English 10A
Mr. Wiesen
In Sophomore English, the students will learn skills in two major categories: Literature and
Writing. Skills in Literature will be comprised of Reacting, Interpreting, Connecting, and
Evaluating (RICE) a variety of pieces of literature including short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction. Skills in Writing will include the structure of formal essays and paragraphs, grammar,
quote integration (AQC) or textual support, and CAPT writing responses.
Major Themes:
The focus of Tenth Grade English is American Literature. When studying this, we will discuss
numerous universal themes such as justice and freedom, but also focus on how the individual fits
into society and the search for the American Dream and how it has changed throughout history.
Work Load:
Students will be given ample ability to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise of the major
skills in English and to demonstrate any individual talents and strengths in the following types of
assignments: Class Discussion, Book Forums, Essays, Journal Entries, Homework, WebQuests,
Seminars, Creative Projects, Photo Essays, PowerPoint Presentations, class presentations, and
CAPT-like writing responses. In addition, we will also engage in the active learning of
Vocabulary from the Saddlie-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop books.
Class Rules:
Be on time.
 When the bell rings be in your seat ready to work, not lingering at the door or wandering
around class. Being late to class will result in detention.
Be prepared.
 Bring everything you need for class, including pens, pencils, books, notebooks, binder,
assignment pad, and blank paper.
 Do NOT bring food, drinks (except clear water, NOT Vitamin Water), attitudes, or personal
issues.
 Per school policy, DO NOT bring any electronic items (cell phones, iPods, etc.)
 All assignments completed to the best of your ability.
Be ready to work and think.
Given the nature of class, there will be numerous times to participate in discussions. Please be
courteous to your fellow students, the instructor, and any guests at all times.
3-Ring Binders
All students will have and keep an organized 3-Ring binder for this class only. They will be
divided into two sections: Literature and Writing. Periodic binder-checks will ensure that they are
kept neat, organized and complete. Organized students are successful students.
Assignment Pads
All students are expected to have a consistent place to keep their assignments. The school gives
each student a handbook with an assignment calendar in it. It is advisable that the students use
this to record all assignments.
English 10A
Mr. Wiesen
Homework and Other Assignments
 Homework may not be handed in late. It is to be complete upon entering class the day
that it is due, NOT at the end of class or at the end of the day, since most of the
homework assignments will be used in class that day.
 Homework is given a grade of 0-100 depending on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness
given each assignment. Completing the assignment warrants a 75 (C) whereas providing
longer and more thoughtful answers may warrant a B or and A. Likewise, homework
assignments which are answered with single-word answers or are incomplete for
whatever reason will receive a D or lower.
 Credit will not be given for homework or any other assignment that is incomplete or
carelessly completed.
 Any project or paper which is late will be lose 10 points per day (not per class period, per
day) until it is four days late, at which point it will not be accepted.
Quizzes may be given at any time for any reason on any current topic we are studying. They will
generally be unannounced, so always be prepared.
Absences/Makeup Work
If you are absent from school for any reason, you are still responsible for making up the work you
missed in class that day. Additionally, you will be expected to contact me before the next class
meets so you can be prepared for it as well. Because we are on a block schedule, we meet every
other day. Very rarely will you be out on two consecutive days.
1. See me the next day for the assignment so you can complete it and be prepared for the next
time class meets.
2. Email me (pwiesen@wallingford.k12.ct.us) if you need to. I am always impressed by
students who are conscientious enough to email me for their assignments  When
assignments are emailed to me, I will respond indicating that I have received it. If you do not
get this confirmation from me, please check that the email address is correct.
***Best Practice: add my email address to your email address book, so you won’t have to
retype (and risk typing it incorrectly)it every time you send me something.
3. My extra help days are on every Tuesday and Thursday, but I can be available other days if
you let me know ahead of time. You may also meet with me during your study hall (if our
schedules allow). Please, feel free to contact me and arrange a time for extra help or make-up
work.
Grading:
Students will be graded according to the following scale:
 Tests/Projects/Seminars: 35%
 Writing: 30%
 Class Participation: 20%
 Homework/Classwork: 15%
English 10A
Mr. Wiesen
Reading Plan:
I plan for the class to cover one major literary movement per Marking Period.
The tentative plan for the year is as follows:
Marking Period 1:
Colonialism, Romanticism and Transcendentalism
Major Works Covered:
Arthur Miller: The Crucible
Henry David Thoreau: Walden
Jon Krakauer: Into the Wild
Marking Period 2:
Realism and Westward Expansion
Major Works Covered:
Mark Twain: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Harriet Jacobs: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Marking Period 3:
Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance
Major Works Covered:
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men
Tennessee Williams: The Glass Menagerie
Marking Period 4:
Post-Modernism, New Journalism, and Contemporary Drama and Fiction
Major Works Covered:
Marsha Norman: ‘Night Mother
Arthur Miller: Death of a Salesman
August Wilson: Fences
Anne Tyler: Patchwork Planet
We will also read supplemental material (short stories/poems/essays) and other selections
from the textbook: Prentice Hall: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes
Please Sign the appropriate space below, indicating that you have reviewed and
understood the rules and expectations of this class.
_______________________________
Student
______________________________
Parent/Guardian
English 10A
Mr. Wiesen
At various times throughout the school year, we may supplement our learning with
videos and movies. These may include:
The Great Gatsby
Dances With Wolves
To Have or To Have Not
Casablanca
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
Capote
Moby Dick
The Perfect Storm
Huck Finn
Gangs of New York
The Glass Menagerie
‘Night Mother
Of Mice and Men
Malcolm X
The Crucible
Good Night and Good Luck
Death of a Salesman
Mississippi Burning
Pursuit of Happyness
Into the Wild
Please Sign the appropriate space below, indicating that you have reviewed video list.
_______________________________
Student
______________________________
Parent/Guardian