Sophomore English College Prep Survey
Instructor: Ms. Heinemann | Classroom C380 | Office C376
Email: jheinemann@barrington220.org | Twitter: @msheinemann
COURSE CONTENT
Together, we will read and discuss literature that explores the influences that
shape people’s perceptions of themselves and of the world around them and, in
turn, how those perceptions impact their actions. Our reading curriculum will
include plays, podcasts, and independent reading choices. We will practice writing
and speaking thoughtfully about the ideas we come across. We will also practice
using grammar effectively, starting with commas.
Semester 1
Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose
Serial, a podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig
Semester 2
Speech Unit
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Written Assessments: Persuasive Essay Outline,
Reflective Essay
Written Assessments: Formal Speech Outline, Literary
Analysis Essay
Essential Questions: How does society shape/impact
identity? How does identity shape perception and
behavior in society? What constitutes an ethical
decision? What is an individual’s social responsibility?
Essential Questions: What is an individual’s social
responsibility? What are the consequences of our
actions? What defines tragedy for an individual and/or
for society? How can we grow from tragedy?
All units are flexible and may be subject to change.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
READING: As a class, we will read plays and shorter pieces of fiction and nonfiction. We will also begin each
class with about ten minutes of independent reading. You will conference with me about your self-selected reading,
share your choices through book talks, set personal reading goals, and keep reading logs.
WRITING: Writing will be done in preparation for and in response to literature. You will be given class time to
write but will sometimes need to work on your writing at home. Writing will include at least one personal/creative
piece and at least one formal, analytical piece each semester. Guidelines will be given for writing assignments.
SPEAKING & LISTENING: Class discussion is crucial to this class and to your learning. We will discuss texts and
concepts in small groups and as a whole class—both informally and through formal activities, like Socratic
Seminars and fishbowl discussions. Always come to class prepared to share! As part of our oral communication
focus, you will also be required to give a variety of speeches, including persuasive and informative. You will receive
guidelines for all formal speaking assignments.
HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF ORGANIZED
Your class notebook will be organized into the following sections
 Minilesson Notes: You will take notes during class on reading, writing, language, and speaking skills.
 Quick Writes: You will write for at least ten minutes each class period. Writing prompts will sometimes
connect to our class reading and sometimes be more personal and reflective.
 Revisions: Each semester your will revise at least TWO of your quick writes into a formal piece of writing.
One piece must be analytical; the other must be creative. You will receive guidelines for this assignment.
 Found Language: You will record vocabulary words you want to learn. You may also record any sentences
or phrases that stand out to you from your independent reading books.
 My Space: This is YOUR space. I will not look at it. Feel free to journal, rant, doodle, decorate, etc! <3
We will use our laptops to collaborate and type final drafts. The daily agenda will let you know whether we need
laptops that day. On non-laptop days, laptops should be stored securely in your backpack by the time class starts.
GRADING
You will have a daily opportunity to earn points for informal notes and writing practice. Essays, projects, and tests
will happen less often and comprise most of your final grade.
Semester Weights:
Semester Work – 80%
Final Exam – 20%
Semester Work Categories:
Writing Assignments – 30%
Reading/Language Assignments – 30%
Speaking/Listening Assignments – 30%
Journals/Notes - 10%
Grade Scale:
A
100 – 90
B
89 – 80
C
79 – 70
D
69 – 60
F
59 – 0
MAKE-UP WORK
- Make-up work is your responsibility. Please see me before or after class for any missed handouts and ask a
-
classmate for any missed notes.
Field trip and sports absences do not give you an automatic extension on an assignment. Under special
circumstances, see me before the due date about possible extensions.
TURNING IN PAPERS & PROJECTS
- All major assignments must be turned in on the Google Classroom unless you’re instructed otherwise. If
-
you only share/email an assignment, it will be marked as missing until turned in to the Google Classroom.
Label all documents as follows: AssignmentTitle_LastName_Period
o Example: SixWordMemoir_Heinemann_2
Papers and projects are due on the assigned due date, even if you are absent from class.
Late papers and projects may be docked points.
_________________________________________________________
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
BE POSITIVE!
Value yourself by being ready to learn! Plan ahead, read all assignments, write down
thoughts, share ideas, ask questions, and THINK. To get the most out of this experience,
you must be engaged in your own learning.
SHOW RESPECT!
Since we will all be learning from each other, it’s your job to keep an open mind and to be
considerate of other students’ ideas and questions. Be respectful of others’ possessions,
opinions, and time. Keep purses and backpacks on the floor and cell phones in your
pocket. Bathroom/hall passes are a privilege; limit your bathroom passes to emergencies.
FOLLOW ESTABLISHED SCHOOL RULES & POLICIES!
Honor our school by being responsible.
- Headphones, laptops, and other electronics must be put away in class—unless you have been told
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otherwise. We will sometimes use our laptops to research, collaborate, and write. The daily agenda on the
SMART Board will let you know whether or not we need laptops that day. On non-laptop days, laptops
should be stored securely in your backpack by the time class starts.
Tardiness and absences disrupts learning. Beat the bell!
The Academic Honesty Policy will be enforced: Do your own work and use required citations for outside
sources. Group work will be specifically designated and will be completed (or at least started) in class. All
students involved will receive appropriate consequences.
All rules in the student handbook will be enforced.
CONSEQUENCES
While I am confident that ALL of you will behave like the mature young adults you are, failure to meet classroom
expectations will result in any of the following:
1
2
3
Warning
Seat Change (daily or permanent)
Conference with Teacher
Phone Call to Parent/Guardian
Detention
Referral to School Services
It is much easier for us both to communicate about any issues before or after class. However, if it’s necessary and
appropriate, I will contact your parents or BHS administration for support. This is not to betray you. It is to help
you grow as a student and as a person. I hope I’ll never need to contact your parents except with wonderful news!
Please Note: Disruptive behavior that threatens, endangers, or prevents class from functioning will result in
immediate removal from the classroom. Students will go directly to meet with an administrator.
TEACHER CONTACTS
Please feel free to seek me out with questions or concerns. While you are welcome to stop in the English office
after school or during my office hours, it’s always a smart idea to email me to set up a meeting. Seriously. If you
need help with anything, let me know. I’M SUPER HELPFUL.
You are all lovely, and I look forward to learning with you throughout the year! <3
Per. 1
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Where You Can Find Me
C376 (Eng. office)
Per. 6 C376 (Eng. office)
E350
Per. 7 C375
C380
Per. 8 C380
C376 (Eng. office)
After C376 (Eng, office)
C380
Contact Info
Email: jheinemann@barrington220.org
Voicemail: 847-842-3272
Twitter: @msheinemann
TEACHING ASSISTANT
We are lucky enough to have a teaching assistant this year! Your TA is here to help you! She will help to teach some
lessons, answer your questions, and keep you on track! Please don’t be afraid to ask her questions.
Your TA’s name is _____________________________________________________________________________________.
Her email address is _____________________________________________________________________________________.
---------------------------------------- Cut or tear (neatly!) and return bottom half to instructor. ------------------------------------------By signing this document, I verify that I have read the course syllabus:
Student Name (PRINT): _________________________________________________________________
Class Period: _____________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Name & Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Preferred Contact (phone # or email): _________________________________________________________________________