English 12 Course Overview
Mrs. Silverman, Instructor
e-mail: silvli@whsd.net
Course Description:
English 12 students will demonstrate mastery of reading critically, writing effectively, and
communicating orally. Students will use analytical skills through interpretation and criticism, focusing
primarily on British literature. Writing assignments will be a combination of reflective and expository
essays. Students will demonstrate control of organization, conventions, style, and voice in writing.
The Senior Project is the culmination of the past four years of research, writing, and communication
skills and encompasses a detailed process throughout the senior year. The steps include selecting a
topic writing a thesis, conducting research and taking notes, outlining, writing the research paper, and
delivering a formal presentation.
Course Texts:
Holt handbook
Glencoe British Literature textbook
Required Materials:
1. Three ring binder w/ pockets or sturdy
notebook w/ pockets
2. A writing utensil
3. Senior Project Folder
4. Student Planner
5. A thumb drive (highly recommended)
Units of Study will include:
Composition: In this unit, students will…
Use varied prewriting methods to organize ideas
Develop clear, concise thesis statements that indicate the purpose of the paper
Develop clear, concise topic sentences for body paragraphs
Edit and revise using conventions of language and style
Use active voice in writing
Choose rhetoric to develop writer’s position
Summarize main ideas in writing
Major Assessments: The Senior Project Paper and included steps
Grammar: In this unit, students will…
Practice revising and editing with attention to diction, syntax, grammar and punctuation.
Examine sentences and passages to analyze an author’s diction and syntax
Write paragraphs and essays demonstrating command of grammar concepts, assessed with
Focus Correction Areas
Proofread own and peers’ writing for Focus Correction Areas
Major Assessments: PSSA Writing exams, On-going assessment through in-class writing
Drama: In this unit, students will…
Analyze character by examining the words, thoughts, relationships, and actions of the characters
Analyze the plot structure and development of a play
Interpret stage directions and impact on plot development and mood
Identify use of dramatic, verbal, and situational irony
Articulate the themes of dramatic works
Analyze how a scriptwriter’s use of words creates tone and mood and advances the theme of the
work
Major Assessments: Exams and related writing assignments
Non-Fiction: In this unit, students will…
Interpret, describe and/or analyze the use of facts and opinions to make a point or construct an
argument in nonfiction text.
Identify and/or explain stated or implied main ideas and relevant supporting details from text.
Interpret the major points, processes, and or events of a nonfiction text as a whole.
Evaluate satire and parody.
Major Assessments: Essay Responses (graded using Common Core Writing Standards Scoring
Guide)
Teacher-created tests and quizzes
The Novel: In this unit, students will…
Identify characters’ actions and infer possible motivation and impact on character development.
Interpret styles such as stream of consciousness. Assess impact on mood and tone.
Identify the examples of irony used and its impact on the plot.
Evaluate protagonist’s motivation and make judgments based on society’s morals
Major Assessments: Interactive Reading Logs and Journals, Exams, Analysis Essays
Poetry: In this unit, students will…
Improve reading proficiency of poetry
Identify and analyze the following concepts relating to British poetry: introspection, voice,
the struggle between fate and free will
Paraphrase and interpret poetry
Identify, analyze, and explain the author’s purpose
Major Assessments: Poetry Analysis Presentation, Poetry Composition, Unit Exam
Short Story: In this unit, students will…
Analyze elements of short story (tone/mood, style, dialogue, character, point of view,
motivation, foreshadowing, paradox)
Analyze the effect of an author’s tone and writing style on plot development
Evaluate hero and antihero through heroic traits
Synthesize conflict in relation to all aspects of a short story
Improve vocabulary
Major Assessments: Literary Analysis Essay, Exams, Vocabulary Quizzes
Research: In this unit, students will…
Master research skills using research process
Determine credibility of sources
Paraphrase and summarize information into students’ own words
Document sources using appropriate MLA format
Properly format a works cited page in MLA format
Gather and organize information
Differentiate between primary and secondary sources
Arrange information into a logical sequence in an outline
Write an in-depth, properly formatted, 5-8 page research paper (Senior Project)
Present information orally with visual aid in 10-15 minute speech
Major Assessments: Senior Project Paper, Presentation, and required steps.
Additional topics of study include: Communications skills and vocabulary development.
Grading Policies:
All formal essays, individual and group presentations, and other assignments will be assessed using
various rubrics based on PA academic standards. Students will be provided with these assessment
tools at the time each assignment is given so that they are aware of expectations.
Methods: A wide variety of instructional methods and strategies will be used in this course. They will include
but are not limited to:
Mini-lecture
Independent reading and reading aloud
Literature circles
Individual and Cooperative group projects/presentations
Think-pair-share/ Turn and talk
Jigsaw (for longer non-fiction texts)
Creative writing extensions
Informal and formal writing assignments
Process drama
Technology (MSWord, internet, PowerPoint, Prezi, blogging)
Assessment/Evaluation:
short reading quizzes
essay exams
senior research project
reading journals
individual and group presentations
vocabulary notebook
a variety of essays (long/short, formal/informal)
class participation (asking questions, responding to others in the group,
active listening, etc.)
The WHSD grading scale is as follows:
i. 90%-100% = A
ii. 80%-89% = B
iii. 70%-79% = C
iv. 60%-69% = D
v. 59% or lower = F
Check www.edline.net for weekly updated grade reports.
Behavioral Expectations:
1. You will automatically receive one point every day for being prepared for class. “Being prepared” means
coming to class with one’s books, pen, pencil, or any relevant materials for the day’s activities. The failure to
bring any of your materials will result in not earning these daily points. If for some reason you cannot bring
these items to class, see me privately or e-mail me so we can work on a solution.
2. You are expected to be at your desk with the required materials when the late bell rings. You will receive
detentions and/or suspensions in accordance to school policy for tardiness.
3. Complete all homework and class assignments on time. If you are not absent, but fail to turn in homework,
you may turn homework in a day late for half of the points of the assignment. Any work past this point will not
be accepted. Habitual offenders will lose this privilege.
4. After an absence, check for missed work. Homework assignments for the week will be posted and any
handouts will be kept in an assignments folder. CHECK THIS BOARD immediately after an absence. It is your
responsibility to get the work and you will be expected to submit missed assignments within five (5) days of
returning to school from an excused absence.
5. Be prepared to complete a missed quiz on the first day of your return from an absence.
6. You will automatically receive one point for following “The Golden Rule” in class every day. In short, treat
others the way you want to be treated in the classroom. This philosophy will serve you in this classroom as
well as in life, and you will earn your point every day if you can treat others with dignity and respect.
Classroom Procedures:
1. At the beginning of each class, check the board for instructions, objectives and warm-ups.
You will have a warm-up every day.
2. Begin working on the assigned warm-up as soon as you take your seat.
3. The restroom facilities are to be used in between classes. Hall passes will only be granted in the case of
EXTREME emergencies. Remember that you must have your weekly planner for your hall pass.
4. If you need paper or to sharpen your pencil you must ASK to leave your seat.
5. Wait for the teacher to dismiss you. DO NOT stand by or at the door.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Extra credit is a way to enrich our classroom experience, not a way for students to substitute points for an
inability to meet course expectations. In other words, if you have repeatedly refused to do the regular
coursework in class, extra credit is not going to be a viable option to make up those points and get you to a
passing grade. Examples of extra credit include but are not limited to:
1. Doing research outside of class and presenting your fact-finding to your classmates the following day. This
usually happens when a particular subject is brought up in class related to our studies and someone poses a
question to which I don’t have the answer. This type of extra credit is for the truly intellectually curious student,
and will be worth 10 extra credit points for your pains.
3. Proving me wrong! Unfortunately, students rarely get this type of extra credit. This extra credit is when you
prove me wrong on a subject pertaining to our class work or discussion. In order to prove me wrong you must
show me a reliable source (.org or .edu website, newspaper article, book, etc.) in order to earn the 10 extra
credit points.
4. Developing self-directed extra credit assignments. These can be developed by students as the year
progresses. Before embarking on a self-directed extra credit assignment, students must consult with me first.
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