Contemporary Literature
Contact Information
Laura Jablonski
ljablonski@basd.k12.wi.us
(262) 763-0200 ext. 4270
Period
st
1 Period
1st Semester
English Foundations
7:20-8:09
2nd Period
8:14-9:03
Writing Skills
Advisory
9:34-10:23
ALL
4th Period
11:23-12:17
6th Period
12:52-1:41
7th Period
1:46-2:35
ALL
English Foundations
10:28-11:17
5th Period
Women Writers
Advisory
9:08-9:29
3rd Period
2nd Semester
Writing Skills (C Lunch)
Contemporary Literature (C Lunch)
Prep
English Foundations
Course Description
This eighteen-week course is designed to expose students to literature that is written for young adults
and concentrates on teen-related issues. The thematic elements should enable readers to increase their
understanding of their own environment, as well as their understanding of more universal themes
within the real world. Students should expect to read both in and out of class, and books may be read
as a class, in small groups, or independently.
Essentials of Learning
 Students will understand the WI standards of knowledge and concepts they are to master between
grades 9-12, and apply the standards to the activities completed in this course.
 Students will develop and demonstrate a command of essential literary terminology relevant to both
prose and poetry.
 Students will understand techniques authors use to develop plot, theme, and character, and apply
them to works of merit.
 Students will learn and practice techniques for active reading, using works of literary merit.
 Students will engage in meaningful discussion of the works at hand, using evidence from the stories,
novels, poems, and plays to support their views.
 Students will grow in their ability to organize written work, from the paragraph level to formal
essays of varying purposes.
 Students will make connections with literature of varying genres.
 Students will challenge themselves in critical thinking and expressive ability through creative
writing assignments.
 Students will cultivate skills in formal presentation.
Contemporary Literature
Required Course Materials
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Something to write with
Something to write on
your student planner (assignment notebook paid for at registration)
whatever text we are covering at the moment
Proposed Texts
Following is a list of titles, authors, and subject matter that may be covered in this course. Be advised
that this is by no means an exhaustive list of themes or issues. Profanity is present in several titles.
Please see me with any questions or concerns:
Breathing Underwater Alex Flinn (Teen Dating Violence)
The First Part Last Angela Johnson (Teen Pregnancy)
The Burn Journals Brent Runyon (Suicide)
Impulse Ellen Hopkins (Suicide)
Speak Laurie Halse Anderson (Sexual Assault)
Nineteen Minutes (School Shooting)
***TRIGGER WARNING!***
Please be fully aware that this class will include mandatory reading and viewing of materials
including, but not limited to bullying, violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and mental
health issues, such as eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, suicide, and selfharm.
If you are sensitive to any of these topics, please see your guidance counselor immediately to
make alternate English credit arrangements.
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Late Work Policies
1. I understand that 17- and 18-year-old students are busy! Please be aware, however, that school-to-work,
jobs, and extracurricular involvement are not valid excuses for not keeping up with daily reading
assignments. You will not be allowed to make up quizzes you are unprepared for.
2.
Each unit typically has research and essay components. Late assignments will lose points each day
they are missing until they can only be marked as completed (no credit).
3. I understand that students miss class for a variety of reasons. Some of these absences are known ahead
of time, such as school-sponsored events, vacations, or doctor’s appointments. Because you are
receiving the entire semester’s worth of assignments and activities, you must make prior
arrangements to make up work missed during a planned absence.
Contemporary Literature
4. If you have questions or concerns, need certain accommodations, or would like help on an assignment,
please ask! It is much easier to plan ahead than to make adjustments at the last minute or after the fact.
5. Progress reports are sent home periodically throughout the semester. Any grade updates other than
midterm and final grades are gladly given by email or telephone by request only. Please do not
request “standing orders” for updates; please ask as the need (and/or your curiosity) arises.
Ms. J’s Classroom Expectations:
1. Students are expected to arrive to class on time, with all necessary materials, and all
assignments complete.
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Review the tardy policy in your handbook for further details.
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Homework that is not complete at the time of collection will be marked late.
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Homework is considered “on time” if it is completed by hand/printed/stapled (as the
assignment dictates) before the bell rings. Work will be considered late if students
ask to print and staple after class has commenced.
2. Food and drink will be allowed in class as long as students clean up after themselves.
3. MP3 players, laptops, and tablets are allowed in class for use during WORKTIME ONLY.
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Students need to be working on class-related activities. Inappropriate use will result in a
loss of privileges within the classroom/potential confiscation of device.
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Ipods should be shut off and put away at the sound of the bell. (i.e. NO
HEADPHONES DANGLING OUT OF YOUR EARS AFTER THE BELL RINGS!)
4. The school’s dress code will be enforced.
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No mini-shorts and skirts, cleavage, bra straps, underwear, alcohol/tobacco/drug/ sexual
references, hats, or bandanas. Refer to the student handbook.
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Students who are considered in violation of the dress code will be offered the chance to
correct it, whenever possible. Students who refuse to cooperate will be sent to the
office for disciplinary action.
5. Students will be expected to use polite and respectful language at all times.
*In addition to other obscene or derogatory comments, note that the words
__________ and __________________ are not allowed in class. Parents and
administration will be notified if language becomes a problem!