English 12: Post-Secondary Composition and Universal Themes in Text
Course Expectations 2015-2016
Ms. Purney
japurney@interact.ccsd.net
Class website: www.myteacherpages.com
I. Course Scope
A. Course Description
This one-year course (Post-Secondary Composition and Universal Themes in Text) provides instruction in
the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing,
speaking and listening, and language. Instruction focuses on refining the skills required for post-secondary
success. The writing focus in this course includes analysis, synthesis, and argumentation as they relate to
workplace and real-world situations. A framework structured around universal themes that connect people
across cultures and time anchors texts to real-life reading, writing, and speaking and listening opportunities
likely to be experienced beyond high school. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity
awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate
use of technology and digital media are integral parts of this course. This course fulfills one of the English
credits required for high school graduation.
B. Texts
This course will utilize various novels, poems, historical documents, short stories, and supplemental
materials deriving from European origin. Many stories are found in The Language of Literature British
Literature textbook. In addition to the stories and novels, students will utilize vocabulary worksheets to
complete bi-weekly vocabulary exercises.
II. Course Outline by Units
First Quarter:
Theme: Influence of Satire in Literature
Major Pieces to be Read: “A Modest Proposal,” David Sedaris pieces
Composition: Review the writing process; review sentence structure, paragraph organization, and writing
style including the use of concrete detail and insightful commentary, sentence variety, parallel structure,
figurative language, variety of sentence beginnings and vivid language; Complete informative senior
portfolios, complete persuasive language essay, quote analysis essays
Vocabulary: learn definitions of words and do usage exercises from weekly list.
Second Quarter:
Theme: Crime and Punishment; Fairytales
Major Pieces to be Read: Macbeth, Alice in Wonderland
Composition: Students will complete a research paper and presentation
Vocabulary: learn definitions of words and do usage exercises from weekly list.
Third Quarter:
Theme: Recognizing Government Influence on Literature; Classical Mythology
Major Pieces to be Read: Inherit the Wind, Anthem, Oedipus Rex
Composition: Students will complete an expository essay and a persuasive piece
Vocabulary: learn definitions of words and do usage exercises from weekly list.
Fourth Quarter:
Theme: The Epic Hero; Storytelling through Narratives
Major Pieces to be Read: Beowulf, excerpts from The Canterbury Tales
Composition: Students will write an explanatory heroes/kennings piece; students will complete a senior
scrapbook as a parody of The Canterbury Tales
Vocabulary: learn definitions of words and do usage exercises from weekly list.
III. Course Outcomes:
1. To produce and analyze complex written texts that include analysis, synthesis, hypothesis
formulation, and argument as well as the structural features of workplace documents similar to the
real-life writing situations likely to be experienced after high school.
[W.11-12.1, 2, 4-10]
2. To produce a variety of written, spoken, multigenre, and multimedia works, making conscious
choices about language, form, style, and/or visual representation.
[RL.11-12.1; RI.11-12.1; W.11-12.1-9; SL.11-12.5, 6; L.11-12.1, 6]
3. To investigate universal themes represented in a variety of literary, non-fiction, and expository texts
and media of exceptional craft and thought whose range provides opportunities to develop and define
an understanding of commonalities and differences among human cultures. [RL.11-12.2-7; RI.1112.2-7]
4. To develop the ability to craft and evaluate intricate arguments in support of analysis of a topic or
text. [RL.11-12.1; RI.11-12.1; W.11-12.1; SL.11-12.3, 6; L.11-12.1-3]
5. To examine different perspectives of a topic, idea, or theme, the ways in which cultures communicate
and the conflicts that sometimes arise as a means of understanding and communicating current day
conflicts and views as well as possible solutions.
[RL.11-12.5, 7; RI.11-12.4-6; W.11-12.4, 6, 8, 9; SL.11-12.1-3]
6. To apply the tools and practices of inquiry and research to inform writing, speaking, and visual
expression for personal understanding and growth.
[RL.11-12.1, 7; RI.11-12.1, 7; W.11-12.1, 2, 7-10; SL.11-12.1; L.11-12.6]
7. To develop as a reader, speaker, listener, and viewer for personal, social, and political purposes,
through independent and collaborative reading and discussion.
[RL.11-12.1-7; RI.11-12.1-7, 10; W.11-12.4-6, 8-10; SL.11-12.1-6; L.11-12.1-6]
IV. Grading Policy
A. Grading Scale
Students’ quarter and semester grades will be determined using the following grading scale:
Daily assignments/Vocabulary
30%
Essays/Projects (Assessments)
35%
Exams/Tests/Quizzes (Assessments)
35%
Procedures for grade computations:
1.
Student grades are determined in relationship to the course objectives stated in the district
curriculum guide. Students must complete the coursework in order to earn credit. (NRS 392.122; CCSD
Regulation 5121).
2.
For a student to meet the curricular requirements of the course/he/she must actively participate in
the class in various ways including but not limited to: listening, recording notes, responding to and answering
questions, participating in large and small group discussion, and completing in class work activities. This
daily participation is part of the student’s grade and his/her completion of the coursework are the assessments
of student progress and understanding such as tests, quizzes, essays, journals, projects, and in-class
homework review.
B. Assignment Value
All assignments, due dates, and test dates will be made clear and explained completely in class.
Students’ grades will be based on the following weighted scale:
Points earned
90% - 100%
A
Points possible = %
80% - 89%
B
70% - 79%
C
60% - 69%
D
59% - below
F
C. Attendance Policy (as it relates to grades and make-up work)
Attendance is an essential part of the educational setting and lack thereof can seriously affect your grade.
Consistent with the Clark County School District’s attendance policy, students who exceed ten (10)
unverified absences will not earn credit. Students must present notes to the attendance office within three
days of their return from any approved absence or the absence is considered unverified. Approved
absences are for physical or mental inability to attend school, court appearances, religious holidays, or prearranged absences through the attendance office (limit 10).
D. Make-up Work/Homework
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Make-up work policies are to be clearly identified in course expectations or classroom
expectations. These policies are aligned to CCSD Regulation 5113, Attendance Enforcement,
Section VII entitled Makeup work:
Teachers shall provide an opportunity for a student to make up missed work due to any
absence, and students shall be held accountable for the work. When a student is absent,
however, the educational experiences lost during that absence might be irretrievable because
the instruction and interaction in the instructional setting cannot be duplicated through
makeup work.
After any absence, a secondary student is required to initiate contact with the teacher(s) to
obtain appropriate makeup work within three school days immediately following the absence.
Once contact has been made with the teacher, specific makeup work must be completed and
returned to the teacher within a reasonable length of time, to be determined by the teacher and
communicated to the student/parent or legal guardian. The makeup work must be returned to
the teacher by the specified due date if it is to be acknowledged. Students shall be allowed a
minimum of three (3) days to complete makeup work.
Finally, if extra credit opportunities are offered to students, the extra credit is to align directly
to the content being studied.
Any essay/project must be emailed if the student is absent.
E. Late Work
No late work will be accepted on in-class assignments. You may ask for extended time if you are
working in class but are unable to finish. If any essay assignments or projects are turned in late, they
will only be accepted three days late for a maximum of 50%. Even if you are absent the day a major
assignment is due, the assignment is still due. Because students are granted so much time to
complete essays, the assignment is due on the due date no matter what. Email is an acceptable medium
for turning in an assignment. Students are encouraged to turn in essays early in order to avoid an issue
when the due date arrives. In addition, extra credit is offered for turning in assignments early.
F. Semester Grade
a. Semester grades will be determined using the following percentages:
1st quarter
40% +
+
2nd quarter
40%
+
+
semester exam = semester grade
20%
= 100%
G. Academic Dishonesty
a. All students are expected to do their own work. Relying on unauthorized sources for answers on
exams, quizzes, or other class projects is cheating. You will receive a –0- grade for that exam,
quiz, essay, or project. You may also be subject to further disciplinary action.
b. Copying the work of others and attempting to pass it off as your own is plagiarism. You will
receive a –0- grade for that assignment. You may also be subject to further disciplinary action. If
you are not certain whether you are committing academic dishonesty, ask your teacher.
c. Students will be using Turnitin.com for major essays and research papers. This program identifies
plagiarism and cheating. The instructions for using this tool will be given in class. Students are
encouraged to use a floppy disk that can be taken to and from school when at these times. No
essay will be accepted unless it is submitted to turnitin.com.
**ANY STUDENT INVOLVED IN DISHONEST ACTS WHICH INCLUDE COPYING
HOMEWORK, PLAGIARISM, AND CHEATING ON EXAMS, WILL RECEIVE A ZERO (0)
GRADE ON THAT ASSIGNMENT AND A “U” FOR THE NINE WEEKS IN CITIZENSHIP,
ALONG WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.
H.
I.
V.
Participation
a. Students are expected to participate in class daily; this includes volunteering to read, working on
assignments, not wasting time, and being productive.
Infinite Campus
Students are required to maintain an accurate account of their grades. They will keep all returned
assignments in their notebooks in order to compare the accuracy of Infinite Campus reports. Infinite
Campus will be updated daily, and students/parents should check their grades on a regular basis.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
A. Student Responsibility
All members of the class are responsible for creating a learning environment, and that includes
feeling free to share thoughts and views without undue criticism from a teacher or classmate.
Classmates will not always agree, but students will use methods to disagree that lead to positive
discussion and debate, not negative argument.
B. Behavioral Disturbances/Progressive Discipline
a. Any disturbance, verbal harassment, inability to adhere to class rules, or excessive and
inappropriate comments WILL BE DOCUMENTED and lead to a warning from the teacher.
b. Further inappropriate behavior will result in a conference with the teacher, a detention, and/or a
phone call home.
c. Any student not responding to the previous actions will be referred to the Dean’s office.
C. Daily Materials
Students are expected to come to class prepared each day. Students must have the following
materials in their possession: homework assignment, notebook, paper, and blue or black ink pens.
D. Test/Re-test Policy
There will be no retakes allowed. All students are provided with ample time to prepare for exams,
are given all the materials to study, and class time is devoted to preparing for tests.
E. Tardy Policy
Students tardy are subject to the following consequences:
1st Tardy – Verbal Warning
2nd Tardy – Verbal Warning
3rd Tardy – Counselor referral
4th Tardy – Required Parent Conference (RPC-A)
5th Tardy – Required Parent Conference (RPC-T)
6th Tardy – In-House Suspension
Please understand that five (5) suspensions in any one school year may result in the student being removed from the Clark
County School District for 18 weeks.
Failure to serve a deans’ detention will require the student to attend In House Suspension and be placed on Required Parent
Conference (RPC-A) which requires a phone conference with the parent by the following morning before student is readmitted
to class.
Please contact the deans’ office at ext. 4500 if you have questions regarding the Tardy Policy.
F. Discipline Policy
All school rules are to be followed during class. This includes the school-wide dress code (no
hats, midriffs, tank tops, short skirts, etc. will be allowed). In accordance with the district policy,
no cell phones are to be used in the classroom. Any student whose electronic device causes a
disruption, will have the item removed from them and will lose participation points.
Possession of weapons, theft, fighting, possession or use of narcotics, gross insubordination (threatening or cursing the
teacher) will result in immediate referral of the Dean on the 1st offense and RPC – also possible suspension, arrest, and/or
expulsion. Violation of classroom rules will result in the following:
•
•
•
•
•
1st violation
2nd violation
3rd violation
4th violation
5th violation
-
verbal warning/pupil conference
written consequence/teacher detention
parent/guardian contact
counselor referral
referral to deans’ office
Possession of weapons, theft, fighting, possession or use of narcotics, gross insubordination (threatening or cursing the
teacher) will result in immediate referral to the Dean on the 1st offense, RPC, and also suspension, arrest, and/or expulsion.
G. School-Wide Dress Code Policy
The Clark County School District Basic Dress Code serves to provide guidelines for student dress and appearance at all
District schools (whether or not they adopt Standard Student Attire). Students are to be dressed in such a manner that their
appearance in the school contributes to the learning environment. Exemption from the CCSD Basic Dress Code may be
permitted for medical or religious reasons. Students have a responsibility to dress in alignment with the Clark County
School District dress and appearance guidelines.
1.
Require the wearing of shoes with soles. House slippers and shoes with wheels are not permitted.
2.
All clothing must be sufficient to conceal any and all undergarments. No skin will show between bottom of
shirt/blouse and top of pants or skirts at any time. All sleeveless shirts must have straps at least three inches wide.
Prohibited tops include, but are not limited to, crop tops, tank tops, strapless, low-cut clothing, clothing with slits, or tops
and outfits that provide minimum coverage.
3.
Require that all shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers/dresses must be at fingertip length.
4.
All jeans, pants, and trousers must be secured at waist level. Sagging is strictly prohibited. Jeans, pants, and
trousers are not to have rips or tears that expose undergarments and/or are located mid-thigh or higher.
5.
Headgear (hats, hoods, caps, bandanas, hair grooming aids, etc.) is not permitted on campus except for
designated school approved uniforms, special events, authorized athletic practices, documented medical conditions, bona
fide religious reasons, or CCSD/school sanctioned activities.
6.
Slogans or advertising on clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories which by their controversial,
discriminatory, profane, and/or obscene nature disrupt the educational setting are prohibited.
7.
Any clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories that promote illegal or violent conduct, or affiliation with
groups that promote illegal or violent conduct such as, but not limited to, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats are prohibited.
8.
Spiked or studded clothing, jewelry, and/or accessories are prohibited.
9.
Outerwear such as coats, mittens, and scarves must be removed upon entering the classrooms/buildings.
Administrators, teachers, and staff may use their discretion as appropriate based on the temperature in the facility.
The school administration shall have the right to designate which types of dress, fashion, fads, or appearance disrupt or
detract from the educational program and may be a potential safety hazard. The principal shall retain the authority to grant
exceptions for spirit days, special event dress days, and school wide free dress days. On those CCSD/school sanctioned
exception days, schools will notify the students and parents/guardians of the unique dress provisions. Additional
information regarding student dress and appearance, including Standard Student Attire, is contained in CCSD Regulation
5131 Dress and Appearance.
H. Bathroom Passes
Students will be issued three bathroom passes per quarter. Any time a student needs to use the restroom,
they need to do nothing more than hand the instructor their pass and wait to be written a hall pass. Should
the student choose not to use their passes, they may turn them in for 5 points extra credit each (15 points
total). New passes will not be issued if the passes are lost. Exception: For a student who has a medical
condition which has been documented through the school nurse, other arrangements can be made. Also,
exceptions will be made for legitimate emergency situations.
I. Extra Credit
Throughout the year, extra credit opportunities may become available. All students are encouraged to
participate and attempt to earn extra points. All essays and major projects may be turned in early to earn
extra points. In addition, using a vocabulary word in your work will also earn you extra points. Take
advantage of these opportunities as they arise.
Course Expectations Signature Sheet
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Please sign and date that you have read the policies and procedures explained in the Course Expectations, which can
be found on myteacherpages.com. I will be going over them thoroughly with students in class. Please also sign and
date the film permission slip at the bottom of this form. Also, please refer to them throughout the year as new
questions arise. I hope that your son/daughter will have an excellent year.
Parent Signature: _______________________________
Date: ________________
Student Signature: ______________________________
Date: ________________
Sign & Date
Film Permission List
Throughout the year, we will be utilizing film and video to enhance students’ comprehension of the literature we are
studying. Please circle Yes or No next to each of the following videos, and sign the bottom, to give or withhold
your permission for your student to view the films. If you choose not to give permission, the student will be given
an alternative assignment with no penalty to their grade. If you have any questions/concerns, please contact me at
japurney@interact.ccsd.net Thank you!
-Ms. Purney
Student Name: ______________________________ Period: ________
Parent Name: _______________________________ Parent Signature:_________________
English IV:
The Princess Bride (for fairytale unit)
The Simpsons parody of stories –
Life is Beautiful—Holocaust Unit
Alice in Wonderland
Hercules
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes/ No
Sign &
Print
Circle
Yes or
No