A.G.B.U. MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ENGLISH LITERATURE 7
SYLLABUS FOR 2014-15
Mrs. Susan Thomas
sthomas@agbumds.org
Room 103
The class syllabus details the overlying requirements, policies, and procedures for this course.
Once it has been reviewed, please complete and return the last page by Friday, August 14, 2015.
Welcome to 7th grade English Literature and the second year of middle school. English
Literature 7 will continue to build the knowledge, skills, and strategies for reading and writing
explicitly and implicitly. Figurative language will be analyzed to develop understanding of how
literary devices contribute to the development of plot, characters, and themes within literary
texts. Critical thinking about the central ideas will be developed through Socratic seminars and
essay writing. Essay writing will be based on a five paragraph standard. Paragraphs are clearly
organized through the use of formal planning to ensure each pupil can express their thoughts in a
clear and coherent writing style. This course is aligned with the California State Common Core
Standards for English/Language Arts grades 6-8.
Required Texts
The following texts need to be purchased and in class the first week of school for use during the
academic year. There is room in the classroom to store the books in the metal cabinets. Please
tape a piece of paper with the students name on the front cover for easy identification. A
physical copy of each book is needed. An electronic download is NOT
acceptable.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (Summer Reading)
Eric Terzyan
Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Robin Hood (Puffin Classic) by Roger Lancelyn
Green
5. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
6. Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes – 7th
Grade (Bronze level)
Grading
Student grades are based on an accumulated point system. Each assignment is assigned a point
value relative to the complexity of the task and its overall significance to the objectives of the
course. The mid-year and final exams are weighted separately by the school at 20%.
Weighted percentages are:
 Tests/Quizzes - 30%
 Essays - 30%
 Classwork/Homework - 20%
 Participation and Preparedness - 20%
A.G.B.U. MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ENGLISH LITERATURE 7
SYLLABUS FOR 2014-15
The grading scale is:
 100-90%
A
 89-80%
B
 79-70%
C
 69-60%
D
 59-0%
F
Additional Materials Needed for Class
1. A three ring binder (2” wide)
2. 10 dividers
3. Loose leaf, college ruled, 8 ½ x 11 inch paper
4. Unlined printer paper, 8 ½ x 11 inch paper
5. Black pens
6. Pencils
7. A good eraser
8. Square post-it notes for annotating texts
9. A 12 inch ruler
10. A Thesaurus (high school or college level)
11. A box of Kleenex for the class’s annual supply.
Class Goals
We will be creating a learning community in class that will challenge thinking, invite different
perspectives, and broaden understanding. Each student will:
 Improve critical reading comprehension;
 Continue to develop their personal voice in discussions and writing; and
 Develop their foundational for writing strategies, including effective planning.
Class Expectations
Everyone in the classroom will be treated with respect. I maintain a high standard of expectation
for learning and the work produced. Students should:
 Show respect for themselves, classmates, staff, materials, and the classroom;
 Come prepared for class;
 Complete assignments on time;
 Check the school webpage for homework assignments (they posted weekly for easy
reference), and
 Use facilities (drinking fountain and restrooms) before or after class.
A.G.B.U. MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ENGLISH LITERATURE 7
SYLLABUS FOR 2014-15
Cheating/Plagiarism
Any student caught plagiarizing will receive an automatic “F” on the assignment. The additional
consequences of plagiarism are set forth in the Student Handbook. Plagiarism is not restricted to
length. One sentence or one definition copied directly from another source without
acknowledgement is plagiarism. Cheating and/or plagiarism includes:
 Copying from the Internet
 Consulting an unauthorized source (Sparknotes, Wikipedia, Cliffnotes, Shmoop,
Classiclit, Bookrags, Homeworkhelp, etc) in lieu of expressing and/or formulating your
own thoughts
 Copying homework/class work from another classmate
 ALLOWING a classmate to copy your homework/class work
 Looking at another person’s work during individual working time (this includes class
work, homework, and assessments)
Policies and Procedures
As a member of our learning community, each student must be present and participate in lessons
in order to master all of the skills.
Tardiness
If a student is not in his or her assigned seat when the bell rings, he or she is considered tardy
and will be marked as such.
Absences
If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for completing ALL work that was assigned on the
missed day.
 When a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to keep track of homework or
other assigned class work. The student has the number of days absent to make up the
work. For example, if the absence was two days, the assignment must be turned in within
two days of the return to class.
 Make-up tests/quizzes will be given at 3:30 p.m. in Room 103. A weekly make-up date
will be posted on the board. It is the student’s responsibility to come at the assigned
time. Failure to do so will result in an ‘M’ grade. (A missing grade is a 0.)
Electronics
Electronics are NOT allowed in the classroom at any time. No warnings will be given. If an
electronic device is seen or heard, the item will be confiscated immediately.
Submission of Assignments
All assignments are to be turned in on time to the assigned tray/clip in the classroom. Do NOT
email assignments to the teacher.
A.G.B.U. MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ENGLISH LITERATURE 7
SYLLABUS FOR 2014-15
Homework
Homework will be given on a regular basis. It is to be completed at home and turned in on time.
All assignments will be collected at the beginning of each class and graded for completion and
accuracy. Every piece of work must be presented neatly. Handwriting must be legible.
Corrections on a piece of homework are encouraged and can lead to full credit for a given piece
of work. Corrections must be turned in the following week.
A.G.B.U. MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ENGLISH LITERATURE 7
SYLLABUS FOR 2014-15
STUDENT AND PARENTS
Please sign and return by Friday, August 14, 2015.
STUDENT:
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the class expectations. With my signature, I agree
to participate in class, meet the expectations set forth in the Syllabus, and take responsibility for
my learning.
Student name: _________________________________________
Date: ______________
Student signature: ___________________________________________________________
PARENTS/GUARDIAN:
I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Syllabus. With my signature, I confirm that I
will support my child by:
• ensuring organizational systems are set up at home for successful completion of
assignments,
• checking weekly that his/her assigned work has been completed.
Parent/guardian name: __________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent/guardian signature: ___________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________