11th Grade English Pisgah High School 60 Metcalf St. (256)451-3241 Teacher: A. Paschal E-mail: paschala@jackson.k12.al.us Room: 115 Course Description A survey of twentieth and twenty-first century American literature in which students will write responses to literary selections, participate in class discussions, make speeches, edit the work of peers, and conduct research. Students will become more proficient readers and gain a deeper understanding of American literature. Course Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Analyze author’s use of literary elements and devices. Read with comprehension a variety of information and functional reading materials. Recognize fallacious or illogical thought. Compare literary components of various twentieth and twenty-first century American authors’ styles. Determine word meaning in twentieth and twenty-first century American literature using word structure and context clues. Edit writings, including student papers, for correct grammar usage. Compare writing styles of two or more authors. Justify a thesis statement with supporting details from American literature prior to the twentieth century. Use the research process to manage, document, organize, and present information to support a thesis on a literary topic. Compare the use of oral and visual presentations of self and others. Identify propaganda in nonprint media. Classroom Expectations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Come to class prepared with required materials. Actively participate in class discussions and activities. Turn all assignments in on or before the due date. Respect all teachers and classmates. If absent, inquire about missed assignments the following day. Classroom Rules 1. Rude and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. 2. No sleeping in class! 3. No talking when I am giving instruction or another student has permission to talk. Classroom Procedures 1. Students will be seated before the tardy bell rings. As soon as the tardy bell rings, five minutes will be allotted to complete the bell ringer activity. 2. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom for ANY reason. Students should use the restroom in between classes. If you are sick, please notify me before class begins. 3. Students will not leave the classroom until dismissed by the teacher. Tardy and Attendance Policy As a teacher in the Jackson County School system, I abide by all rules in the handbook regarding tardy and absence policies. If a student is not in their assigned seat when the tardy bell rings, they will be required to present a tardy slip from the office to enter class. Make Up Work Make up work for an excused absence must be completed within five days of the absence. It is the student’s responsibility to collect make up work from the teacher. If the student misses a test, he or she may schedule a time with Mrs. Paschal to make up the test as soon as possible. Grading Policy Students will be graded on a points system. Assignments turned in late will be docked 10 points each day. Assignments will be assessed as follows: 1. Tests (40 %) – Points Value: Each test will be worth 100 points. Students will be notified days before each test is given. 2. Class Work (10%) – Points Value: Each assignment will be worth 5, 10, or 20 points depending on assignment. 3. Homework (10%) – Points Value: 10 or 20 points depending on assignment. Homework will only be given when necessary! 4. Quizzes (15%) – Points Value: 25 or 50 points. Students may not be notified in advance, but students should be prepared if they read required material and pay attention in class. 5. Notebook (15%) – Points Value: 50 or 100 points. Students are required to keep an English notebook with the following dividers: Notes, Handouts, Class/Homework, Quizzes, and Tests. The course syllabus should be in the very front of the notebook. I will check your notebook 3 times during the semester. 6. Projects & Research Paper (10%) – Points Value: 100-200 points depending on assignment. The final grade for the course is based in the two nine week’s grades and the semester exam. The semester grade counts 80% while the semester exam counts 20% of the final score. Grading Scale A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) D (60-69) F (below 60) Materials and Supplies 1. 2. 3. 4. Three-ring binder for English notebook 5 dividers (Students may purchase or make these dividers) Pen (blue or black ink only) Paper Students will be provided with pencils when needed and a folder to keep their daily bell ringers. Academic Dishonesty Students caught cheating will be referred to the appropriate administrator and will be given an alternate assignment. Discipline Procedures Students will be made aware of all classroom rules and procedures within the first days of class and are expected to follow them at all times. The rules and regulations will be in effect while in class, at school, and during school related events that may occur off campus. Violation of the rules and other disruptions will be addressed as follows: - First offense: Instructor/Student conference - Second offense: Student reprimanded according to violation o Extra work assignments o Loss of break privileges - Third offense: Teacher/Administrator/Student conference ALL rules and regulations set forth by the Jackson County Board of Education will be followed in this class. I have read and understand the expectations in this class. I agree to adhere to these policies as outlined. If I have any questions, I may call (256)451-3241 and make an appointment before or after school to speak with Mrs. Paschal about my concerns. This copy must be signed and return to Mrs. Paschal. Each student will receive a copy to keep in their English notebook. _______________________________________ Student’s Name ________________________________________ Parent’s Name _______________________________________ Student’s Signature Date ________________________________________ Parent’s Signature Date