Sophomore Honors English
2016-2017
Instructor: Mrs. Reis Room: B121
Contact:
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” -Ralph Ellison
Course Description
The 10th grade Honors English curriculum will explore the over-arching theme of CULTURE IDENTITY while continuing to focus on close reading of texts, analytical writing, speaking and listening, and language skills. We will cover four major units that include various non-fiction and informational texts as well as short stories, poetry, and whole class texts such as Lord of Flies, Night, Flowers for Algernon and Funny in Farsi.
There will be an emphasis on the following types of critical essays and writing skills:
· developing a central idea
· supporting a central idea in a literary text analysis
· establishing and supporting a claim and counter-claim in an argument essay
· employing literary techniques in a personal narrative
Class Expectations
As an honors English student, you are expected to:
· Attend class every day and be on time as outlined in our school attendance policy.
· Be prepared with all appropriate classroom materials (see supply list below)
· Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the subject
· Be highly motivated and willing to accept more challenging assignments
· Take initiative
· Consistently produce high quality work
· Maintain academic honesty: no form of plagiarism or cheating is acceptable
· Have a positive attitude
Grading Breakdown
· Writing, tests, projects, & presentations 60%
· Class work, class participation, quizzes & homework 40%
Supply List
· A section in a binder with standard size loose-leaf paper
· Several blue and black pens, highlighters, post-it notes
· Folder
*NOTE: The expectation is that all Formal Writing Assignments such as major essays and/or projects will be typed in 12 pt. font, double-spaced, and stapled before they are submitted. Always keep backup copies of your work. Also, continue to use a Modern Language Association (MLA) style header for formal writing.
Student Responsibility
Part of being a high school student means becoming more responsible for your own education. This means if you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate or your teachers for any missed assignments and meet the deadline arranged with your teacher.
Late work is penalized. In addition, after five days, a formal writing assignment will not be accepted. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances. However, extensions must be requested prior to the paper’s due date. In addition, if you are having an academic or personal difficulty and need to meet for extra help with an assignment, you should contact me to arrange an appointment time.
Plagiarism/Cheating
You begin the year with our complete trust. Please do not take that trust away by cheating or being dishonest in any way. We always encourage cooperative learning, and you’re always free to get together with other students to brainstorm, discuss assignments, and study for tests. However, no form of plagiarism or cheating is acceptable. We will review and abide by the school’s plagiarism and academic honesty policies.
Our wish for you…
We are excited to return for another year at White Plains High School. Please remember, we are here to help you improve and grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Our expectations for you are high, but we will support you as you reach towards our high expectations. We value each of you as an important member of this classroom community, and we look forward to a productive and satisfying year! J
ENGLISH 10H
2016-2017
After reading and discussing the Course Syllabus and Classroom Expectations with your parent/guardian, please complete this portion and return to your teacher by the end of this week.
Teacher’s Name______Period______
I, , and I, , have read
(Parent/guardian) (Student)
and understand the English 10H course syllabus and the course expectations for the 2015-2016 school year.
(Parent/guardian signature) (Student signature)
*The following is my most current home contact information:
Daytime phone #: ______
Parent Email: ______
Additional contact information and/or helpful information:
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