Welcome to
Tenth Grade English
Level I, Blended
Mrs. Amber Schlosser
Room B5
E-mail:
Room B5
Telephone: (610) 847-5131 x2303 (voicemail)
Course Description:
Tenth grade covers world literature with an emphasis on Shakespeare, namely Julius Caesar, and the Arthurian Legend. Additional novels may also be assigned. The components of literature study are examined, i.e., setting, character development, plot, vocabulary, conflict, theme, along with the structure of its parts that would include vocabulary, tone, imagery, figures of speech, etc. Composition writing is also an integral part of the course, and may include: journal writing, informative essays, various compositions in fictional and personal style, etc. Editing skills continue to be honed, as well as the additional review and study of grammar, as necessary.
*Course content may vary from this outline to meet the needs of this particular group.
Textbooks:
· McDougall Litell Literature, Tenth Grade, 2008
· Various novels as needed, that may include:
o Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare
o The Once and Future King, by T.H. White
o Nonfiction (student selected; teacher approved)
Course Objectives: Students continue polishing strategies for reading and writing in this course. An added emphasis in tenth grade is the development of critical reading, vocabulary, and test taking strategies appropriate for students taking standardized tests.Students take the Keystone Literature exam towards the end of the course.Students analyze a variety of fiction and nonfiction material from many perspectives and many cultures.
Materials:
· Two pens (blue or black)
· Three-ring binder
· Lined loose leaf paper
· Palisades’ agenda and planner or homework calendar
· Texts necessary for that day’s work:
o SSR novel brought every day
o Assigned novel or textbook
· Colored post-its (at least 5 different colors)
· It will be helpful to have a jump/flash/USB drive on hand
· Computer Access
Course Schedule:
We will meet every day, one semester, for 90 minutes. (online and face to face)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: set time for S.S.R. for 15-20 minutes and study vocabulary.
Tuesday and Thursday: review grammar, Keystone and SAT mini-lessons
Description of How Grades Are Earned:
The total number of student points is divided into the amount of points that are possible in order to calculate the final grade. Vocabulary grades can be 20 or 30 points; compositions/essays are 50/100 points; projects can be 100+ points; homework can range from 10 points up to 75 or 80 points, depending on the assignment. Other assignments are at the discretion of the teacher and can range accordingly.
Description of Portfolio-Quality Assignments:
They should be done neatly, accurately, and legibly, and have been given a grade of an A or an A+. Each student will keep an organized writing folder to store all compositions.
Grading Policies:
Make a concerted effort to complete all work neatly and on time. All work counts. Be aware that all assignments should be done with the same level of academic excellence, regardless of whether they are homework assignments or major projects. A student’s work is a representation of his/her best efforts. One’s signature is important; one’s reputation is made with one’s presentation. Even as sloppy work would not be submitted to an employer, neither should a student’s submission be something that is not of a first-rate quality for the teacher. Get into the habit of doing all work well and on time.
Illness: If a student has been ill, check with a classmate for any missed assignments. It is a good idea to trade phone numbers or e-mail addresses with someone in class. That way, he/she can stay current with what is occurring in class. Within three school days after an illness, contact should be made with the teacher to make up missed work. Check with the teacher for a timetable to submit the assignments. After the time has elapsed, the 10 percent per day deduction will go into effect. If an assignment is given or announced a week or two in advance, the student must assume that it must be submitted the day of one’s return to class; this includes tests, quizzes, and projects. Short term work may be submitted or taken the day after one has returned to class.
Missed Work: Always check with the teacher for missed work, but not in the beginning of class. Three seconds before class begins is not an appropriate time to check on missed work. Stay after school; consult with the teacher for a mutually convenient time. All missed work must be made up or a zero will be given. This is the student’s responsibility. Assume that something has occurred during one’s absence. If a student is going on a field trip, he/she will submit the assignment before the trip. No exceptions! Otherwise, the student will earn a zero.
Quizzes: They may be announced or unannounced. Study class notes each night to gain familiarization with the material. This means to reread the notes that were given in class and the reading selection that has been discussed. That way, the information is fresh in one’s mind. The purpose of a quiz is to check to see if the student is indeed reading the assignments and has retained the material. Unannounced quizzes cannot be made up. Announced quizzes can be made up if there was an absence.
Special Projects: These might include speeches, written assignments, or reading material that are pertinent to the class. They will receive a major grade.
Compositions/Essays: They will equal anywhere from 50 to 100 points.
Written essays: (unless otherwise directed)
· Must be written legibly on lined paper (single-sided and double-spaced) in dark blue or black ink.
· At the top right hand side, place one’s name, date, course title, and period. Sloppy work will not be accepted.
Typed essays:
· Must be formatted in MLA format
· A Works Cited page must be provided for outside sources
· Submitted to www.turnitin.com
o Class ID: 8494284
o Password: pirates
· Saved in Google Drive
Typed essays must be printed prior to class; students may not leave the classroom to retrieve printed material.
Binder Check: Binders will be collected and graded periodically, as time permits, on neatness, organization, and contents. The binder is used to record all necessary class material, including all handouts that are given. The handouts could include anything that has been taught, reviewed, or mentioned in class. Tests can be given on all material, including verbal instruction. If the accuracy of one’s notes is in question, please see the teacher for clarification.
Homework: It counts. It is not busy work. It is practice time to check if the assigned work has been read or the new material understood. A student should make the time to study and to complete the assignments, for it takes time to develop worthwhile skills. If homework is submitted consistently, the student will be better prepared to perform on quizzes; and will, therefore, not be as prone to be overwhelmed during test and exam times. Incomplete homework gets a zero. Sloppy homework will not be accepted and cannot be resubmitted.
Plagiarism: School policy will be strictly enforced. Plagiarism is the stealing of other people’s thoughts and ideas to make them your own. ALL STUDENTS MUST GIVE CREDIT TO THE PERSON OR PERSONS WHO ARE BEING QUOTED. The types of plagiarism are blatant, partial, structural, and ideological. Depending on intent and frequency, the grade will be lowered by one letter grade or be given a zero. There also exists the possibility that an “F” could be given for the entire course, depending on the circumstances. See the Student Handbook and the attached Academic Integrity Policy for more information.
Late Papers: Submit your work promptly. Late papers have a way of becoming lost papers. A student should submit all work on time. A deduction of ten percent per day penalty is attached to late papers. This is not for homework assignments which cannot be submitted late.
Behavior: School is a place for learning; therefore, the student should be prepared to work upon entering class. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. A student may be dropped from a class for behavior that is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the other students or for the disruption of the learning environment. Also being late to class is not permissible.
General Rules for Speeches:
A student should:
1. Be courteous. One person speaks at a time.
2. Use appropriate language.
3. Be attentive to others; something new might be learned.
4. Be creative, but not inappropriate. Check with your teacher if you want to “do something on the edge.”
5. Be supportive and positive. Follow The Golden Rule.
6. Growth is possible, but sometimes it takes time. A student is here to learn poise and finesse in front of one’s classmates. It takes time to become adept in speaking, especially if public speaking is not one’s prime asset.
Helpful Hints:
1. Reading books constitutes several assignments for this course. A successful communicator needs to draw from the world of ideas. Vocabulary enhancement is a by-product of this endeavor.
2. Researching topics for special papers must be done accurately. Statements must be documented. Note the difference between opinion and fact. Be aware of events occurring in the world. Consult news magazines and the newspaper.
3. Learn to take notes and to review them every night. Studying for quizzes and exams will be easier.
4. Listen carefully to instructions. Ask appropriate questions.
5. Check the classroom agenda board and the teacher’s website.
6. Please proofread and revise all written work. Many simple mistakes can be avoided if this is done thoroughly. Revision means to change and to improve the work, not only to recopy it on clean paper.
7. Neatness counts. Remember a paraphrase of the old adage: “You never have time to do something right the first time, but you make the time to do it well the second time.”
8. Help is available. Please ask. A student should not wait until the night before the quiz or exam to decide that he/she doesn’t really know the material. See your teacher after school for help.
9. Exams are in June. They are comprehensive.
10. Please respect one another.
Academic Integrity Policies
It is expected that students and instructors will act responsibly and honestly in all aspects of the course.
• Plagiarism/Cheating is the stealing or claiming of someone else‘s ideas or words as your own without crediting the source and/or aiding in this act. This includes submitting the same homework, projects, etc… as another student or sharing your work with another student unless group work is specified in writing by the instructor.
• Students are responsible for keeping their account information private and ensuring that all work submitted is their own.
The following penalties will be assessed if a student is found guilty of defying the academic integrity policies:
1. You will be given a zero as a final grade on that assignment.
2. Parental notification by the teacher will occur.
3. First offense will result in a one day in school suspension. (ISS)
4. Second offense will constitute out of school suspension. (OSS)
5. You will be denied privilege of membership in academic cubs for the remainder of the year.
Any future recommendations given by teachers may also be affected.
Academic Integrity Policies for online assessments:
It is expected that students and instructors will act responsibly and honestly in all aspects of the course.
• Plagiarism/Cheating is the stealing or claiming of someone else‘s ideas or words as your own without crediting the source and/or aiding in this act. This includes submitting the same work as another student or sharing your work with another student unless group work is specified in writing by the instructor.
• Students are responsible for keeping their account information private and ensuring that all content posted through the LMS is their own.
The following penalties will be assessed if a student is found guilty of defying the academic integrity policies:
1. You will be given a zero as a final grade on that assignment.
2. Parental notification by the teacher will occur.
3. First offense will result in a one day in school suspension. (ISS)
4. Second offense will constitute out of school suspension. (OSS)
5. You will be denied privilege of membership in academic cubs for the remainder of the year.
Any future recommendations given by teachers may also be affected.
2