English 12 CP
Ms. Jennifer Rieger
English Department Chair
Welcome to English 12!
Goals
This course emphasizes literature as a way to explore and question our world. Students will read diverse pieces of college-level poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction and will be given multiple opportunities to read, write, speak, listen, question, and think critically. Students will be encouraged to respond to literature and non-fiction in varied forms, both oral and written. Additionally, students will be encouraged to improve their writing through frequent and guided practice. Finally, students will refine their research skills through carefully structured assignments that also support work on the state-mandated Senior Graduation Project.
Objectives
Read and respond to a variety of literature
Build and maintain vocabulary and grammar
Complete frequent essays and writing assignments
Develop writing skills through instruction, practice, and frequent revision of writing
Develop reading skills through guided activities from the Reading Apprenticeship program
Complete assessments on course content
Complete a final cumulating assignment
Participate regularly in class and small group discussions
Produce and present a senior graduation project
Critical Reading and Writing Assignments
Reading critically equates to meaningful engagement with the text being read, reading slowly and carefully to analyze its parts and create meaning. Always remember that your goal is not only to process information, but to interpret and develop ideas. We will continue Reading Apprenticeship strategies, specifically “close reading” to sharpen reading skills.
There will be an array of writing assignments such as drafts, formal essays, journals, and paragraph responses. Many of these will ask students to respond critically and analytically to works studied in class. Some will require that students do independent reading and formulate ideas without the benefit of class discussion. Fundamentally, all writing assignments will prepare students for two things-- proficient composition and critical thinking. It is essential that students learn to think and write critically about texts to ensure success beyond high school. For specific requirements for essay assignments, please review the “Essay Requirements” handout.
Senior Graduation Project
Pennsylvania State Law requires that all 12th grade students complete a Senior Graduation Project. Students will choose a topic, have it approved by the instructor, and research the topic extensively. The outcomes will be a digital portfolio exhibiting the evolution of the 8-month project and a 20 minute presentation. Throughout the year, students will submit proposals, annotated bibliographies, and other benchmark assignments in order to maintain realistic progress. More specific information is forthcoming.
Grading Scale
A = Mastery; clear, convincing, and consistent evidence of all the standards and demonstration of successful academic habits
B = Advanced accomplishment of all standards and demonstration of successful academic habits
C= Proficient accomplishment of all standards and demonstration of academic habits
D= Minimal proficiency provided to demonstrate accomplishment of academic standards
F= Failure to demonstrate basic proficiency of academic standards
Materials
Students are expected to bring the following materials to class every day:
A binder or folder for hard copy handouts
Macbook
USB flashdrive
Approximate Assignment Value
Literary Analysis Writing 100 points
Tests75-100 points
Informal Writing25-50 points
Project-based Learning100-150 points
Quizzes 20-50 points
Close-Reading10-20 points
Senior Project Benchmarks(See handbook)
Class DiscussionApproximately 200 points per marking period
Late Work and Absences
To receive the best possible grade, all assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of class on day they are due. For each day late, the assignment grade will drop one letter.Late work is not accepted past the deadline date. It will be entered as a zero.Daily homework assignments cannot be made up for credit.
Students who are absent should check the class calendar, e-mail me, or check with peers about class assignments they have missed.
Cell Phone Policy
As a member of a learning community, each student has a responsibility to adhere to distraction-free learning.All cell phones must be turned off or put in a silent mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class unless specified by the instructor.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is expected of all students at all times. Students must properly cite all work that is not their own according to standard MLA format.The school’s policy on cheating and the English Department’s definition of plagiarism will be strictly enforced.
Coursework
Beginning with a formalist approach to literature, we will investigate how literature of the past reflects universal themes of today. Some of the larger works we cover:
Oedipus the King by Sophocles
Beowulf (excerpts)
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
Trifles by Susan Glaspell
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing
Other texts, short fiction, essays, and poems to be determined
Expectations
Students are expected to follow the rules in the Student Handbook.
Regular attendance is a must. A significant portion of your grade is dependent on your ability to complete work in class and participate in discussions.
Students should check the class “group” and calendar on My Big Campus on a regular basis for details on assignments and other information. Students can also download essays and other important documents right from this site.
… and finally… You will be good to me. I will be good to you. Seriously.
Please remember that I am always available for extra help and encourage students to see me whenever the need arises. My free periods are 1, 6, and 9. I am also available every day after school.
Best wishes for a fun and successful senior year….
Rieger
Eng 12: 2014-2015