Name:_____________________________
10th Grade Literature and Composition Syllabus
ECHS 2013-2014
Mr. John Pope
Contact Information
Phone: (912) 754-6404
Email: jpope@effingham.k12.ga.us
Rebel Creed: I am proud to be a student of Effingham County High School. I promise
to conduct myself always as a lady or gentleman and as a good citizen of my school,
community, state, and nation. I shall strive never to commit an act that may disappoint
my family, friends, and school.
Course Description and Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS):
Instruction and assessment in English/Language Arts classrooms will require students to
write frequently. They will also be reading more texts that are informational in nature as
opposed to literary in nature. Students will read with pen in hand to record their reactions
to the content and to record evidence for use in responding to writing prompts. Students
will engage in fewer “traditional” grammar, vocabulary, and spelling activities because
instruction in these areas will be embedded in study of texts being read rather than as
separate activities. For example, vocabulary lists will be developed based on texts read
and personal vocabulary journals that the students create.
CCGPS Units of Study for 10th grade Literature/Composition:
August-October
Unit 1: “Moral Courage and Endurance”
Extended text and focus: Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
October-December Unit 2: “The Importance of Place in Life and Literature”
Extended text and focus: Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by
Janisse Ray
January-March
Unit 3: “The Many Faces of the Hero”
Extended text and focus: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
March-May
Unit 4: “Expanding Spaces: Seeing Beyond Horizons and
Limitations”
Extended text and focus: Travel essay compilation
Textbook/Novels Policy:
A class set of textbooks will be available for students to use in class. They are NOT
required to take this book home.
It is recommended (not required) that students purchase a copy of the novels for their
individual use. There will be a lot of annotating, note taking, highlighting, and
homework that requires the use of the text in all of the units.
Recommended (not required) Novels to Purchase:
Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton (ISBN # - 978-0-7432-6217-0)
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by Janisse Ray (ISBN # - 978-1-57131-247-1)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (ISBN # - 978-0-547-84841-9)
Classroom Policies:
Each student is expected to:
 Enter classroom on time and quietly begin the Bell Ringer activity every day.
 Bring all materials necessary for active learning, including pens, pencils,
notebook, paper, and a positive attitude.
 Respect the teacher, self, other students and their property, and all school policies.
 Participate and pay attention in class.
 Complete all assigned work.
 Keep our classroom neat!
 Students will NOT be permitted to eat or drink in my class! Bottled water is
the ONLY exception.
 Wait to be dismissed at the end of class! I dismiss you, not the bell!
 Cheating and Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Students will receive an
automatic zero for the assignment and will NOT be able to make it up. If the
cheating is habitual, students will be referred to the discipline office for further
action.
 Since the school will be on a seven-period day with only 50 minutes per class
period, students MUST use the restroom between classes. There is not enough
time during instructional time unless it is an extreme emergency. Please use your
time wisely and use the facilities between classes. Students who require frequent
restroom access due to a medical condition must have a note on file with the
school nurse.
Grading:
Grades are calculated according to the policy set forth by the Effingham County Board of
Education. All students are required to take a State End-of-Course Test, which will
comprise 20% of the student’s final grade average. The remaining 80% of his/her grade
will be the student’s class average. For the English Department, class averages will be
calculated as follows:
Exams – includes essays, projects and reports……….….………….…….45%
Classwork………………………………………………………...….……20%
Homework ……………………………………………………………......10%
Quizzes……………..……………………………………………………..25%
Assignment Make-up Policy:
The student is responsible for work missed due to an absence from class. If the absence
is excused, any work due on the day the student was absent must be submitted within
three days of the student’s return. Points will be deducted for work not turned in. Tests
and/or long-term assignments that were assigned prior to the student’s absence will be
made up the first day the student returns to class. If the student is absent the day before a
test/quiz, the student will take the assessment on the regularly scheduled day with the
rest of the class. Tests will be announced well in advance.
Make-up work should be discussed before or after school only, not during my class!
If/when you are absent, you should call one of your RELIABLE classmates to find out
what you have missed AND check the make-up work folder for you particular class
period.
Classmate: ____________________________ Phone Number: _____________
Attendance Make-up Policy (Saturday School):
Students who miss seven (7) unexcused or excused days of class will be asked to make
up the time in Saturday School for the next occurring absence.
Late Work Policy:
I will NOT be accepting any late assignments for full credit this year! If a student is in
school and does not turn in an assignment, he/she will only have one (1) additional day to
turn it in, with 70 being the highest possible grade. In the cases of unexcused absences or
suspensions, students will be encouraged to complete all missed work but will not be able
to receive full credit. In these cases, students will have three (3) days to turn in the
assignment. Work will not be accepted beyond three days after an absence. The
student will receive a zero for the assignment if it is not turned in within the allotted
three days.
Tutoring:
Tutoring is available every Wednesday afternoon from 3:45 to 4:30, or by appointment.
In either case, a student must notify me when he/she plans to attend by filling out a signup sheet
Remind 101:
This website is a safe way for me to keep in contact with students and their parents after
school and send reminders about homework assignments, upcoming projects, and class
announcements. If you have an e-mail address or can receive text messages, you can
start receiving reminders with a special code. More information will go home during the
first week of school.
Notebooks
In order for you to be organized, your notebook should be divided into the following
eight sections:
1. Bell Ringers
2. Vocabulary
3. Literature Notes/Classwork
4. Writing Notes/Classwork
5. Homework
6. Readings
7. Graded Papers
8. Extra
*Students will be required to keep a notebook for this class and may
have periodic notebook checks! This syllabus should be the FIRST item
in your notebook!
Supply List:
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3-ring binder (2 – 3”)
8 notebook dividers with tabs
College-ruled notebook paper
Blue or black ink pens
Mechanical pencils (preferred)
RECOMMENDED- a personal copy of the class novels
(hard copy or electronic)
Wish List:
Cough Drops
Kleenex
Band Aids
Hand Sanitizer
Please sign the attached form and return indicating that both the student and parent
understand the syllabus and classroom policies. I look forward to an exciting,
challenging, and “learning-filled” year with your child!  Please don’t hesitate to
contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Student Name ______________________
Period _________________
I understand and agree to follow Mr. Pope’s syllabus and classroom policies.
I understand that the CCGPS units are rigorous and require student and
parent involvement for success. I also understand that the units require a great
deal of reading and writing outside of the school day.
Lastly, I understand that it is my responsibility to bring all supplies needed
for class daily.
Student Signature/Date: _______________________________________________
Parent Signature/Date: ________________________________________________