Riverside Secondary

English 11 Course Preview

Mrs. Shong


Welcome to my classroom and English 11. Each unit is designed to blend together some aspect of reading, writing, speaking, listening and cooperative learning. The central aim is to enable each student to explore literature and to use language with satisfaction and confidence, to strive for fluency, precision, clarity and independence in both reading and writing, and to express your critical thinking abilities in a variety of ways.

Course Content: (the order of the units studied will depend on availability of texts)

The Short Story

In this unit the students will read several short stories and build their comprehension and vocabulary, based on new words introduced in the context of the stories. They will also review the literary terminology of fiction. The focus will be on increasing one’s ability to interpret literature.

The Novel

Students will increase their understanding of a novel and the techniques of the novelist’s craft through an in-depth study of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson, or an independent novel study.

Shakespearean Drama

This unit will focus on the Elizabethan era of drama through a study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Students will be expected to review the literary terminology in preparation for this unit. Power and corruption are at the heart of this Shakespearean tragedy.

Poetry

A variety of poems will be studied with an emphasis on poetic devices, meaning, form and technique as well as the successful interpretation of poetry. The students will also write a collection of poetry.

Reading and Writing Skills

Students will read and write in a number of modes, including journals, short answer response, poetry, descriptions, narratives, and personal and literary essays. They will use the process approach to reading and writing from establishing the context, focusing on the writing task, drafting, editing, proofreading and “publishing.” Small group cooperative learning strategies and seminar discussions will be part of the process for each unit.

Grammar and Usage

Grammar and usage will be taught in conjunction with the writing units. Students are encouraged to identify their writing errors and keep track of the skills they should work on.

Oral Communication

Options may include the Spoken Word Festival, oral interpretation of the literature in seminar discussion, or dramatic recitation.

Course Evaluation:

Each unit will entail a number of assignments. Some will be formative in nature; in other words, assignments while you are learning – class activities, discussions, work to provide you feedback on your knowledge and skills. Other assignments will be summative – key projects, essays, unit tests and presentations to demonstrate your learning. The latter will make up most of your evaluation in this course. If you do not complete the formative work, you will be at a disadvantage in completing your summative work.There are assignment deadlines in this course, and while you are expected to hand in your summative assignments on time, you will not be penalized for not adhering to these deadlines; however, if you don’t complete the work you will receive an “I” (incomplete). I don’t give optional or extra credit assignments; however, you may resubmit essays (after improvements made) for re-marking to improve your overall grade.

  • Projects, essays, presentations…………………………………..50%
  • Unit tests and quizzes…………………………………..……..…40%
  • Homework and participation.…………….…………….……….10%

Procedures and Expectations – All common sense stuff that you have heard before, but here we go again…..

  • Being on time for class is important, respectful and an expectation. Thank you.
  • If you are absent, please make an effort to find out what you have missed from other students, email me or visit my blog.
  • You will, of course, use all of your own wonderful ideas, not the work of others.
  • Respect the rights of others as shown through your courtesy and self-discipline in the class.
  • Respect the classroom and all course materials.
  • Be a respectful listener of all speakers in the classroom. Everyone has a right to his/her opinion!
  • Utilize ‘downtime’ wisely: silent reading, organize folders, work on homework, review notes, etc.
  • Participate to the best of your ability in class discussions – ask questions; if you are thinking of a question, chances are someone has the same question!

Organization

  • Please come to class prepared with your own supplies (CHARGED device, paper, pens, pencils etc.)
  • Bring a Silent Reading book to every class. Novels may be left in the class if need be.
  • Organize your digital English folder in your One Drive and/or Desktop; keep your blog up to date

I am available to talk to you about your work and the course at lunch and after most school days. I look forward to a successful and rewarding semester for all of us.

Ms. Kathy Shong

Parent Signature: ______Student Signature: ______