Course Syllabus
Language Arts 3: College Preparation
Ms. Williams
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Room 203
(714) 986-7580 ext. 11203
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
―George Whitman
-- This course will continue the development of reading and writing skills established in Language Arts I and II. The written and oral assignments will continue the development of skills introduced in the previous two years.
--The focus of this class is to broaden each student’s knowledge and understanding of American literature and culture as well as to strengthen his/her verbal, written and oral communication skills. Students will engage in critical thinking, analytical discussion, and literary discourse to further their understanding of literature, nonfiction, and the world around them.
Behavior Expectations and Classroom proceduresAll students will:1. Come to class on time and prepared to participate as an active learner.
2. Be seated and ready to begin before the bell rings.
3. Complete all assignments on time.
4. Be courteous and respectful to all.
5. Use academic and appropriate language in class.
6. Follow all rules and expectations included the EDHS handbook.
7. Follow all established classroom routines and procedures as discussed in class.
Possible Behavioral Consequences:
1.Verbal Warning
2.Seat Changes
3.Conference with Teacher
4.Detention
5.Parent Contact
6.Referral
7.Removal from Class
In addition, tardies will be handled as follows:
1st is a warning. Second and third are detentions. A referral will follow for every tardy after.
Necessary MaterialsIt is of the utmost importance that you come to class ready to participate as an active learner. In order to do this, you must bring the following supplies to class on a daily basis:
●Lined notebook paper
●Pencils and erasers
●Pens (blue or black ink only)
●Highlighters (preferably 3 different colors)
GradesGrades are based on written assignments including major projects, essays, literature tests, grammar tests, vocabulary quizzes, oral presentations, and the final exam. Assignments are not weighted.
Final quarter and semester grades will be based on a total points system. I will round grades at the semester only; do not depend on this to improve your grade. Please keep all work returned as proof in case there is a grade discrepancy. Grades will be posted on Aeries. Please use this as a tool to monitor your progress. If there are questions or concerns about your class performance, please see me so we can work to improve your class grade. Scale:
A=90-100% B=80-89% C=70-79% D= 60-69% F= 59% and below
Course Content: LiteratureTexts: Students will read 1-2 major works per semester, in addition to short stories, poems, literary criticisms, and non-fiction works. Alternative texts may be provided for core novels about which parents/guardians express concerns.
Course Content: Class work and HomeworkHomework Policy: Students should expect an average of 30 minutes of homework per weeknight in addition to possible long-term assignments that may cover several weeks at a time. Students will receive ample notice for long-term assignments.
Classwork/Essays/Projects: All paperwork will be handed out in class and student will receive 1 copy. Students who are absent the day an assignment is assigned are responsible for asking for the assignment. All major assignments must be MLA formatted.
Late Work Policy: Late work will receive automatic 50% deduction with the exception of essays or other major projects (100 points or more). Essays and or major projects will automatically be deducted 10% per day, including weekends, until one week after the essay/major project is due. Students may also email any major writing projects or essays to prior to the due date before their class period without penalty as long as they submit a paper copy within 24 hours of the due date. If a paper copy is not submitted at that point, the 10% deductions will apply. After one week, the essay/major project will no longer be accepted for any credit.Remember, earning partial credit is always better than a zero.
Furthermore, anylate work for each unit will not be accepted after the unit test or final unit project is completed. It is the student’s responsibility to request time to make-up any test/quizzes before the unit is completed. Any missing homework must be submitted prior to the end of the unit as well. Again, it is the student’s responsibility to request and submit any assignments prior to the end of the unit in order to receive any credit.
Make-Up Work/Absence Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work he/she missed during an absence and to arrange make-up tests or in-class written assignments with the teacher. Handouts may be available on the teacher’s website and/or in make-up work file in class. Students should also check the assignment board in class or check the class website to find out what occurred in class the day(s) they were absent.
**Students are allowed one day per each excused absence to make up missed work without a penalty. If the assignment is given prior to the student’s absence, the assignment is due the day the student returns. For prolonged absences, please submit a homework request.
Extra Credit Policy: There will be minimal opportunities for extra credit.. Most importantly, students must have completed and turned in all required assignments before being able to complete extra credit work.
Hawk Strong!