Paintsville High School
Mythology/ Shakespeare Course Syllabus, 2012-2013
Dawn McNew, Instructor
Course Description
The Mythology/ Shakespeare elective course is a survey of classical literature and composition designed to help the
student develop critical thinking and communication skills through reading, vocabulary development, writing, and
speaking. Students will read a number of literature selections, explore the historical context of such works, and
write a variety of papers, as well as complete class projects involving analysis and oral presentation. Writing will
focus on the critical analysis of literature
TEXTBOOKS
Mythology, Edith Hamilton
World Mythology, Second Ed., Donna Rosenberg
Selected Novels & Plays
Other materials
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Students will be graded on class assignments, participation, quizzes, tests, and projects. Such assignments may
include but are not limited to compositions, in-class essays, test practice, presentations, creative writing, etc…and
will have specific point values attached to them. Most compositions, with the exception of the creative writing
assignment (instructions to follow), will have a point value of 100 points.
Attendance is vital to any class and excessive absence cannot be tolerated. Only students with legitimate excused
absences will be permitted to make up missed work according to the school policy. It is the responsibility of the
student to contact the teacher for missed work. Tests and quizzes must be made up before or after school or by
special arrangement with the teacher. Major assignments/compositions will be accepted up to two days late with a
deduction of 10 points per day and only under pre-arranged circumstances with the instructor. No late homework
will be accepted.
Students are required to keep a writing portfolio of pieces they complete over the course of the year. Copies of the
portfolio will be kept by the instructor.
Students are not required to keep a special notebook, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Special Note: Failure to complete the creative writing project may result in failure of the class.
2nd SEMESTER UNIT OF STUDY
Unit 1
Classical Mythology- Greek and Roman
Unit 2
Norse Mythology
Unit 3
World Mythology
Unit 4
Archetypes
*ACT Test Preparation is integrated into individual exercises performed throughout the year.
CLASSROOM RULES
1.
2.
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6.
Be on time and well-prepared.
Make-up work is your responsibility. I will not remind you of your responsibilities.
Do not talk when I am talking.
Come to school.
No purses or book bags on desks.
Be respectful of all people in this classroom, including you.
GRADING POLICY
All papers and most tests have a value of 100 points. And will be graded using the weighted scale. (please see
attached)
Daily participation has a value of 10 points each day.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1-2 ½ to 3 inch Binder for storage of papers & Vocabulary
1 flash drive for storage of writing pieces
Contact Information
Dawn Elizabeth McNew
Rm. 202 PHS
Office Phone: 606-789-2656
Email: dawn.mcnew@paintsville.kyschools.us
In the event of an emergency, I can be reached at my home number (606) 789-9425 or mobile number
(606) 793-1828.
Classroom Website- By accessing the classroom website, you can e-mail me, access resources and assignments,
view our class calendar, and view other additional relevant classroom information. The class website can be found
at http://www.paintsville.kyschools.us/school_teacher.aspx?schoolID=0. An easier way to find the site is to go to
the Paintsville High School webpage, find the “Teacher Website” tab on the left, then just find my name and click.
Students are allowed to text me and/or “friend” me on Facebook only with your prior written consent via email or
personal note.