English I
Mrs. Whitman
Course Outline 2015-2016
Phone ext. 208
kwhitman@fenwickfriars.com
Course Description:
This course features the study of traditional grammar and the structure of the English language,
including current usage, vocabulary development, and paragraph writing. In conjunction, the student is
exposed to a genre study of works from world literature, namely the short story, poetry, novel, drama,
and non-fiction.
Course Goals:
The goals of the course are to improve the student’s ability to express himself/herself correctly,
interestingly, and logically in writing, and to increase the student’s interest in and appreciation of
various kinds of literature.
Required Texts:
The Language of Literature (text)
Myths of Greece and Rome (e-book)
House on Mango Street (e-book)
All Quiet on the Western Front (e-book)
Handbook for Writers (e-book)
Required Apps:
iTunes U (free)
Remind (free)
Socrative Student (free)
**more free apps may be added during the school year**
Classroom Materials:
iPad, Loose leaf paper, black or blue ink pens, pencils, composition book, spiral notebook for English
only, index cards, folder. These items should be available on a daily basis. iPads MUST BE
CHARGED.
Order of Reading and Discussion:
1. Summer Reading Assignments
2. Mythology
A. Creation Myth
B. Gods and goddesses
C. Heroes
D. Grammar: Parts of speech, Syntax
3. The Short Story
A. Approximately 20 short stories
B. Literary terms
C. Grammar: Pronoun Case, Tenses
D. PSAT Review
4. Vignettes
A. Elements of vignettes
B. House on Mango Street
C. Grammar: Agreement
5. The Novel
A. Elements/structure of the novel
B. All Quiet on the Western Front
C. Grammar: Structure/Modifier errors
6. Nonfiction
A. True narratives
B. Essays
C. Letters
D. Speeches
7.
Poetry
A. Language of poetry (literary terms)
B. Narrative poetry
C. Lyric poetry
D. Dramatic poetry
E. Epic: The Odyssey
8.
Drama
A. Elements of drama
B. Romeo and Juliet
C. Grammar: Punctuation
Note: This is a rough outline and order/number of assignments is subject to change. Any changes will be
announced in class.
Grading:
A total point system will be used. Daily homework assignments, journals, quizzes, class participation
and in-class assignments will be worth 5-30 points, depending on length. Essays, compositions, and
small projects will be worth 40-75 points. Exams, major projects, and extended papers will be worth 100
points (semester exams will be worth significantly more). 92% and above is an A, 80-91% is a B, 7079% is a C, 65-69% is a D, and 64% and below is an NC (F). There are no exemptions on final exams.
Important Classroom Policies/Procedures:
All Fenwick Student Handbook rules are to be followed. Students are expected to be at class
on time (in assigned seat at the bell) and be prepared with all necessary materials. Students who are late
will not be allowed into the classroom without an admit from the office. If a student has a problem with
getting to class on time, he/she should make an appointment with the instructor to discuss a solution.
Students who come to class unprepared will lose participation points.
Participation - Participation will count toward the grade. While verbal participation is greatly
encouraged, the instructor will take into account those who may not feel as comfortable speaking to the
whole class but who remain actively engaged in discussion. Conversely, students who participate on a
regular basis but who are off task or disruptive when it is not their turn to speak or in group work will
lose participation points.
Assignments – Daily homework will always be listed on the homework board in the classroom
at the beginning of every class period. Students should copy down the assignments as soon as they arrive
to class. Late work (with the exception of major papers/projects) will be accepted but will only receive
half credit. Major papers/projects will lose a letter grade for each day past the due date. Any work
turned in without a name will not be accepted. It will be considered a late assignment once it has been
turned in with the name.
Typed work is to be double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins and
no excessive headings/titles. Work that does not meet these requirements will lose points.
All major writing assignments must be submitted through Turnitin.com. Students will be setting
up their Turnitin.com accounts in English class. Papers not submitted through Turnitin.com will lose
points.
Absences – While it is essential that a student not miss class, it is inevitable that illnesses and
emergencies occur. In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what he/she
missed while away, ideally by communicating with the instructor via email. This includes getting notes
from lectures, handouts, worksheets, assignments, etc. When returning from an absence, the student
must show the admit to the instructor and ask for anything given in the class(es) missed. Any homework
assigned while the student was gone must be completed in the same amount of time missed. It is
suggested that students exchange phone numbers/email with classmates so that they may contact them
early to find out what they missed and to copy notes, so as not to fall too far behind.
If an assignment was given before the student’s absence, it is still due at the original time; if it
was due the day the student was absent, he/she must turn it in immediately upon returning to class.
If a student misses a test or planned quiz while absent, he/she must be ready to take the test the
day of his/her return. Any serious issues with this will be handled as they occur. Pop quizzes cannot be
made up; they will not count toward the overall possible points. Tests or quizzes given during an
unexcused absence may not be made up.
Discipline - The most important issue in classroom management is respect. In order for the
classroom to be a successful learning environment, the instructor and all students must show respect for
one another and their surroundings. This includes not talking back to the instructor or any classmates,
waiting for one’s turn to talk, as well as being considerate of everyone’s opinions and feelings. It is
important to remember that not everyone shares in the same beliefs or thoughts and although people may
disagree, respect must always be shown. Students who demonstrate disrespect in any way will be subject
to consequences set forth by the instructor.
All inappropriate and disruptive behavior will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The student
will be given one warning if he/she is misbehaving in any way and will be told the consequence he/she
faces if the behavior continues. If he/she chooses not to change the behavior after the warning, he/she
will be subject to the consequence set forth by the instructor.
Academic Honor:
While working together is often encouraged, all students are expected to complete their own work. If a
student is caught cheating or plagiarizing, he/she will receive no credit for the assignment on the
first offense and the proper administration will be notified of the situation. A second offense may
result in further consequences (see student handbook). Students will complete a plagiarism prevention
tutorial and sign a compliance contract that will be kept on file with the dean.
Technology Problems:
It is understandable that technological issues may arise. However, “my printer broke” or “my Internet
was down” will not be viable excuses for not turning in work for this class. It is your responsibility to
find an alternative way of completing your assignment if these issues should arise. For example, if your
Internet crashes, call a friend, get the online assignment, and write it on paper to hand in the next day.
The Fenwick Library opens at 7:00am every day and has computers and printers for student use. In such
instances where the assignment could not be completed as assigned, a note from a parent or guardian
confirming the technological issue must be submitted with the assignment if the student wishes to
receive any credit.
Application for Honors:
Students have the option of applying for sophomore honors English early second semester. In order to
be considered the student must have a 4.0 GPA in English (an A for the first semester of school) as well
as the recommendation of the teacher.
Extra Help:
Should a student need it, I am available for extra help before or after school by appointment. I am also
available in The Write Place during period 11.
Students are also encouraged to seek extra help from Friar Mentors (Fenwick’s peer tutoring program)
and from the tutors in The Write Place (Fenwick’s writing center). More information on both of these
resources will be discussed in class.