Instructor: Karen A. Oberlin Oberlin@fulton.k 12 .ga.us - 770-521-7600
Texts:
Prentice Hall Literature. Platinum Level ($70.00 replacement fee)
Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar. Platinum Level ($60.00 replacement fee)
Supplement Texts - see addendum ($25.00 hardcover/$15 paperback replacement fees)
Course Description:
In 2004, the Georgia Department of Education adopted new Georgia Performance standards for grades 9 - 12. Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards. The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading Across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Writing.
Tenth Grade Literature and Composition will continue to build on the reading and language curriculum established in ninth grade. Throughout this year-long course, students will have opportunities to develop and expand their knowledge of literature and language and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through performance tasks and assessments.
Reading and Literature
Focusing on a study of literary themes, students develop an understanding that the theme of a work of literature is what relates literature to life, and that common themes recur across diverse works of literature. Students will read, interpret, and analyze informational material such as newspaper articles, editorials, and magazine and journal articles. They will also analyze themes and structure fiction, including short stories, novels, and drama. The study of poetry provides a level of rigor that surpasses ninth grade. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to the study of literature and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Reading Across the Curriculum
To encourage students to become life-long readers, the curriculum includes standards that address both academic and personal habits of reading. Students will read approximately one million words per year from a variety of subject disciplines including language arts. In the English language arts classroom, students will learn the vocabulary of literature, writing, and listening, speaking, and viewing.
Writing
Persuasive writing is the focus for tenth grade; however, students will continue to produce narratives, poems, informational essays, and technical documents. Students will practice timed writings and continue to use the stages of the writing process to develop compositions and writings that demonstrate an understanding of tone, point of view, style, organization, author’s purpose, and audience. Students will continue to use research and technology to support reading and writing.
Conventions
Students will increase their knowledge of the conventions of language in reading, writing, and speaking. They will demonstrate their control of the rules of English, focusing on the correct use of clauses, phrases, and the mechanics of punctuation. Sentence construction and usage will continue to be a focus for tenth graders. They will apply their knowledge of the conventions of format when producing technical writing, workplace writing, and research based papers and projects.
Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Students will continue to develop their critical listening skills. Through presentations and interactions with the teacher and other students, they will apply effective speaking techniques in small and large group settings. The viewing standards will enable students to develop media literacy skills through the careful examination of contemporary texts including television, radio, film productions, and electronic media.
Course Expectations
Tenth grade honors Literature and Composition is designed as preparation for Advance
Placement Language (offered in the 11th grade) and Advanced Placement Literature (offered in the 12th grade). The course of study is rigorous and should be attempted only by serious readers and writers. If students fall below an 83 average, the student is at risk of being removed from the program at the end of the semester. Further, students that do not maintain a satisfactory average will not be recommended for future honors and/or advanced placement classes. Additionally, an honor student’s need to request recovery is a clear indication that the student is misplaced and a course change should be sought. It is important for students to be placed appropriately for the overall good of the student and the class.
The honor student must:
· be self-motivated and willing to do more than what is asked or required
· be tolerant of other people’s opinions
· accept instruction and constructive criticism in order to improve oral, written, and interpretive skills
· take full responsibility of all assignments
· make attendance a priority and make-up missed work without prompting
· listen carefully in class and take notes
· follow directions without excessive need for clarification
· prioritize one’s learning as an on-going process by refraining from procrastination and cramming
· demonstrate superior knowledge of the course content by analysis and synthesis of a variety of topics in class discussion, writings, and assessment situations
Assignment Expectations
· All assignments (aside from major papers which must be typed unless otherwise stated) must be written in blue or black ink.
· Please write your full name, date, and class period in the top right hand corner on each assignment.
· Late work is not acceptable in this course. In the unlikely event that you do not have an assignment that is due, understand that your grade will be negatively affected by the neglected work.
Absences and Make-up Work
There is a designated area in the classroom dedicated to make-up work and assignments in the event that class is missed due to an excused absence. Students will consult their respective folder by class period. Each period will have a folder containing any handouts missed, briefing of class period missed, and any assignment(s) missed. Please refer to your student handbook regarding make-up procedures and abide these guidelines and time constraints.
Notebook Expectations
Each student will use a three-ring binder (a two-inch binder is necessary). Because organization is a critical component necessary for the student to handle the numerous facets of this course, the notebook will comprise a portion of the semester grade and without a notebook, the student risks failing the course. The binder should have five tabbed dividers entitled: literature notes and lecture, vocabulary, grammar, reading and graded papers. The binder is mandatory for class and without it, the student risks failing the course. Please add the syllabus to the beginning of the binder once your parents/guardians have read it. You may need to refer to it throughout the semester.
Classroom Expectations
PLEASE, BE PREPARED.
BE RESPONSIBLE.
BE RESPECTFUL, THANK YOU.
We will fully explore the motto above in our first few days of class. I intend to give you all the tools you need to be successful in this course as well as throughout your academic career. Read the CHS handbook as it is the basis for our classroom expectations.
Also, the CHS tardy policy will be strictly enforced. I ask that all students be seated when the late bell rings.
Grading
Grading Scale: Grading Percentages:
100-90 A Homework/class work 15% 89-80 B English Notebook 10% 79-70 C Writing /Portfolio 30% 69 & Below F Exams 30% Final Exam 15%
Recovery Policy
Provision for Improving Grades
I. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ONA MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
CITS English Department Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own.
Acts of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
1. Using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation;
2. Using the work of another (e.g. copying another student’s homework, composition, or project);
3. Using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor. Plagiarism on any project or paper at CHS will result in a zero for the assignment and an Honor Code Violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable.
A note about what constitutes “excessive editing”: Students learn to write well by writing well.
Struggling independently through the writing process produces growth (as well as a certain amount of agony), and eventually the student’s own voice. When well meaning parents, siblings, tutors, or others contribute their own ideas, words, phrases, revisions, etc. to a student’s writing, the writer misses the opportunity to achieve literary self reliance.
Computer Network Policy
Unauthorized intrusion of computer networks is a major disciplinary infraction. Students are prohibited from:
I. unauthorized/unsupervised use of the computer network;
2. shelling-out to network directories;
3. adding software packages of any kind to the network;
4. causing damage to the network environment
Internet Access Guidelines
Access to the Internet is available at CHS. It will be used only as a part of research in the academic area. we believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to the community. Our goal in providing this service to you is to help promote educational excellence.
we at Chattahoochee H.S. firmly believe that the access to valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with the educational goals of Fulton County Board of Education. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you have. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources.
Statements and/or information provided by the Internet’s World wide Web do not necessarily reflect those views held by CHS. Any information you gather from various world wide Web sites while you are using the Internet is your sole responsibility. This is also true for any damages incurred. This includes loss of data, nondeliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Internet or by your own error(s) or omission(s). Chattahoochee High School, Fulton County Board of Education accept no responsibility for accuracy and/or quality of information obtained through the use of its Internet services.
Additionally, vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges, disciplinary action and may result in school suspension and/or criminal charges. vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Moreover, you do not have permission to create “homepages,” directories, or establish additional network addresses here at Chattahoochee High School.
Video Viewing Guidelines
A list of film that may be viewed during the year will be sent home in the near future with an attached signature sheet. Without a returned signature sheet, the student will not be allowed to watch film in class.
** The need to view other films may arise. If so, prior approval will be sought from Mr. Duncan and parents/guardians.
In the event that you do not wish your student to participate, check the appropriate space on the last page of the syllabus, and an equivalent assignment will be given instead.
Communication
I greatly value the communication between all parties involved in the education of a student. I strive to keep all interested parties abreast of our progress throughout the year. Each Monday, the student will receive a typed agenda with the course of study and assignments for that week. I will email the weekly agenda to those interested. If you wish to receive this email, please complete the requested information at the end of the syllabus.
Welcome
I would like to welcome everyone to Chattahoochee High School and Ms. Oberlin’s English class. I look forward to getting to know and working with all students, guardians, and parents. I extend an open invitation to you all. Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, and of course, praise at 770-521-7600 or oberlin@fulton.k12.ga.us (email is preferred whenever possible).
I also encourage all parents and/or guardians to sign-up with PARENT CONNECT at http://www.chattcougar.com/main.htm. This site allows parents and guardians to monitor their student’s grades, assignments, and absences.
Syllabus Addendum
Focus of Student Learning
Fall Semester: The Human Condition
Unit I: Utopia/Dystopia
Readings: Selections for the Arthurian Legend Brave New World — Aldous Huxley
Unit II: Civil Disobedience
Readings: Macbeth — William Shakespeare Julius Caesar — William Shakespeare
Antigone — Sophocles
Unit III: War and Humanity
Readings: A Separate Peace — John Knowles
Unit IV: Psychodrama
Readings: Catcher in the Rye (over winter break) — J.D. Salinger Hamlet — William Shakespeare
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — Ken Kesey
Related Film: Individual permission slips with a rationale and rating will be sent home with your child prior to viewing each of the films below. If you do NOT wish for your child to view film in class, please sign, detach, and return the bottom portion of this sheet. Thank you.
Hamlet
Excalibur
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Other:
The Emperor’s Club — A look at honesty and cheating and how both affect our lives.
Stranger Than Fiction — What is truth and what is fiction?
Note: Semester Two Focus, The Social Order, will be sent home at the end of semester one.
PARENTAL REFUSAL FOR VIEWING FILM IN ENGLISH CLASS:
I, ________________________(Please print parent name), do NOT want my child, ___________________________(child’s name) to view any film in Ms. Oberlin’s 10th Grade Honors English class for the 2007-2008 school year.
Student/Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
Please return this form through your child to Ms. Oberlin no later than Monday, August
20, 2007.
I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Please PRINT Parent/Guardian Name(s)
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian(s) Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian Information — If you would like to receive a weekly agenda by email and/or email from the instructors of the course about class activities, your child’s performance, or other information that may pertain to the success of your child in English, please NEATLY PRINT your email address and/or telephone number(s) below. Thank you!
Parent/Guardian Email address
Best telephone number
Best time to be reached
Student Information: I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Print student name here
Student Signature
SignatureDate
Student email address — please write as clearly as possible
Student/Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
Please return this form through your child to Ms. Oberlin no later than Monday, August
20, 2007.
I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Please PRINT Parent/Guardian Name(s)
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian(s) Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian Information — If you would like to receive a weekly agenda by email and/or email from the instructors of the course about class activities, your child’s performance, or other information that may pertain to the success of your child in English, please NEATLY PRINT your email address and/or telephone number(s) below. Thank you!
Parent/Guardian Email address
Best telephone number
Best time to be reached
Student Information: I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Print student name here
Student Signature
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
American Literature
American Literature
Fall Semester 2007
Instructors:
Ms. Karen A. Oberlin Ms. Julie Church
Oberlin@fulton.kI2.ga.us churchj@fulton.k12.ga.us
Texts:
Timeless Voices. Timeless Themes: The American Experience - Prentice Hall ($70.00 replacement fee)
Prentice Writing and Grammar ($60.00 replacement fee)
Supplementary Readings ($25.00 hardcopy fee/$ 15.00 paperback fee)
Course Description
In 2004 the Georgia Department of Education adopted new Georgia Performance Standards for grades 9 - 12. Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards. The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Viewing.
American Literature and Composition will continue to build on the reading and language curriculum established in tenth grade. Throughout this course, students will have opportunities to develop and expand their knowledge of American literature and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through performance tasks and assessments. At the completion of this course, students will take the American Literature and Composition End-of-Course Test require by state law.
Reading and Literature
Focusing on a chronological study of American literature, students will develop an understanding of the importance of various periods of literature that characterize and reflect the American experience. They will read, interpret, analyze, and apply knowledge of the structures, themes, and elements of American fiction and nonfiction. Examining letters, journals, diaries, and speeches, students will trace the history of the development of American literature. They will also consider the influence of mythical and classical texts on American authors. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to the study of American literature and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Reading Across the Curriculum
To encourage students to become life-long readers, the curriculum includes standards that address both academic and personal habits of reading. Students will read approximately one million words per year from a variety of subject disciplines including language arts. In the English language arts classroom, students will learn the vocabulary of literature, writing, and listening, speaking, and viewing.
Additional selected reading the student will be assigned to uncover the standards may include:
The Crucible - Arthur Miller The Grapes of Wrath - John SteinbeckEthan Frome - Edith Wharton A Raisin in the Sun - Lorraine HansherryThe Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald Fallen Angels - Walter Dean Myers
Writing
Expository writing is the focus for eleventh grade; however, students will continue to produce a wide range of writings including polished narratives, persuasive pieces and technical documents. Students will practice both timed and process writing to develop compositions that demonstrate an understanding of tone, point of view, style, organization, author’s purpose, and audience. Students will continue to use research and technology to support reading and writing.
Conventions
Students will increase their knowledge of the conventions of language in reading, writing, and speaking. They will demonstrate their control of the rules of English, focusing on the correct use of clauses, phrases, and the mechanics of punctuation. Sentence construction and usage will continue to be a focus for eleventh grade. Students will apply their knowledge of the conventions of format when producing expository text including research based papers.
Grammar and Format Conventions that we will cover this semester include:
· Review of parts of speech, parts of the sentence, Sentence types, Comma Usage
· Tips and strategies for writing narrative essays, persuasive writing and research summations.
Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Students will continue to develop their critical listening skills. Through presentations and interactions with the teacher and other students, they will apply effective speaking techniques in small and large group settings. The viewing standards will enable students to develop media literacy skills through the careful examination of contemporary texts including television, radio, film productions, and electronic media.
The complete list of all the Performance Standards for the course are available online at www.georgiastandards.orgllangart.asp under American Literature and Composition.
Course Requirements I Expectations
Academic:
There are four major requirements for the course:
· Compositions - there will be five major composition assignments for the semester.
· Portfolio - In addition to the major compositions, students will also complete in-class writing assignments. All writing will be kept in individual portfolios in class until the end of the school year. Parents are always welcome to stop by to take a look at their child’s portfolio. At the end of the year, the student will be asked to write a reflection essay on his/her writing experience this year.
· Performance and Participation — A key component of this class is active participation, and, in some cases, student performances.
· Unit Tests — There will be a test at the end of each unit.
In addition, there will be graded homework and class assignments, as well as quizzes and a comprehensive final exam.
Notebook Requirements: Each student is required to keep an organized, 3-ring notebook (at least 2 inches} specifically for this class. Because there are so many facets in this course of study, organization is essential. Without the notebook , it is virtually impossible to pass this course, therefore, the English Notebook will comprise 10% of the student’s grade. This notebook should contain all materials and work completed and should dividers labeled as follows:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading
- Literature notes and lectures
- Graded papers
- The syllabus and class agendas should also be kept in this notebook
Behavioral:
Obviously, follow the rules of the student handbook, but in short, I expect you to be on time, be prepared and be respectful of all the members of the class.
Attendance and Make-up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work within the prescribed time. There is a designated area where make-up work can be found — with the student’s name on it — when the student returns to class from an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up this work and complete it within the prescribed time. Students have the number of days absent to make-up work, other than major projects. Therefore, if a student is absent for one day, he or she has only one day to complete make-up work or arrange for a make-up test. Failure to complete an assignment within this timeframe will result in a zero for the assignment. If a student is absent on a test day, the test will be administered in class on the next day he or she is present.
Unit Tests 30%Writing/Portfolio 30%English Notebook 10%Class Work/Homework 15%Final Exam 15%
Late Work: Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Major compositions/projects are the only assignments that will be accepted late, and these assignments will be docked ten points a day for up to three days, and then the assignment will receive a zero. If a student is in school for any amount of time of the day an assignment is due, he or she must ~m in the assignment that day or receive a late grade.
Communication: I greatly value the communication between all parties involved in the education of a student. I strive to keep all interested parties abreast of our progress throughout the year. Each Monday, the student will receive a typed agenda with the course of student and assignments for that week. I will email the weekly agenda to those interested. If you wish to receive this email, please complete the requested information at the end of the syllabus. Thank you!
Grading Scale
The grading scale for the class is as follows:
A = 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
F = below 70
A cumulative final exam given at the end of the semester will comprise the remaining 15% of the student’s grade.
Chattahoochee High School Policies
FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
Chattahoochee High School Guidelines:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
CHS English Department Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism might include, but are not limited to:
1. using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation;
2. using the work of another student (e. g. copying another student’s homework, composition, or project);
3. using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor.
Plagiarism on any project or paper at Chattahoochee High School will result in a zero for the assignment and an Honor Code violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable.
Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Honor Code.
V
Computer Network Policy:
Unauthorized intrusion of computer networks is a major disciplinary infraction. Students are prohibited from:
1. unauthorized/unsupervised use of the computer network;
2. shelling-out to network directories;
3. adding software packages of any kind to the network;
4. causing damage to the network environment
Internet Access Guidelines:
Access to the Internet is available at CHS. It will be used only as a part of research in the academic area. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to the community. Our goal in providing this service to you is to help promote educational excellence.
We at Chattahoochee H.S. firmly believe that the access to valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with the educational goals of Fulton County Board of Education. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you have. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources.
Statements and/or information provided by the Internet’s World Wide Web do not necessarily reflect those views held by CHS. Any information you gather from various World Wide Web sites while you are using the Internet is your sole responsibility. This is also true for any damages incurred. This includes loss of data, nondeliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Internet or by your own error(s) or omission(s). Chattahoochee High School, Fulton County Board of Education accept no responsibility for accuracy and/or quality of information obtained through the use of its Internet services.
Additionally, vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges, disciplinary action and may result in school suspension and/or criminal charges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Moreover, you do not have permission to create ~homepages,~ directories, or establish additional network addresses here at Chattahoochee High School.
Film, Television and Music
Over the course of the semester I will incorporate film, television, and/or music into the curriculum. Clips from PG-i 3 and R rated films are shown only with the approval of the administration and permission from parents. Films I plan to show to support the curriculum and reading selections are listed on the Parental Permission Form for Instructional Use of Videotape.
Georgia High School Graduation Test Objectives
The following Georgia High School Graduation test objectives are covered in this course: The student
1. Learns that English operates according to grammatical systems and patterns of usage.
2. Writes Standard American English sentences with correct sentence structure; verb forms; punctuation, capitalization, possessives, plural forms, and other mechanics; word choice and spelling.
3. Leams that English has several different levels of usage and that language appropriate in some situations may not be appropriate in others.
4. Learns that words gather meaning from their context and carry connotation.
5. Uses literal comprehension skills (e.g., sequencing, explicitly stated main idea).
6. Uses inferential comprehension skills (e.g., predictions, comparisons, conclusions, implicitly stated main idea, and propaganda techniques).
7. Recognizes different purposes and methods of writing; identifies a writer’s point of view and tone.
8. Comprehends a variety of written materials.
9. Reads critically; asks pertinent questions; recognizes assumptions and implications; evaluates ideas.
10. Gains insights into human behavior from the study of literature.
11. Reads, discusses and analyzes American literature representing diverse backgrounds and traditions.
12. Develops effective ways of telling and writing about literature, using appropriate literary terms.
13. Judges literature critically on the basis of personal response and literary quality.
14. Develops an understanding of the effect of history on American literature (e.g., literary movements and periods).
15. Uses the features of print materials appropriately (e.g., table of contents, preface, introduction, titles and subtitles, index, glossary, appendix, bibliography)
16. Distinguishes between fact and opinion.
17. Comprehends, develops, and uses concepts and generalizations.
18. Creates hypotheses and predicts outcomes.
19. Draws reasonable conclusions from information found in various sources.
20. Invents solutions to problems using non-linear thinking techniques (e.g., creating metaphors, constructing analogies and models, brainstorming and role-playing)
21. Defends conclusions rationally.
22. Tests the validity of an assertion by examining the evidence.
23. Understands logical relationships.
24. Constructs logical sequences and understands the conclusion to which they lead.
25. Detects fallacies in reasoning.
Fall Semester Testing Dates
The writing portion of the GHSGT is scheduled for September 27, 2006.
The PSAT will be administered to juniors on October 18.
Student/Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
Please return this form through your child to Ms. Oberlin no later than Monday, August 20, 2007.
I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Please PRINT Parent/Guardian Name(s)
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian(s) Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian Information — If you would like to receive a weekly agenda by email and/or email from the instructors of the course about class activities, your child’s performance, or other information that may pertain to the success of your child in English, please NEATLY PRINT your email address and/or telephone number(s) below. Thank you!
Parent/Guardian Email address
Best telephone number
Best time to be reached
Student Information: I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CUS Plagiarism Policy.
Print student name here
Student Signature
Fall Semester 2007
Instructors:
Ms. Karen A. Oberlin Ms. Julie Church
Oberlin@fulton.kI2.ga.us churchj@fulton.k12.ga.us
Texts:
Timeless Voices. Timeless Themes: The American Experience - Prentice Hall ($70.00 replacement fee)
Prentice Writing and Grammar ($60.00 replacement fee)
Supplementary Readings ($25.00 hardcopy fee/$ 15.00 paperback fee)
Course Description
In 2004 the Georgia Department of Education adopted new Georgia Performance Standards for grades 9 - 12. Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards. The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Viewing.
American Literature and Composition will continue to build on the reading and language curriculum established in tenth grade. Throughout this course, students will have opportunities to develop and expand their knowledge of American literature and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through performance tasks and assessments. At the completion of this course, students will take the American Literature and Composition End-of-Course Test require by state law.
Reading and Literature
Focusing on a chronological study of American literature, students will develop an understanding of the importance of various periods of literature that characterize and reflect the American experience. They will read, interpret, analyze, and apply knowledge of the structures, themes, and elements of American fiction and nonfiction. Examining letters, journals, diaries, and speeches, students will trace the history of the development of American literature. They will also consider the influence of mythical and classical texts on American authors. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to the study of American literature and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Reading Across the Curriculum
To encourage students to become life-long readers, the curriculum includes standards that address both academic and personal habits of reading. Students will read approximately one million words per year from a variety of subject disciplines including language arts. In the English language arts classroom, students will learn the vocabulary of literature, writing, and listening, speaking, and viewing.
Additional selected reading the student will be assigned to uncover the standards may include:
The Crucible - Arthur Miller The Grapes of Wrath - John SteinbeckEthan Frome - Edith Wharton A Raisin in the Sun - Lorraine HansherryThe Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald Fallen Angels - Walter Dean Myers
Writing
Expository writing is the focus for eleventh grade; however, students will continue to produce a wide range of writings including polished narratives, persuasive pieces and technical documents. Students will practice both timed and process writing to develop compositions that demonstrate an understanding of tone, point of view, style, organization, author’s purpose, and audience. Students will continue to use research and technology to support reading and writing.
Conventions
Students will increase their knowledge of the conventions of language in reading, writing, and speaking. They will demonstrate their control of the rules of English, focusing on the correct use of clauses, phrases, and the mechanics of punctuation. Sentence construction and usage will continue to be a focus for eleventh grade. Students will apply their knowledge of the conventions of format when producing expository text including research based papers.
Grammar and Format Conventions that we will cover this semester include:
· Review of parts of speech, parts of the sentence, Sentence types, Comma Usage
· Tips and strategies for writing narrative essays, persuasive writing and research summations.
Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Students will continue to develop their critical listening skills. Through presentations and interactions with the teacher and other students, they will apply effective speaking techniques in small and large group settings. The viewing standards will enable students to develop media literacy skills through the careful examination of contemporary texts including television, radio, film productions, and electronic media.
The complete list of all the Performance Standards for the course are available online at www.georgiastandards.orgllangart.asp under American Literature and Composition.
Course Requirements I Expectations
Academic:
There are four major requirements for the course:
· Compositions - there will be five major composition assignments for the semester.
· Portfolio - In addition to the major compositions, students will also complete in-class writing assignments. All writing will be kept in individual portfolios in class until the end of the school year. Parents are always welcome to stop by to take a look at their child’s portfolio. At the end of the year, the student will be asked to write a reflection essay on his/her writing experience this year.
· Performance and Participation — A key component of this class is active participation, and, in some cases, student performances.
· Unit Tests — There will be a test at the end of each unit.
In addition, there will be graded homework and class assignments, as well as quizzes and a comprehensive final exam.
Notebook Requirements: Each student is required to keep an organized, 3-ring notebook (at least 2 inches} specifically for this class. Because there are so many facets in this course of study, organization is essential. Without the notebook , it is virtually impossible to pass this course, therefore, the English Notebook will comprise 10% of the student’s grade. This notebook should contain all materials and work completed and should dividers labeled as follows:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading
- Literature notes and lectures
- Graded papers
- The syllabus and class agendas should also be kept in this notebook
Behavioral:
Obviously, follow the rules of the student handbook, but in short, I expect you to be on time, be prepared and be respectful of all the members of the class.
Attendance and Make-up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work within the prescribed time. There is a designated area where make-up work can be found — with the student’s name on it — when the student returns to class from an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up this work and complete it within the prescribed time. Students have the number of days absent to make-up work, other than major projects. Therefore, if a student is absent for one day, he or she has only one day to complete make-up work or arrange for a make-up test. Failure to complete an assignment within this timeframe will result in a zero for the assignment. If a student is absent on a test day, the test will be administered in class on the next day he or she is present.
Unit Tests 30%Writing/Portfolio 30%English Notebook 10%Class Work/Homework 15%Final Exam 15%
Late Work: Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Major compositions/projects are the only assignments that will be accepted late, and these assignments will be docked ten points a day for up to three days, and then the assignment will receive a zero. If a student is in school for any amount of time of the day an assignment is due, he or she must ~m in the assignment that day or receive a late grade.
Communication: I greatly value the communication between all parties involved in the education of a student. I strive to keep all interested parties abreast of our progress throughout the year. Each Monday, the student will receive a typed agenda with the course of student and assignments for that week. I will email the weekly agenda to those interested. If you wish to receive this email, please complete the requested information at the end of the syllabus. Thank you!
Grading Scale
The grading scale for the class is as follows:
A = 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
F = below 70
A cumulative final exam given at the end of the semester will comprise the remaining 15% of the student’s grade.
Chattahoochee High School Policies
FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
Chattahoochee High School Guidelines:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
CHS English Department Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism might include, but are not limited to:
1. using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation;
2. using the work of another student (e. g. copying another student’s homework, composition, or project);
3. using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor.
Plagiarism on any project or paper at Chattahoochee High School will result in a zero for the assignment and an Honor Code violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable.
Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Honor Code.
V
Computer Network Policy:
Unauthorized intrusion of computer networks is a major disciplinary infraction. Students are prohibited from:
1. unauthorized/unsupervised use of the computer network;
2. shelling-out to network directories;
3. adding software packages of any kind to the network;
4. causing damage to the network environment
Internet Access Guidelines:
Access to the Internet is available at CHS. It will be used only as a part of research in the academic area. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to the community. Our goal in providing this service to you is to help promote educational excellence.
We at Chattahoochee H.S. firmly believe that the access to valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with the educational goals of Fulton County Board of Education. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you have. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources.
Statements and/or information provided by the Internet’s World Wide Web do not necessarily reflect those views held by CHS. Any information you gather from various World Wide Web sites while you are using the Internet is your sole responsibility. This is also true for any damages incurred. This includes loss of data, nondeliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Internet or by your own error(s) or omission(s). Chattahoochee High School, Fulton County Board of Education accept no responsibility for accuracy and/or quality of information obtained through the use of its Internet services.
Additionally, vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges, disciplinary action and may result in school suspension and/or criminal charges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Moreover, you do not have permission to create ~homepages,~ directories, or establish additional network addresses here at Chattahoochee High School.
Film, Television and Music
Over the course of the semester I will incorporate film, television, and/or music into the curriculum. Clips from PG-i 3 and R rated films are shown only with the approval of the administration and permission from parents. Films I plan to show to support the curriculum and reading selections are listed on the Parental Permission Form for Instructional Use of Videotape.
Georgia High School Graduation Test Objectives
The following Georgia High School Graduation test objectives are covered in this course: The student
1. Learns that English operates according to grammatical systems and patterns of usage.
2. Writes Standard American English sentences with correct sentence structure; verb forms; punctuation, capitalization, possessives, plural forms, and other mechanics; word choice and spelling.
3. Leams that English has several different levels of usage and that language appropriate in some situations may not be appropriate in others.
4. Learns that words gather meaning from their context and carry connotation.
5. Uses literal comprehension skills (e.g., sequencing, explicitly stated main idea).
6. Uses inferential comprehension skills (e.g., predictions, comparisons, conclusions, implicitly stated main idea, and propaganda techniques).
7. Recognizes different purposes and methods of writing; identifies a writer’s point of view and tone.
8. Comprehends a variety of written materials.
9. Reads critically; asks pertinent questions; recognizes assumptions and implications; evaluates ideas.
10. Gains insights into human behavior from the study of literature.
11. Reads, discusses and analyzes American literature representing diverse backgrounds and traditions.
12. Develops effective ways of telling and writing about literature, using appropriate literary terms.
13. Judges literature critically on the basis of personal response and literary quality.
14. Develops an understanding of the effect of history on American literature (e.g., literary movements and periods).
15. Uses the features of print materials appropriately (e.g., table of contents, preface, introduction, titles and subtitles, index, glossary, appendix, bibliography)
16. Distinguishes between fact and opinion.
17. Comprehends, develops, and uses concepts and generalizations.
18. Creates hypotheses and predicts outcomes.
19. Draws reasonable conclusions from information found in various sources.
20. Invents solutions to problems using non-linear thinking techniques (e.g., creating metaphors, constructing analogies and models, brainstorming and role-playing)
21. Defends conclusions rationally.
22. Tests the validity of an assertion by examining the evidence.
23. Understands logical relationships.
24. Constructs logical sequences and understands the conclusion to which they lead.
25. Detects fallacies in reasoning.
Fall Semester Testing Dates
The writing portion of the GHSGT is scheduled for September 27, 2006.
The PSAT will be administered to juniors on October 18.
Student/Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
Please return this form through your child to Ms. Oberlin no later than Monday, August 20, 2007.
I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CHS Plagiarism Policy.
Please PRINT Parent/Guardian Name(s)
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian(s) Signature(s)
Parent/Guardian Information — If you would like to receive a weekly agenda by email and/or email from the instructors of the course about class activities, your child’s performance, or other information that may pertain to the success of your child in English, please NEATLY PRINT your email address and/or telephone number(s) below. Thank you!
Parent/Guardian Email address
Best telephone number
Best time to be reached
Student Information: I have read and understood the syllabus, classroom expectations, and CUS Plagiarism Policy.
Print student name here
Student Signature
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