English I I Ms. Tilley
Woodlawn School 2013-2014
In 10th grade English, we read a wide variety of classic and contemporary world literature from many different cultures. Students use novels, short stories, plays, and poetry as a window through which to understand a diverse set of cultures. Many of the literary voices we study come from societies in the midst of change. Among the cultural voices we study: Afghani, Indian, Chilean, Colombian, Russian, British, Nigerian, and South African.
As we grow to understand the world as a constantly changing place, we explore the complexities associated with establishing and maintaining cultural identity. Through the literature, we explore a wide range of questions: How do individuals change the world? How does the world change individuals? What role do stories play in shaping our identity? How does a changing environment affect our ability to maintain cultural identity and connect firmly with our heritage? How does understanding other cultures impact our ability to be responsible citizens in a pluralistic society? Does understanding and embracing our past help prepare us for the future? How do generations cope with a generation gap?
This course has a strong emphasis on reading, but it is also very writing intensive. Students strive for a sophisticated understanding of literary analysis. They write analytical essays using research to develop an original thesis.
Course Texts
- A Pocket Style Manual 5e
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (summer)
- The Kite Runner by Kahled Hosseini (summer)
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- Valley Song by Athol Fugard
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
- Hard Times by Charles Dickens
- English Romantic Poetry: An Anthology (Dover Thrift Edition)
- A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
- The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
- Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Selections from a variety of short stories, novels, essays, poetry, letters, etc.
Materials Required in Class
One folder or section of a 3-ring binder for English class handouts
Pens and pencils
Composition book (marbled or other type with sheets that do not tear out)
Laptop
Reading
The basic expectation is that students read every assignment closely and on time. To be successful in this class (and for the class to be successful as a whole), students must come to class prepared to discuss and analyze the reading. Contribution to classroom discussion will be a significant part of each student’s final grade, and the class will discuss and develop techniques to guide each student toward successfully contributing to class on a regular basis (asking probing questions, you will discover, is as important as offering answers and insight).
You are expected to read actively in order to best prepare yourself for discussions, in-class writing, and essay writing. Essentially, this means reading with a pen or pencil in hand in order to jot ideas and questions and to identify key or confusing excerpts of text.
Each student’s grade will be based on the following:
1. Writing: For the purposes of organization, the writing you will do in this course is divided in three sections: in-class, short essays, and major papers. The emphasis on the three sections is roughly equal. It is important that you are prepared to workshop and share everything that you write (with the exception of certain more personal essays and/or reflections). With the exception of in-class writing that is completed in your English journal, all of your work should be typed, double-spaced, spell-checked, and rigorously proofread. All relevant research and textual evidence should be documented using MLA standards.
· In Class: You will write in your journal several times per week. Frequently, this will be in the form of a 5-10 minute entry at the beginning of each class, the purpose of which is to encourage you to write thoughtfully about your reading and to prepare you for class discussion. Occasionally, you may have a short reading quiz (unannounced).
· Short Essay: Generally, you will publish or workshop a short essay (1-2 pages) approximately every other week. We will model these essays on those that you are reading. At times, you will be asked to emulate a specific author or technique; however, you will always be encouraged to discover and cultivate your own writing voice. Additionally, you may write several timed, in-class essays (between 30 and 55 minutes each). You will work to develop skills that will allow you to organize and develop a clear essay in a short period of time. Short essays will be worth 30-60 points.
· Major Papers: You will each write several major papers in response to literature or to a specific writing “purpose.” Although each assignment will be different and have its own set of guidelines and expectations, in general, you will be asked to develop an original thesis, use strong rhetorical techniques, and utilize textual evidence and/or research in order to analyze a specific work or topic. Major papers will be worth approximately 100 points.
2. Tests: There will be about two tests per trimester, each worth approximately 100 points. You will be given a week’s notice before all tests.
3. Quizzes: There will be several quizzes per trimester, both announced and unannounced.
4. Journal: You will keep a journal in which daily writing assignments, notes, and homework activities will be recorded. Your journal should be with you at all times. Ideas from the journals will be a major source of classroom discussion. Your journal will be collected periodically for grading, at which time the point value will be announced. You are responsible for making up any journal entries following an absence.
5. Participation: Participation is crucial in English class. You will be rewarded for making valuable contributions or asking questions in class, for being a respectful member of our community, and for going above and beyond expectations. Participation will be assigned a numerical grade at the end of each trimester.
6. Exam: At the end of each trimester, students will take a 2-hour exam worth approximately 200 points. These exams are cumulative and everything covered in class up to that point is fair game.
Late Work
On overnight homework assignments: A student that fails to complete his/her homework assignment before the beginning of the class will receive a zero for the assignment and will not be given an opportunity to turn in the work late. If a student has not done the assigned reading prior to the beginning of class, he or she will be asked to leave the room. For policies regarding late work and absences, see the Woodlawn School Student Handbook.
Honor Code
The Honor Code applies to all work and conduct at Woodlawn School. Students are expected to display honesty and integrity in all of their activities on campus. Honor Code violations, and disciplinary issues relating to cheating, lying, and inappropriate behavior, will be handled immediately by the school administration.
Class Expectations
You should arrive in class prepared not only with homework and materials, but also with a willingness to engage in discussion and to consider all perspectives. That said, no one has to love everything we read for this class, nor do we all have to agree on every viewpoint raised by a piece of writing. However, disrespect toward each other’s ideas, opinions, questions, and interpretations will not be tolerated.