High School
2011-2012
Freshmen Literature and Composition
MRS. SCHWARTZ
ericaschwartz@westminsterchristian.org
E-mail is the BEST way to reach me!
*IF you need to reach me during the day, you may call Bissy*
OFFICE HOURS:
6th period & after school on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (3PM-5PM)
*My office hours can be arranged to meet your needs.*
Course Description:
This course develops an understanding of fundamental literary elements through the analysis of various types of literature. Students will grow in their ability to read for comprehension by practicing reading skills and strategies relevant to the course material. Students will be exposed to various genres, including short stories, poetry, memoirs, autobiographies, drama, and epics. Additionally, students will develop skills in expository, persuasive, creative, and research writing by incorporating the six traits and by utilizing the editing process. Students will also learn how to write for assessment as well as the importance of organization, editing, revision, audience, diction, voice, and creativity. Finally, students will be expected to read independently, outside of the classroom. Independent reading is a means of giving students the opportunity to cultivate an appreciation for reading and gain the necessary tools to become independent, lifelong readers.
Required Texts:
This list should have gone out over the summer; however this list does not include IR books.
Course Objectives:
This year, we will work to . . .
Ÿ Develop an appreciation for literature by finding ways to make content relevant to our daily lives.
Ÿ Practice reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to build reading comprehension.
Ÿ Demonstrate an understanding of literary elements through the study of a variety of texts.
Ÿ Understand the form and content of persuasive, research, creative, and expository writing.
Ÿ Plan, draft, revise, and edit required competency essays.
Ÿ Improve the ability to communicate through the written and spoken word.
Ÿ Build better study habits and develop better organizational and note-taking strategies.
Classroom Supplies:
This list should have gone out over the summer. Students are expected to have all supplies by the end of the first week of school. Please bring required supplies to class EVERYDAY!!!! Supplies include: writing utensils, two notebooks (to be used for journaling and note-taking), notebook paper, class binder (for all handouts), anchor text, independent reading book, and homework.
Assessments:
Students' understanding of concepts studied will be measured through tests and quizzes, analytical essays, visual projects, and presentations. Additionally, students will write five competency pieces in order to familiarize themselves with the various types of writing, including narrative, expository, descriptive, persuasive, and research writing.
Course Requirements:
Attendance: It is expected that students will attend class sessions promptly. Students are expected to be in their assigned seats BEFORE the bell rings to allow class time to be utilized more effectively. This procedure is nonnegotiable. Students not seated in their assigned seats when the bell rings will be counted as tardy. Three tardies will result in a before-school detention at 7AM. Students should plan to use the bathroom and to have all necessary class materials with them before coming to class.
Participation: Students are expected to arrive promptly and to come to class prepared. All homework should be completed before class, not at the start of class. Students WILL NOT be allowed to return to their locker to retrieve homework or class materials. Students are expected to practice active listening when the teacher or other students are speaking. Students are encouraged to ask questions, during or after class, when information is unclear.
Homework Policy: Late homework assignments will not be accepted. Homework assignments will be posted on RenWeb a week in advance to allow students ample time to plan accordingly for the week and to promote staying current with class content. For this reason, students will not receive credit for late homework or IR work (this includes IR projects). Students who miss English class (whether it be because they slept in or had an appointment), but come to school later in the day are STILL EXPECTED to turn in their homework before the school day ends; failure to do so will result in a zero.
Arrangements to submit late work must be made with the teacher. Computer errors, printer difficulties, etc., will not excuse a late assignment. Unexcused absences from class do not excuse a late assignment.
Essay Assignments: All assignments must be completed by the due date. This school year, ALL essays MUST BE submitted through e-mail. Students without an e-mail account or without access to their parent's e-mail account MUST COME TALK WITH ME ASAP! All essays must be submitted by 12PM on the required due date. SUBMIT ALL ESSAYS (only essays, not homework questions or concerns) to ericaschwartz3@gmail.com (NOTE: THIS IS NOT MY SCHOOL ADDRESS. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT PAPERS TO MY SCHOOL E-MAIL ADDRESS).Technology: This year, technology will be heavily incorporated into the curriculum. Below are two sites students will be required to use this school year. The first is a classroom blog. Students can find major assignments reminders and resources on the blog. DAILY HOMEWORK will still be posted on REN-WEB, not on the blog. The second is a wiki space. Students will use the wiki space to collaborate with one another on homework assignments and projects. Specific instructions, guidelines, safety rules, and handouts concerning the blog and wiki will be given to students.
Classroom blog site: | http://whyenglishmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/purpose.html |
Classroom wiki space: | https://englishisbest.wikispaces.com/ |
Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism is the duplication of another's work or original thoughts. Plagiarized work will earn a zero. Still, students will be expected to redo the assignment and submit it to the teacher for a zero.
Please sign and return the slip below to acknowledge that you have read the above classroom policies and procedures. Thank you!
--------------------------------Signed slip due Tuesday, August 23, 2011------------------------------------
Student’s Name Student’s Signature Date
Parent’s Name Parent’s Signature Date
Questions or comments? Please e-mail me at ericaschwartz@westminsterchristian.org
