wright
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Related poetry, short fiction and nonfiction
Writing:
Study Guides; Journals; Argumentative Essay; 6-Trait
Writing Model
ACT Exam:
ACT Pretest, Online Prep, Post test
Projects:
“Quote” Project
IV.
Course Expectations:
As a student in this course, you are expected to make a sincere effort to learn. To
do this you must be willing to think. You must also complete your assignments on
time and to our mutual satisfaction. Remember this thought about the work you
do - “If it is not good, it is not done!” Classroom participation will help you
succeed in learning - stay involved. You can assist yourself in doing this by being
prepared.
V.
Required and suggested supplies:
1. Pencils and/or pens every day (required)
2. A 1-subject spiral notebook (required)
3. A folder to keep all handouts (required)
4. A jump/flash drive -- 256k is plenty (suggested)
5. Highlighters (required)
VI.
Grading:
Grading Scale:(92%=A, 82%=B, 72%=C, 62%=D, 59%=F)
1. Daily reading assignments
2. Discussion & class participation
3. Written work
4. Oral presentation(s)
5. Quizzes & examinations
For you to pass this course you must attend class; participate in a positive way;
complete your assignments on time and make them “good”; be prepared for
quizzes and tests by learning the material you’re taught; and make a sincere
effort to master the material to the best of your ability. To do otherwise will result
in an unsatisfactory, incomplete or failing grade.
VII. Academic Guidelines:
1. Late assignments will be graded on a diminishing scale:
(1 day late=75% 2 days late=50% 3 days late=25 % 4 days late=0 %)
2. Bring work materials: pen, text, notebook to class each day. These are
necessary for full participation credit.
3. All formal written assignments must be typed or word processed following
assigned parameters for organization, structure and style.
4. You will be assigned a seat for the class. You are expected to be in that seat
and that seat only before the bell rings and for the duration of the hour
unless otherwise directed. You are considered “tardy” if you are not in your
seat when the bell rings.
4. The RHS attendance and tardy policies will be strictly followed for this
course: (3) tardies = 1 detention (6) tardies = 1 detention
(9) tardies = 1 detention (10) absences = no credit for course
5. Passes to the lav, nurse, phone, locker, etc. Are virtually non-existent - so
don’t have the expectation that you will get one. In most cases you will not!
Remember this always: if it is not good, it is not done!!! You, and you alone, are ultimately
responsible for your education. Don’t lay the blame, guilt, onus on someone else when you’re
the one “not taking care of business! With your cooperation, we will have a productive and
rewarding trimester