GRADE 12 Honors English
Christine Scott
Central Bucks East 2014-2015
Email: cscott@cbsd.org
Phone number: 267-893-2300- ext. 47075
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English 12 focuses on how literature mimics the human experience across different perspectives, societies, and
time periods…Different views from different societies that deal with the same character or subject are
appropriate.
We will examine the role of culture and tradition in the development of identity.
Students will analyze how literary elements reinforce one another and contribute to the larger scope of the
work.
The touchstone text for grade 12 is Metamorphosis: Students will examine interrelationships that exist between
text, self, and world. Specific techniques studied will include literary motifs, archetypes, conventions, and
traditions, as well as the elements of fiction, drama, and poetry at a deeper level than their previous study.
The focus of writing in twelfth grade is literary analysis. Students will produce sophisticated literary analysis,
writing pieces that demonstrate a deep understanding of the connection between text and the human
experience that justifies literature as a unique and important tool for examining and understanding humanity.
***Following is the link to your class Blackboard site. You will be required to participate in online discussions, submit
writing samples, and keep journal entries on this site…so you should familiarize yourself with it:
https://cbsd.blackboard.com
Other things we may read in Grade 12 Honors English in addition to Metamorphosis:
Alias Grace
Things Fall Apart
Master Harold and the Boys
Oedipus
Antigone
Hamlet
Selected poems and short stories
One independent reading book- TBA (TODAY)
What we’ll write...
Core Assessment 1 - A literary analysis paper which will involve in-text citations
Core Assessment 2 – A series of products making text to text and text to world connections…samples will be shared.
Plagiarism is using an author’s work in part or in whole (or just his/her ideas) without giving that individual credit.
Any work that is plagiarized will not receive credit; a zero will be given, parents will be called and Honor Society Status
in the future will be jeopardized. I am very familiar with Sparknotes, cliff’s notes, bookrags, etc. these are not
legitimate sources for your English class- nor will they ever be…
Vocabulary study will be incorporated with each piece of literature we read- there will be regular vocabulary tests.
Everyday…
1. YOU WILL COME PREPARED TO CLASS. This means you have your textbook, writing utensil and your notebook and
folder.
2. IF YOU ARE ABSENT, THE WORK YOU MISS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
You will have three days to make up work unless there are extenuating circumstances- this is DISTRICT POLICY. I will
not be reminding you to get your work to me.
3. IF YOU ARE ABSENT THE DAY BEFORE A PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED TEST, YOU WILL TAKE THE TEST ON THE
REGULAR TEST DAY
4. Bring reports and projects STAPLED!
Most Importantly!
This classroom is a safe place for all. I am insistent on respectful and tolerant language and behavior.
Grade 12 Honors Class….Some things that you should assume that I will assume…
1. You will not turn in a paper that is less than 3 pages typed
2. You will use correct MLA format in your in-text citations as well as on your works-cited lists.
3. You do not need a rubric for every assignment you receive. You should have an idea of the elements that an effective
project should include, the components that an obviously well thought-out project would entail, and the expectations
that any Honors Course Teacher maintains. Rubrics are helpful, but they are also restrictive in terms of the following:
your ability to be creative; the opportunity for you to go beyond what is expected of you and challenge yourself, which
is what an Honors Student should strive for; the opportunity for you to make decisions about what your best work
really looks like. You WILL have a rubric for every formal written piece.
4. ANY/EVERY written assignment should include quotes as support, along with citations.
5. You will ALWAYS write in an active voice…the “literary present.” You will not change tenses within your paper.
6. You know how to use semi-colons, and do so on a regular basis.
7. You know what pronoun-antecedent agreement is…
8. You will no longer use the “dead phrases.” (see board)
9. You should never begin a sentence with “this,” unless it is followed by the noun to which you are referring.
10. When you come in every day, there will be an agenda on the board which will include the objectives for the day,
the activities for the day, and the HOMEWORK for that night- BE SURE TO WRITE THIS DOWN AS THIS IS NOT
POSTED ONLNE ON A DAILY BASIS. (It would be helpful if you acquired an agenda book of your own!)
11. If you are new to HONORS, expect things to BE DIFFERENT from an Academic Class! Be Prepared to:
*READ MORE *READ MORE CLOSELY *WRITE MORE *WRITE MORE ANALYTICALLY
*HAVE HOMEWORK EVERY NIGHT
There is a reason that an HONORS course is WEIGHTED…because it is MORE CHALLENGING.
Lavatory passes…Since there are no longer paper copies of agenda books, you will sign out a pass with a small slip of
paper which I will sign. You must also sign in and out on the sign-out sheet by the door.
Emergency Procedures:
In case of a fire drill…We will exit the class and turn right and then down the stairs and out to the field next to the
teacher parking lot. Attendance will be taken once we are outside so STICK TOGETHER.
If we are instructed to go to Holicong, we will proceed to the CAFETERIA and sit at tables 7 and 8.
Lateness…Once the bell rings, you are late if you are not in the room and at least on your way to your seat. 3 Tardies =
discipline referral – First Block- eat breakfast BEFORE YOU COME TO MY ROOM OR YOU WILL HAVE TO THROW
YOUR FOOD AWAY.
Cell phones are not to be seen or turned on during class nor should I-pods, etc. in my classroom, unless otherwise
directed. You will be written up for texting.
Student Signature__________________________________________
Parent Signature___________________________________________