M S . W HI TAKER ’ S
J UNIOR E NGLISH SYLLABUS
Instructor: Ms. Erin Whitaker (Room 223)
Red Mountain High School
2015-2016
E-mail: eewhitaker@mpsaz.org
Course Description:
The Junior English course is essential to providing the foundation for advanced English studies. This
comprehensive course examines the writing process for narrative, argument, synthesis, and analysis
writing. Students will read a variety of non-fiction and fiction texts focusing on the development and
progress of the American Dream. Additionally, students will acquire a repertoire of new vocabulary and
grammar skills in preparation for standardized college admissions tests and academic writing. The
ultimate goal of this course is to help students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills develop in
order to achieve college and career readiness.
Units of Study:
Each unit contains a formal embedded assessment that assesses the
quarter’s major leaning goal(s). The assessment will require students to
utilize a series of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to compose
an artifact indicative of their learning. Additionally, there will be multiple
choice and smaller formative assessments throughout the semester.
Thematic Focus
Major Works
First Quarter:
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Intro. to the American Dream (Native American, A variety of excerpts and short works will also be
studied to introduce students to the skill sets for
Puritanism, Classicism)
close reading of fiction and non-fiction.
Second Quarter:
Living the American Dream (Romanticism,
Transcendentalism, Gothicism)
Third Quarter:
Sustaining the American Dream (Naturalism,
Realism, Modernism)
Fourth Quarter:
Shattering and Rebuilding the American Dream
(Harlem Renaissance, Jazz-Age/Roaring 20s,
Post-Modernism)
Various short stories, poems, and
essays
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Student Text:
 McDougal Little Literature Book (Yellow Book)
 Students will check-out novels as needed
Films:
Clips from the following films will be used at the teacher’s discretion throughout the year to
enhance students’ understandings of how film adaptations are a visual interpretation of
written text, subject to the director’s interpretation. Please initial your approval of these
films on the syllabus acknowledgment form.
 The Crucible (1996) - Nicholas Hytner and The Great Gatsby (1974) - Jack Clayton
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Behavior and Expectations
Pagestudents
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Mrs. Salce’s English
school student, many of the behaviors excepted at
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the freshman level will no longer be tolerated. The
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Junior
English class demands focus, dedication,
hard
work, and maturity in order to be successful.
argument.
Students will be asked to use higher-level thinking
skills to accomplish the rigorous coursework. They
are encouraged to share insights and opinions
with each other, so a safe and positive
environment is crucial. Please apply the following
guidelines for success:
Be Respectful for yourself, others, and property at
all times. No physical or verbal harassment will be
tolerated. The district policy governing behavior in
this regard will be strictly enforced. Students will
refrain from any behavior that interferes with the
learning experience of other students or my ability
to teach. This is non-negotiable.
Be Prompt, meaning in your seat and ready to
work when the bell rings. Three unexcused
tardies will result in a referral to administration
and a call home.
Be Prepared for the day’s activities and class
expectations. You will be expected to arrive in
class with all needed materials for the day,
including homework and a positive attitude.
Be Responsible for your own learning and for
your own actions. Students are expected to
conduct themselves in a mature and
appropriate manner at all times. Our primary
purpose is the education of ALL students in a
positive educational setting.
The following should not be used or consumed in the classroom without my specific consent: mp3 players/iPods and cell phones.
Electronic devices SEEN or USED in the classroom, without prior permission by the teacher to utilize, will be taken and
returned at the end of the day by Ms. Whitaker or the student’s administrator.
After the first offense, the student must pick up the device from Ms. Whitaker. After the second offense, a parent must pick up
the item in the front office.
These items will be periodically incorporated into class to enhance lessons—students will receive clear instructions as to when
the use of these devices is appropriate. Any other time, these items are a distraction to the learning environment and must be
put away.
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit is given sparingly; only students who
have successfully completed ALL assignments may
take advantage of extra-credit opportunities, as it
is offered as enrichment beyond what is already
expected.
Late Work
Any daily assignments turned in late will be given
half credit.
For large essays and projects, ten percent will be
deducted off the total point value each day up to
fifty percent/five days. After that, half credit will
be given.
Because the development of strong writing skills is the
major focus of this class, writing assignments and
projects will be worth a greater percentage of points
and will have a greater impact on a student’s grade
than classwork or homework.
Student work will be graded using an 80/20 weighting
system. 80% of a student’s grade will be all
assignments and classwork and 20% of a student’s
grade will be the final exam. Classwork point values
will follow these general guidelines:
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Tutoring is available during lunch on Lion
Tutoring Days and after school by appointment.
There are always opportunities for help, so
don’t be afraid to ask!
50-100 points Formal Communication (including
Formally-Graded Assignments, Embedded
Assessments, Written Products, Writing Processes,
and Formal Projects)
25-100 points Tests/Quizzes
10-40 points Student Practice Work (includes
homework and classwork)
Grading Percentage Distributions:
90-100% = A
60-69% = D
80-89% = B
1-59% = F
70-79% = C
Absence Policy and Make-Up Work
Mrs. Salce’s English I
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis
(usually 2-3 times per week for an average of 15-20
minutes per assignment). All homework is due at the
beginning of the period on the assigned date or it
will be considered late.
Make-up work is the student’s responsibility, but I
am always available for assistance. For excused
absences, students will have one day to make up
assignments for each day missed. However,
homework that was due on the day that the student
missed is due on the day of return. All tests missed
Attendance is critical to success in this class. Try to be
here every day! Any student who accumulates 10 or
more absences in one semester may be dropped from
the class without receiving credit.
that the student was already aware of are to be made
up at lunch on the day the student returns or after
school. Arrangements must be made ahead of time.
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to abide by ethical standards. Any student who cheats on an assignment will
receive a zero for that assignment, and disciplinary action may follow. Any student who allows another
student to copy his or her work will also receive a zero.
Any work that is submitted should be the student’s own work. Any evidence of plagiarism (from any
source) will result in a failing grade for that assignment and a disciplinary referral.
All District guidelines for cheating and plagiarism will be strictly followed.
Supplies Needed:
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1 Composition Notebook
Year at a Glance
1 Folder Specifically for English
2-3 Colored Highlighters
Pens/Pencils
Loose Leaf College-Rule Paper
Student-Parent Information and Syllabus Agreement Form
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Mrs. Salce’s English
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After
reading Ms. Whitaker’s syllabus, please complete the following information:
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I have read the syllabus, and I understand Ms. Whitaker’s policies. I do not have any questions or
concerns
at this time.
argument.
______________________________
Parent Printed Name
______________________________
Student Printed Name
______________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________
Student Signature
Please initial next to each film below indicating your approval of your child’s viewing them as a part
of the learning process in class:
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The Crucible (1996) Nicholas Hytner
_____________
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The Great Gatsby (1974) Jack Clayton
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Is there anything specific that you would like me to know about your child?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Preferred E-mail Address(es): ________________________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone Number(s): __________________________________________________________
I will communicate about all grade issues and any minor behavior issues promptly via your provided
e-mail address. If you prefer a different form of contact, please indicate below. Phone contact will
be done after school, and there may be some “phone tag” lapse time in communication.