English 2 Pre-AP
Course Syllabus 2013-2014
Mrs. Moser: Room N222
e-mail: TBA
Phone: 281-920-8000
Conference Period: 6th Period
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus
character – that is the goal of true education. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Course Description
English 2 Pre-AP has an integrated curriculum designed to increase and refine reading, writing, and
listening/speaking skills. Students will be encouraged to think critically about themselves, the world
around them, and the ways in which we are all influenced. Students will plan, draft, and complete written
compositions based upon research, literary analysis, and self-reflection. Most importantly, this class is
designed to lay the necessary foundations for success in future classes and exams, whether students are
AP or otherwise.
Texts
Literature, Fourth Course (school issued)
Outliers- Malcolm Gladwell
1984- George Orwell
Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare (in textbook)
Antigone- Sophocles (in textbook) or Night – Elie Wiesel
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
The Tortilla Curtain- T.C. Boyle
Students are strongly encouraged to buy their own copies of the texts, as they will be able to take notes
and highlight (annotate), which will help in the understanding, analysis, and dissection of the
literature.
Required Supplies
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A two-inch (2”) 3-ring binder (for handouts/homework)
Five dividers (for binder)
1 pack of college-ruled, loose-leaf paper (not spiral)
Blue or black pens
1 composition notebook (not spiral)
1 USB flash drive (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!)
Multi-colored Highlighters
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Course Expectations
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Be kind, courteous, and respectful
Come to class prepared -- have all materials with you, and all work completed
Have a positive attitude.
Read, read, and then read some more
Enjoy learning and the learning process
Grading Policy
 There will be a minimum of 6 minor grades and 3 major grades per nine weeks.
 Six-Weeks Grade Weight: 30% minor / 70% major
 Late Work:
 Minor: accepted up to ONE week late for a maximum grade of 70 (Note: Class work reviewed in
class cannot be submitted late- an alternate makeup assignment will be provided)
 Major: accepted up to THREE days late (Not accepted after three days. It becomes a “dead
assignment”)
One day late: maximum grade of 70
Two days late: maximum grade of 60
Three days late: maximum grade of 50
Retake Policy
Upon failing any non-project major grades, students have the option of re-taking (once) in order to bring
the grade up to a 70 if they complete the following within one week of receiving the grade:
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Attend 2 tutorials
Submit signed parent retake form
Complete corrections/rewrites where assigned
Tutorials
Tutorials will be offered at the following times:
- Mrs. Morgan: N116. Tuesday/Wednesday 7:15am; Friday lunch
- Mrs. Moser: N222. Tuesday lunch; Friday 7:15am
- Mr. Thomas: E122. Monday 7:15am; Thursday lunch
Absence Policy
 The student is responsible for getting missing work on the day that he/she returns to school.
Students may find copies of the assignment in the assignment drawer in class, in the assignment
notebook, or on the website under “homework.” Students are expected to check the website
regularly.
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A student is given one day per absence to turn in missing assignments without penalty.
A student is expected to take a missed exam or quiz on the day that he/she returns to class.
If a student is absent the day(s) before a previously announced quiz or exam, he/she is still
expected to take the quiz/exam upon return, because the student had advanced notice.
Tardies – (in accordance with The Westside Way)
Students must have a pass to class; otherwise, they are marked “tardy” if they are not in the classroom and
prepared to work when the bell rings. Students should immediately begin their Warm-Up, which will be
either on the board on in the Warm-Up tray.
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Individual Reading Assignment (IRA)
In keeping with the changing climate of contemporary literature, each six weeks Pre-AP students will be
required to read a contemporary novel from a list provided by the teacher and submit a typed, two- page
character or thematic analysis for a major grade at the end of the grading period. Book selections and
essay prompts will be provided at the beginning of each term.
Electronic Devices
Students may use e-readers and cell phones when the teacher says it is appropriate to do so, and when
using the phone is directly related to the lesson. Phones must be silent at all times, and texting during
class is strictly prohibited. Headphones and ear buds are also prohibited.
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Students are expected to do their own work. Copying homework (including giving your work for
someone else to copy), cheating on exams and quizzes, and plagiarizing essays and papers will result in a
failing grade. Academic integrity is a character issue, and I have a zero tolerance policy for cheating.
Parents and Guardians:
I look forward to having a great year with your child. Please feel free to contact me at any time. E-mail
is the best way to reach me. If I am at school when I receive your e-mail I will attempt to respond that
day; otherwise, I will follow The Westside Way policy and respond within 48 hours.
Make sure to follow the website and Edmodo for up-to-date classroom activities and assignments. I will
update both at the beginning of each week.
Please acknowledge that you have received and read the syllabus and then fill out the form below and
send back to me with both yours and your child’s signature.
Go Wolves!
Mrs. Moser
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Syllabus Acknowledgment
English 2 Pre-AP
Mrs. Moser
Contact Information
Phone (c):______________________________(office or home)_________________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name (printed):________________________________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Name (printed):_________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature:_____________________________________________________________________
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