English 12 – British literature
Syllabus
Bob Jones High School / Teacher: / Mrs. Kristen Bergeson650 Hughes Road / E-mail: /
Madison, AL 35758 / Phone: / 256-772-2547 ext. 695
I. Course Description: / This course is a survey of classical British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Twentieth Century. You will engage in critical listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities designed to integrate the strands of the language arts and further develop thinking and problem-solving abilities. This course fulfills the requirements needed for post-secondary education including college preparation.
All requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents.
II. Course Objectives: / 1. You should become proficient in the following areas of grammar: capitalization, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, noun and verb forms, pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoidance of common grammar errors, placement of modifiers, pronoun case, parallelism, and the correct use of phrases and clauses.
2. You should become knowledgeable in the area of British Literature through the reading and study of a multitude of works from various literary periods.
3. You should develop strong writing/communication skills which include, but are not limited to the following: writing well-developed sentences/paragraphs, writing a research paper that demonstrates sophistication in writing ability and proficiency in the use of MLA format, writing various types of on-demand essays throughout the semester, and participating in formal/informal presentations.
4. You will be expected to work independently, as well as with peers, in order to expand understanding of literary works and improve literacy skills.
III. Classroom Expectations: / You are expected to conduct yourself in a respectful and productive manner. In addition to all the rules and expectations listed in the student handbook, I expect you to have a positive attitude, treat others with respect, practice self-discipline, and demonstrate responsibility. If these conditions are not met, you can expect one-on-one meetings with me, parent / instructor conferencing, and administrative action, if necessary.
Concerning the use of cell phones and other electronic devices:
Devices should be on silent and kept in your purse, backpack, or pocket during class unless otherwise instructed. You may not place it on your desk. Parents, guardians, and other family members should call the front office in case of emergency.
If you violate this rule, you can expect the following consequences:
· First offense – The phone or device will be placed in a clear bin at the front of the room. You may pick it up at the end of class.
· Second offense – The phone or device will again be placed in a clear bin at the front of the room until the end of class and a parent/guardian will be notified.
· Third offense – An administrator will collect your device and hold it until a parent or guardian can pick it up.
IV. Grading Policy: / There will be a minimum of six major evaluations (tests, essays, speeches, projects, etc.) of each student per nine weeks. These major grades will account for 70 percent of your grade. Homework and classwork will account for 30 percent of your grade. Each grading period will consist of nine weeks. Progress reports will be sent home every three weeks.
V. Make-up Work Policy: / Make-up tests will be given during Patriot Path. If you miss a test, you should sign-up for the next make-up session during Patriot Path and let me know that you plan to take the test at that time. Only if it is absolutely necessary will I schedule make-up tests before or after school. Failure to show up to a before- or after-school appointment could result in a zero on the test. No make-up tests will be given during class.
Homework/Classwork: After an excused absence, it is your responsibility to make up all work missed. Homework assigned prior to your absence is due on the day you return to school. Missed classwork or homework should be completed and turned in within five school days of your absence in order to receive full credit.
VI. Text and Other Required Reading: / EMC Mirrors and Windows: Connecting with Literature, as well as the following: 1984, Othello, Frankenstein, and Lord of the Flies. The textbook will be kept in the classroom unless you request to take a copy home. Copies of Othello, Frankenstein, 1984, and Lord of the Flies will be checked out to you during the unit in which each text is covered.
VII. Materials and Supplies Needed: / You should bring the following materials to class every day: one three-ring binder or (at the very least) a folder with pockets for keeping track of handouts and assignments, loose-leaf paper, and a pen or pencil. Highlighters and post-it notes are recommended but not required.
18 – WEEK PLAN*
Weeks 1-3 / Unit 1: Foundations: Lord of the Flies
Major Assignments: in-class literary analysis essay, Socratic Seminar
Weeks 4-7 / Unit 2: What Makes a Hero?: Beowulf and Othello
Major Assignments: persuasive speech, personal narrative (college admissions or scholarship essay), in-class character analysis essay
Weeks 8-11 / Unit 3: Art, Beauty, and Truth: British poetry, Frankenstein
Major Assignments: in-class poetry explication, literary research paper
Weeks 12-14 / Unit 4: Social Commentary: The Canterbury Tales and “A Modest Proposal”
Major Assignments: Patriot Tale (narrative poem assignment), group satire project
Weeks 15-17 / Unit 5: Power and Government: 1984 and a selection of excerpts from British short stories
Major Assignments: creative representation of theme(s), Socratic Seminar
Week 18 / Review for Final
*This is a tentative plan and may change at the discretion of the teacher.
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