Course Overview:

Students explore a variety of nonfiction and fiction selections including biographies, short stories, novels, drama, and poetry.  They expand vocabulary – including their understanding of literary terms.  Opportunities will be provided for students to practice in order to increase their ability to analyze and interpret information from a variety of reading, listening, and viewing selections.  Students write essays based on the selections as well as analyses of literature and are introduced to the research process.

Major Units:

• Foundations of High School English
• Drama
• Poetry/Mythology
• The Novel
• Nonfiction reading, grammar practice and vocabulary will be included throughout all major units.

Essential Questions:

• What do I need to know in order to succeed in high school English classes?
• How do our choices impact our identity?
• What makes someone a hero?
• What is the "American Dream"?
• Is it worth it to rebel against social norms?

Reading Selections:

• Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
• The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• exceprts from The Odyssey by Homer
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
•  A variety of poems and non-fiction selections

Writing Assessnents:

• Personal narrative
• Response to literature writing
• Research writing
• Informative essay
• Argumentative essay

Materials Needed:

• 3-ring binder
• loose-leaf paper, college ruled
• 4 dividers or tabs
• pencil pouch
• 2 highlighters
• several pencils
• post-it notes

Standards and Benchmarks for high school English can be found at: http://www.corestandards.org

*Turning in work on time will result in speedy and helpful feedback from your teachers and will keep you up-to-date in the class and prepare you for final assessments. We will be practicing responsible work habits throughout the year.

Expectations:

Our classroom will be a comfortable and safe place for all who enter.  No one will be allowed to interrupt your learning.  Each of you deserves a place to work that can sometimes be quiet and peaceful and at other times be fun and interactive.  We fully expect each of our students to know what is appropriate, and if you are not sure, we will teach you. To receive full credit, you will need to turn work in on time. No work will be accepted after a unit has ended.

All school rules will be enforced:  we will practice appropriate use of technology; school dress code will be enforced; please finish snacks before class in the hallway; you are welcome to bring water.  

Communication:

Please keep in touch with us.  If you are struggling, or if you need more of a challenge, please let us know. You can also email us at any time, especially if you have questions from home. We hope your parents will do the same!

Grading Scale:

100 – 90% = A         89 – 80% = B              79 – 70% = C          69 – 60% = D

Class work will be weighted as follows:

Assessments: 60%
Assignments:  30%
Participation:   10%