COMPOSITION & LITERATURE HONORS SYLLABUS
I.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Course Title:
Literary Forms
Prerequisite Course:
Grammar and Composition
Texts:
1984, Great Expectations, Vocabulary Workshop E , Pride & Prejudice, Joy Luck Club
All Quiet on the Western Front, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar,
Brave New World
Course Description:
The course will emphasize the study of composition, literary genres, and vocabulary. It will
include discussions essays, novels, the plays, poetry, and short stories. Discussion of the
essay will include presentation of techniques in creative and expository writing. Grammar
will be reviewed and poetry extensively covered to prepare for AP Literature.
II.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student should...
1.
Become familiar with a number of literary genres and be able to effectively analyze these genres
through oral discussion and written exercises.
2.
Write an abbreviated term paper (approximately 5-7 pages) according to MLA guidelines. This is
a requirement in order to pass the class.
3.
Understand and analyze poetry, effectively using poetic terms.
4.
Build on and enhance grammatical skills in writing and speaking.
5.
Develop vocabulary to assist in standardized testing and writing.
6.
Develop skills to effectively work within a group format on assigned class projects.
7.
Expand/enhance your ability to orally communicate.
8.
Develop and expand their proficiency at both in-class and out of class essays.
III.
ESLRs ADDRESSED
MIND: Through reading to analyze and organize; writing essays and literary critiques; understanding grammar;
enhancing logical and critical thinking, developing communication skills in all forms..
HEART: Through reading to identify and understand aspects of the world culture, history, and philosophy; cooperating on group projects.
BODY: Through class presentations of memorized poetry and other assignments, both individually and in groups.
SOUL: Through moral reflection and discussion of value choices in the literature.
IV.
PARTICIPATION POINTS
Participation in class discussions is a vital component of this class. To this end, you will receive participation points
for actively and productively participating during class. This includes asking or answering questions or engaging in
discussions regarding the readings.
If you do not bring the required books and materials to class, I do not feel you are prepared to fully participate in
class, which results in negative participation points. Continuing violations of class rules will also result in negative
participation points, such as gum chewing, disruptive behavior, etc.
At the end of the semester, I will tally your participation points. If you have 15 or more participation points, your
grade may be raised by up to 1%, subject to the extra credit policy.
V.
CLASS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
*
You are required to bring all necessary books, paper, writing utensils and other materials to class every day.
This includes any book we are working from at that time.
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NO FOOD OR DRINK is allowed in class, pursuant to St. Joseph policy. Yes, this includes GUM and CANDY.
However, I will be having BYOC (Bring Your Own Candy) days periodically and will let you know in advance when these will
occur.
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Students will be required to adhere to school policies requiring tardiness/absence.
Tardiness - You are expected to be IN YOUR SEAT when the bell rings because I have to take and enter
attendance in the computer immediately. If you aren’t in your seat, you are tardy.
If you are tardy 3 times in a quarter, you will receive a 20 minute detention in my room after
school, and another detention for every tardy after that.
Absences- Time extensions will be given per Section 7.11(4). It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get all
handouts, notes and assignments when you are absent. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to see me
to determine when you can make up a missed test or quiz. I will always leave all homework
and assignments on the St. Joseph website. My phone extension is #136.
Any work turned in past the given extensions, or any test or quiz not made up within time limits will result in
a ZERO. If tests or quizzes are not made up within the allotted time, you will receive a ZERO. All work must be made up,
regardless of the grade earned, or bonus points cannot be given, per St. Joseph policy. Please see me if you need any help
or have any questions, I‘ll be happy to help.
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All assignments will be done per the UNIFORM MANUSCRIPT POLICY. Work not conforming to the POLICY
will not be accepted and shall receive a grade of 0%. This includes papers with no name. All work completed out of class
must be word processed or typewritten.
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All assignments will be collected at the beginning of class. If you turn it in late, but before I leave after
school, I will accept it minus 5 points. WORK TURNED IN LATER THAN THAT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU HAVE
MADE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THE ASSIGNMENT. If you are ill or absent you
can e-mail your assignment through the St. Joseph website. In my sole discretion, I may accept late work but the assignment
will lose 5 points per day late. You will not be allowed to leave class to get any assignment you forgot.
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If you have an early out for a sport or activity on the day an assignment is due, you need to turn in the
assignment BEFORE YOU LEAVE. If you do not, it will be considered late.
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Unannounced quizzes will be given periodically on current readings and themes so always stay current or
ahead of assigned readings.
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Plagiarism or cheating of any type will not be tolerated. If this occurs, you will receive a zero for the
assignment. In addition, for the 1st offense, I will remove all bonus points that have been earned during the nine week
period and you can earn none for the remainder of the nine week period. If there is a 2 nd offense, you will lose all bonus
points for the semester and cannot earn any for the remainder of the semester.
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According to the Extra Credit policy, no more than 5% of the total points for the semester can be earned for
extra credit. In addition, no extra credit may be earned if ALL assignments have not been completed. I will include extra
credit questions on quizzes, tests, and class Jeopardy reviews. In addition, participation points may provide positive (or
negative) extra credit. NO OTHER EXTRA CREDIT, SUCH AS EXTRA ESSAYS, WILL BE GIVEN SO PLEASE DON‘T ASK.
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All assignments and due dates are available on your assignment calendar, my phone, and
ParentConnect.com. Grades are available at ParentConnect.com.
Any exceptions to these policies are at my sole discretion. In other words, if you have what you believe is a valid
reason for an extension or exception, come see me before or after school or at break or lunch. I’ll be happy to discuss it with
you. Please don’t wait and try to talk to me just before class, I have many things to do as class starts and it is not conducive
to discussion of such items at that time.
I am looking forward to having you in my class this year and hope it will be a productive, positive, and entertaining
educational experience. If I can help you in any way, whether it be about my class, or anything else you are having difficulty
with, please feel free to come in and speak with me before or after school or during break or lunch. If you want to be sure to
catch me, let me know ahead of time and we will schedule a meeting. Please do not wait until right before a test or the end
of the semester to ask for help. If you have questions or suggestions regarding class policies and procedures, I welcome your
input. I cannot guarantee I’ll change them, but I hope we can reach an understanding.
LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR!