Greenville Technical Charter High School
English IV
Course Syllabus 2014-2015
Ken Gillespie
Room 205
e-mail:
Ph. 864-250-8980
Course description:
English IV primarily focuses on the chronological study of British literature and its cultural and historical influences. English IV is also designed to further develop students’ writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research.
Text (provided):
Elements of Literature, Sixth Course. Holt Rinehart Winston, 2010.
Required Materials:
· College-ruled loose-leaf paper for classwork handed in
· Internet access
· Blue or black pens
· Flash drive
Classroom Routines:
· Please, come to every class with your book and all necessary materials (i.e., pen and paper). Class is disrupted when a student has no book or has to borrow forgotten items. Periodic book checks will count as a daily grade. If you ask me, “Do we need our books today?” my answer will always be, “Every day!” Students will not be allowed to leave the room to get forgotten items or assignments.
· Academic Assistance is required for every student whose average falls below 80. Academic Assistance for English IV is in the Multipurpose Room (Smart Center) every Wednesday from 2:45-3:30, or by appointment. I am also available in the Smart Center, Monday-Thursday, 2:45-5:45.
· If you are absent from class, you have five (5) school days (not class meetings) after your return to school to make up missed work. No make-up work will be accepted after this time.
· Assignments are due at the beginning of class; ten (10) points per day will be deducted for late work. Late homework will receive half credit if the assignment is turned in the next school day.
· You will have the opportunity to improve your grade on certain writing assignments through revision. I will provide details as these opportunities become available.
· Unless otherwise instructed, final written work must be typed double-spaced in size 12 Times New Roman font.
· You are expected to be on time for class. Every third tardy to class will result in after-school detention for thirty minutes. Failure to attend detention will result in Lunch Detention or Saturday School.
· Students who leave class should fill out the hall pass completely. Students should leave class only for emergencies. This privilege will be revoked if it is abused.
· Any student leaving the room during class must leave his/her cell phone on my desk.
· Cell phone use is not allowed in class (unless otherwise instructed). Violations will result in the offending phone being taken.
· Eating is not allowed in class (this includes gum, breath mints, cough drops, etc.). Water is allowed in clear containers, but this privilege will be revoked if spills and trash become problematic.
General Course Overview (subject to change):
Ongoing:
· Grammar/writing labs as needed
· In-class and home writing/reading assignments
· Focused writing/research days, including Friday lab time
First Quarter: The Anglo-Saxon Period
· Beowulf
· Grendel summer reading assessment (date and requirements to be announced)
· Anglo-Saxon poetry, riddles
The Middle Ages
· The Canterbury Tales
· Arthurian Legend
Second Quarter: The English Renaissance
· Macbeth
· Poetry of the English Renaissance
Third Quarter: The Restoration
· Satirical works of Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift
· Gulliver’s Travels
The Romantic Poets
Fourth Quarter: The Victorian Era
The Modern Era
Honors credit:
Students who wish to earn honors credit in English IV will be given the opportunity to complete additional assignments beyond the regular course requirements. Students earning honors credit must complete all honors assignments and maintain a course average of 90 or higher.
The Smart Center provides tutoring for students who want extra help Monday-Thursday, 2:45-5:45 in the
MPR. The cost of attending Smart Center for a year is 150.00. Contact Mr. Gillespie (Room 205,
) for more information.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’m looking forward to a great year. Thanks!