Mr. May
Office in E209
Office Hours: 1, 3, 7
Voice Mail 540-4709
Email joe.may@lz95.org
H-English II
General Goal
Honors English II is designed to provide a survey of literary forms and interpretations
with special emphasis on the conventions of rhetoric and literary analysis. Included in
the course are varied forms of composition, a sequential advancement of English
grammar, and a study of vocabulary.
Objectives
Students will be given the opportunity to develop competence in:
Literature
Listening to oral expressions
Critical thinking skills
Grammar
Writing Skills
Vocabulary
Library Skills
Evaluation
Student will be assessed on the following categories.
Grading Scale
Tests
90-100
Essays/writing
80-89
Quizzes
70-79
Homework
60-69
Participation
0-59
A
B
C
D
F
Participation will be assessed as part of your grade for several class activities and
discussions. Typically it will include the content of classroom responses,
preparation for discussions, and overall engagement in the activity.
A research paper is required and failure to complete this paper may result in semester
failure.
Materials Covered
Ordinary People—Judith Guest
A Tale of Two Cities—Charles Dickens*
Cry The Beloved Country—Alan Paton
The Pearl—John Steinbeck
Things Fall Apart—Chinua Achebe
Macbeth—William Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird—Harper Lee
One contemporary non-fiction memoir
Note: This list merely gives you an idea of the possible works we will cover throughout the year. Not all will be
used and I will add several supplementary essays, stories, poems, songs, etc.
*The first semester research paper will discuss elements of A Tale of Two Cities.
Class Guidelines and Policies
1.
2.
You will have homework assigned 4-5 nights of the school week. Assignments will vary
in length –some assignments will take only one evening to complete, while others may
cover several days or weeks. Expect to read nearly every night. You will be held
responsible for this reading.
Write all your assignments clearly and accurately, keep all handouts, and save your
graded papers. If you miss class, YOU are responsible to find all the materials and
assignments you missed. Ask for your assignments before or after class. Do not ask
while class is in session. If you fail to make up any assignment within
the parameters stated in the handbook, you will receive a zero
on that assignment.
3.
All formal writings (essays/reports/research papers) must be word-processed and
double-spaced. Please use Times New Roman and use a font size of 12. Last minute
excuses will not be tolerated.
***Formal essays must be submitted on the due date regardless of your
attendance. According to page 12 of the student/parent handbook, “If a
student was assigned a research paper and was absent on the date it was
due, the makeup policy does not apply.” In other words, even if you’re
not in school for a long term assignment, the assignment must be turned
in anyway!
4.
5.
6.
7.
I support all school rules on cheating and plagiarism. Since I cannot see everything
during a test or quiz, I expect all students to remain silent and work independently when
one or more students are taking a test or quiz. If you have questions, ask me.
I support all school rules related to the dress code. Please leave your hats in your
lockers. They will be taken away if worn in the building.
You must always show respect for the teacher and all other students. This includes all of
the following:
-use appropriate language
-remain quiet and attentive during lectures or instructions
-remain quiet when other students are speaking
-cooperate during all class and group activities
-Turn off your cell phones before class begins.
-Place all materials unrelated to my class on the floor.
This includes purses and work from other classes.
I expect students to be seated at their desks when the bell rings. I GIVE
TARDIES EVEN IF YOU COME IN SHORTLY AFTER
THE BELL. My class begins promptly and will not end until the period ends.
Therefore, all students must remain seated until the final bell rings.