2015-2016
English IV
Mrs. Portera
mportera@madison-schools.com
English IV
This document is provided to keep you on track throughout the year. You will need to put it in your notebook. I will ask
you to refer to THIS SHEET every nine weeks. Do not misplace! This is a tentative syllabus. All material is subject to
change based on learning styles, class interests, and pacing.
Course Description:
In this course we will be building on what you have already learned, focusing especially in the fields of reading and
writing. Our grammar units will focus on ACT preparation and advanced skills. Writing assignments will range from
literary responses and thematic essays to a formal research paper. Our reading focus will be the survey of British
Literature offered in our textbook; however, you will also read other works. You will need to purchase a copy of The
Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Twelfth Night (No Fear Shakespeare Version) by William Shakespeare, Frankenstein by Mary
Shelley, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and one TBD book for your research paper.
Daily Supplies:
1. Binder with loose-leaf paper
2. Blue or black pens (I will not grade pencil. AGAIN I WILL NOT GRADE PENCIL!!!)
3. Divide your notebook into 2 sections: Grammar and Literature
Grading Policy:
60% Tests, Major Papers, and Projects
40% Quizzes (2x), Vocabulary, Homework, and Online Activities
Grammar: You will need to label each grammar exercise we do in your notebook. You will read and copy down all rules
and helpful examples from the Elements of Language book. These books will NOT be able to leave the classroom, so
copy down what you need to help prepare for your tests. Once a unit is taught, you are expected to use those rules in
your writing. Each essay you submit that contains errors in previously taught material will receive a 5 point deduction
per error made.
Also, each essay you write MUST have an argumentative thesis, 3 supporting facts, and flawless in grammar,
contractions, and the use of 1st and 2nd person. (A deduction of 10 points will be given PER ERROR of contraction or 1st or
2nd person made.)
Late Work: Failure to turn in any assignment on time results in a grade of zero. The only acceptable reason for not
having an assignment is an excused absence for the day the work was assigned/due. If you were aware of an
assignment due on the missed day, you are expected to bring that assignment when you return. *This excludes research
deadlines.
Make-up Policy: Check the calendar binder at the front of my classroom when you return to school!!! I will NOT track
you down!!!! It is your responsibility to get all assignments missed upon returning to school and to schedule dates for
make-up work or tests. Once we schedule a time and day, you MUST be there or the missed work will result in a 0. Refer
to your student handbook to calculate time allowed on make-up work; if you fail to contact me regarding YOUR missed
work, your grade will be recorded as a zero. Also, If you show up tardy to class and I have given a grade on something,
you WILL NOT be able to make it up unless your being late is excused.
How I Teach: As the state progresses to the nationally adopted method of Common Core, you will see a difference in the
way you learn material in every classroom. Most all of my lessons will be discussions and arguments on assigned reads;
you will be responsible for your learning and interpretation of the material. Learning will be more independent thinking
verses the traditional teacher-directed method. We will all benefit from this change. You will see next year how this
method will better prepare you for college. Be ready! This will be challenging!
**At the end of each nine weeks, you will prepare and present a typed paper on your analysis of the theme presented
over the quarter. Remember to analyze is not to summarize. This paper will only be accepted after it has been turned in
to turnitin.com. More on this later…
***We will also utilize Canvas. Please begin checking it daily for posts and new assignments.
A Note on Grading: If you have a question about your grade, a meeting should be scheduled with me. Do not interrupt
my class to debate a grade. Please be prepared to explain your reasoning as to why you called the meeting. Just keep in
mind, a C indicates average writing. A meeting will not guarantee you a different grade on a particular assignment.
Help: Students should see me before school, 4th/8th block, or after school for extra help. I can be reached at
mportera@madison-schools.com . Students should check assignments on the MC Jags website daily to make sure that
they are prepared. My name and page can be found under the “Teacher” tab on Madison Central’s home page.
Calendar:
Fall Semester
1st Nine Weeks : Thematic Study---A focus on Literary Heroes
Literature: The Anglo-Saxons (449-1066), Beowulf , “The Seafarer”
The Middle Ages (1066-1660) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Death of Arthur
Major works: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Writing: Literary responses and thematic essay
Grammar: Writing Clearly and Subject-Verb Agreement
Contextual Vocabulary and Literary Terminology
2nd Nine Weeks: Thematic Study---A focus on Satire and Wit
Literature: The Middle Ages (1066-1485) continued, “Lord Randall”, “Get Up and Bar the Door”
The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue, Wife of Bath,
The Renaissance (1485-1660) “Whoso List to Hunt” and Sonnet #30; Sonnet #130 and “To His Coy Mistress”
The Restoration Period (1660-1800) Gulliver’s Travels, A Modest Proposal
Major work: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Writing: Literary responses and Thematic Essay *Choosing your Novel for Research Analysis
Grammar: Using Case Pronouns Correctly
Contextual Vocabulary and Literary Terminology
Spring Semester
3rd Nine Weeks: Thematic Study---Flights of Fancy
Literature: The Romantic Period (1798-1832), poems by Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, and Keats
Major work: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Writing: Literary response, research paper, thematic essay
Grammar: Punctuation and Other Marks
Contextual Vocabulary and Literary Terminology
4th Nine Weeks Thematic Study---A focus on Modern Problems
Literature: The Victorian Period (1832-1901), poems by Tennyson, R. Browning, Arnold, and Hardy
The Twentieth Century (1901-until), Owen, Eliot, Hughes, Lawrence, Thomas, Auden
Major work: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Writing: Literary response, reflective essay, thematic essay
Grammar: Glossary of Usage
Contextual Vocabulary and Literary Terminology
Students:
Return this page only and keep the rest of this syllabus in your binder.
Parents:
Sign below signifying that you have read the course syllabus and understand the responsibilities involved in this class.
Please make a note of the late work and makeup policy outlined above. It is imperative that your senior understands
the expectations of this class. Please include an e-mail address where you can be reached.
______________________________
Student signature
________
Date
______________________________
Parent signature
________
Date
Parent’s E-mail: ______________________________
*Note: emailing me at mportera@madison-schools.com will earn your student an extra 5 bonus points on his/her
1st test. Please take a moment to email me. In the subject line write your student’s first and last name and block
number. (i.e. Mary Jones 1st Block). You do not need to write anything in the body of the email! 
Additional comments or concerns: