Mr. Brandin

Bungalow B-8

Hamilton Music Academy

Course Syllabus: Honors 10th Grade Language Arts

Course Description: The 2014/15 year of 10th grade Honors English is an exploration of the most important authors and texts dating back to the beginnings of early Anglo-Saxon literature and spanning the entire development of the written word until the present day. The course will examine a variety of classic literary viewpoints that have stood the test of time. The major emphasis of this course is outlined in the 10th Grade English Common Core State Standards. Primarily, students will grow through a rigorous, intensive and hopefully engaging classroom that prepares them for college by developing student’s communication skills, reading and annotation comprehension skills, speaking, analytical and creative writing, editing and publication, and critical thinking through appropriate practice.

Mode of Teaching in Mr. Brandin’s Class: At the beginning of a unit, the class will focus on the historical aspect that influenced an author, genre or period—thus an overview is usually explored before we begin reading a particular author, poet or novel.

  • Writing skills and strategies will be important throughout the semester and students must spend time on each aspect of a written assignment. Papers will be submitted on time to get full credit. For some papers electronic submission will be required and a hard copy must be printed on the due date. Printing will not be allowed in class before the bell.
  • Students must develop their own personal vocabulary list; they incorporate these new words in their writing and oral deliveries.
  • Literature will be the main focus of the class. Reading assignments are crucial, along with the special vocabulary used in the discussion of literature. A typical class that features a literary selection will involve a discussion of the selection, examples from the selection (especially ones that feature the application of literary terms). In addition, worksheets, written responses, outlining, paraphrasing, and critical analysis will be at the core of the learning process.

Class Participation: Students will be awarded points based on their cooperation and participation in class activities. Therefore, it is vital that all students participate in class discussions and group projects—it is through the sharing of ideas that permanent connections are made in our memory. Points are given for participation and related activities.

Essays, Journals, Homework, and Projects: Please use the Music Academy homework website as I post frequently and usually attach handouts and rubrics. All assignment must be completed on time—No late work is accepted without a written excuse for an absence. Major assignments are reduced a letter grade per day. All excused late work must be completed within a reasonable time. If you are absent, you are responsible for assignments, please get several phone numbers from your classmates and check the school website. You must fill out the absence form for your work to be graded. All essays must be written in MLA format. Each major essay will go through several drafts before the final assignment. Students must be organized, keep a class journal, and have a three-ring binder that includes class notes, reading logs and any work done for this class.

Core Texts: Holt: Elements of Literature, 4th Course. Possible novels and plays include the following:Beowulf, Chaucer, Canterbury Tales; Shelly, FrankensteinOrwell, 1984; Shakespeare, Macbeth,; Tim O’Brien, TheThings They Carried; Kafka, Metamorphosis; Phillip K. Dick, Gladwell, Blink; Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep; Haddon, The Incident of the Dog and the Nighttime. Please purchase novels if possible (used o.k.) so that you may annotate your text; of course, or you may check out books from the library. Many will be made available online.

Outside Reading: During each semester students will be required to read at least one novel from a list published on the Academy of Music website.

Grading: Grades will be accessible through School Loop—the interactive website found at the bottom of the Hamilton website. Both students and parents will need to register. The class will be graded on a point system. Essays, assessments, and projects will account for the majority of weighted assignments. The grading scale follows the standard of A/100-90; B/89-80; C/79-70; D 69-69-- below 59 is fail.

Hall Passes: You will be given 3 hall passes for each semester. It is your responsibility to take care of personal needs on your own time; therefore, be responsible and make sure you have the things you need before you arrive. Passes not used will be worth 5 points each before the final mark.

Plagiarism: The LAUSD Academic Standards and the school policy on plagiarism and cheating are rigorously enforced. All students who use another source without reference are in violation of plagiarism. You must use MLA citation to ensure you accurately quote from another person’s material. See Owl Purdue/MLA when in doubt. All assignments in violation of this policy will receive a grade of 0 and a parent conference and possibly school detention.

Class Rules: (See Full Handout) 1. Be respectful to both teacher and peers at all times. 2. Raise your hand before you speak. 3. Be prepared with all your materials and homework ready when the class begins. 4. No electronic devices are allowed without permission (mp3, cell phones, etc). All state and district laws will be followed; as well as Hamilton dress codes and electronic policies

Appointments: You may make an appointment either before or after school or during my conference for any reason. Please feel free to voice your concerns—I am here to help you become successful in your studies. Parent Conferences: Please feel free to contact me at or call the school for an appointment.

Please read over the syllabus carefully, sign the attached consent form and return to the instructor.