10th Honors Literature and Composition

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