PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Textbook:
Teacher:
English IV Resource Program (RP)
Short Fiction: an Introduction, Poetry: an Introduction, The Prentice-Hall Reader
Ms. Monica Herits
732-981-0700 ext.7143
mherits@pway.org
I am available before and after school all days, except Tuesdays, by appointment.
Course Description: English IV Resource Program (RP) is a five-credit survey course focusing on works of fiction and non-fiction.
Genres include, but are not limited to, the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel. Students will read, analyze, respond to, and
discuss literature, as well as to continue to develop their writing skills and their use of the writing process.
Senior Themes:
 Origins
 Identity
 Family and Community
 Journey
Materials Needed:
3 ring binder
Journal (provided)
Blue and/or black pen
Classroom procedures:
 All school rules apply.
 Being on time means being ready in your seat by the bell. Six lates to class will result in failure for the marking period.
 Major assignments are due on the assigned dates even if you are not in school that day.
 Late homework and class work will only be accepted with prior approval from teacher; major assignments will be accepted
with a ten percent deduction from the grade that you would have received on the assignment. After the one-day grace period,
students will need permission from the teacher to submit late work. (If you miss work due to absence, you have the number
of days you were absent to make up that work).
 Work can be handed in via email or on paper; if you email something to me, be sure to confirm that the email was received.
 Plagiarism- Its simple—don’t do it! There is a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If you cheat, you will receive a zero
without having the opportunity to finish/make up the assignment.
 Respect yourself, your classmates, your teachers, and the classroom at all times.
 Maintain your student responsibilities of punctuality, attentiveness, effort, and inquisitiveness.
 Bathroom Use: You will be given 5 passes per marking period to use for the bathroom. You must have one pass signed each
time you need to use the bathroom. Please note, if you don’t have the pass—you cannot use the bathroom! Any of the passes
NOT used by the end of the marking period will be turned into a +1 point added onto your FINAL GRADE for that marking
period. (You have the opportunity to raise your grade +5 points by not using the bathroom during class, just wait for
homeroom!).
Grading Policy:
Marking Period One, Two, Three, and Four
Essays / Writing / projects: 30%
Tests: 20%
Quizzes: 10%
Class work: 25%
Homework: 10%
Weekly Class Participation Grade 5%
Course Schedule: Scope and Sequence
Approximate
Time Frame
Marking Period 1
– Sept. to Nov.
Semester 1
Marking Period 2
– Nov. to Jan.
Semester 1
Topics/Skills
Topic/Theme: Origins
Specific Content: Oedipus Rex, selected stories and poetry
Skills: Organization, content specific vocabulary, essay writing, literary devices,
theme, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis of poetic devices and techniques,
author’s purpose, interpretation of text, Standard English conventions, author’s style
Assessments: Various Writing Workshops: Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository
Writing
Topic/Theme: Family and Community
Specific Content: Hamlet, selected stories and poetry
Skills: Organization, content specific vocabulary, essay writing, literary devices,
theme, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis of poetic devices and techniques,
author’s purpose, interpretation of text, Standard English conventions, author’s style
Marking Period 3
– Jan. to Mar.
Semester 2
Assessments: Various Writing Workshops: Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository
Writing
Topic/Theme: Journey
Specific Content: Speak, A Lesson Before Dying, selected stories and poetry
Skills: Organization, content specific vocabulary, essay writing, literary devices,
theme, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis of poetic devices and techniques,
author’s purpose, interpretation of text, Standard English conventions, author’s style
Marking Period 4
– April to June
Semester 2
Assessments: Various Writing Workshops: Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository
Writing
Topic/Theme: Self-Discovery and Identity
Specific Content: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, selected stories and poetry
Skills: Organization, content specific vocabulary, essay writing, literary devices,
theme, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis of poetic devices and techniques,
author’s purpose, interpretation of text, Standard English conventions, author’s style
Assessments: Various Writing Workshops: Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository
Writing
STUDENT CONTRACT
I, ____________________________________________, have read the course syllabus and understand
what is required of me in English IV RP, for the 2015-2016 school year. I am aware that the completion of this
course is necessary for my graduation in June and that I will be expected to perform at a well above average
level in reading and writing to meet more stringent academic classroom requirements. I am also aware of both
the grading policy, as well as, the late policy. I understand that no assignments will be accepted late, cell
phones and text messaging are strictly prohibited, and all school rules apply. I am familiar with Piscataway’s
zero tolerance policy for cheating/plagiarism and the consequences if I do cheat. I fully understand all of the
classroom procedures and know that extra help is available to me both before and after school by appointment.
I understand that if I break any of these rules or procedures, appropriate action will be enforced including:
teacher detention, phone calls to parents, referrals, suspension, or failure for the marking period.
___________________________________________
(Student Signature)
___________________
(Date)
___________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian Signature)
___________________
(Date)
Parent Email Address: ____________________________________________
Parent Cell Phone #: ______________________________________________
Parent Home #:___________________________________________________
Which is the best way to contact you? _____________________________