English I // Mr. Foster
Is there such thing as true justice?
Is the American Dream accessible to all?
What is the true power of love?
The Course:
This class is designed with the clear aim of building a strong foundation of reading, writing and analytical skills. We will focus heavily on reading for comprehension, critical analysis (which is explored through multiple avenues, including discussion and group work), and writing clear and coherent prose.
Reading is expected to be done independently, and all students must operate under the assumption that completing the reading is essential for success in this class.
Students must be able to write both argumentatively and critically. As freshmen, developing such skills is essential for progression through high school and college. By the end of this class, students will be able to: write both an argumentative and analytical essay; respond critically to multiple texts, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry; work both independently and in group settings to foster ideas and solve problems.
The Reading:
Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson
Farewell to Manzanar – James D. Houston & Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
Additional readings will consist of poems, short stories, and various non-fiction pieces.
I strongly suggest that you purchase your own copies so that you may annotate, underline and mark the pages. You will receive a copy from the library as well, but it may not be marked or written in. Being able to write in the book will increase your ability to comprehend, analyze, and recognize patterns, themes and symbols within the novel. This will almost certainly result in higher levels of success in assignments pertaining to the novel.
Grading Policy:
Breakdown: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, 0-59% = F
Students will be graded using a points system based on impact, reading and writing.
Attendance:
Missing class frequently will make it very hard to succeed in this class, as much of our work (discussion, critical thinking, group projects) will be done in class. If you are absent, the work that was due in class that day is to be turned in the following day. Students are responsible for figuring out what they missed in class. Materials will be available in the “What You Missed” folder.
Tardiness:
Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings. Frequent tardiness will negatively affect your impact grade.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones are to be kept out of sight (in a backpack, purse, etc.) for the entirety of class unless instructed otherwise (sometimes phones may be used for in-class assignments). The school policy will be followed in my class.
Food & Drink:
Food and drink—water being the exception—will not be allowed in class.
Late Work:
The English department supports the Failure Free policy. If you have not completed an assignment you must schedule a time to meet with me to discuss its completion.
If you have two or more outstanding (missing) assignments or one outstanding assignment that is worth 25 or more points, you will be required to come in at lunch or after school to work on those assignments.
Materials:
You must have a spiral notebook that will serve as your writing journal and be dedicated solely to this class. We will be using this daily. Bring your own pen or pencil (pen is preferred, but not mandatory).
I prefer that out-of-class work be typed and in MLA format. If hand-written, writing must be neat, clear and legible. All essays must be typed and in MLA format.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Academic dishonesty includes: plagiarism, copying or sharing assignments for others to copy, and cheating on tests or quizzes. The first infraction will result in: an F on the assignment; a referral to the Dean of Discipline and Character; the student being placed on the Academic Integrity Contract. The second infraction will result in: a referral; a parent/teacher/admin/student conference. The third infraction will result in: a parent/teacher/admin/student conference; a 5 day suspension; the student being dropped with a “Withdrawal Fail.”
Office Hours:
Mondays from 3:00 – 3:30pm and Thursdays from 2:30 – 3:00pm in C4. My classroom will almost always be open during brunch, lunch, and after school.
Contact:
Email: (best method for contact)
Phone: (925) 682-7474 x2627 (please only call during office hours or after school)
Website: My teacher website can be accessed from the school website (www.claytonvalley.org) under the “Departments” tab by selecting “English” and then clicking on my name (Foster, Matt). All homework assignments will be posted on the website. Additional resources may be found on my personal website (www.mattfosterCVCHS.weebly.com).
By signing you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the policies listed above.
Student: ______Date: ______
Parent: ______Date: ______